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He dedicated his life to the voiceless.’ Jean-Robert Lafortune, Miami Haitian leader, dies

MARIANNE ARMSHAW/
/
MIAMI HERALD
In this Jan. 1, 2005 photo, Jean Robert Lafortune talks about plans for the renovation of Haitian Freedom Garden (Place Kamoken in Creole) at the southwest corner of Miami Avenue and Northwest 62nd Street.

Prominent human rights activist and Haitian community leader Jean-Robert Lafortune died earlier this month after enduring a long chronic illness. He was 63-years-old.

Lafortune, who was locally and nationally recognized for his role in seeking relief for Haitian immigrants throughout the U.S. and abroad, died Oct. 15, according to an obituary circulated by his relatives and colleagues.

He spent the bulk of his professional years working as a community organizer for the Miami-Dade County government. He worked as director of Citizen Participation at the county’s Community Action Agency and formerly chaired the Haitian-American Grassroots Coalition nonprofit.

Read more at our news partner the Miami Herald.

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