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Jean Francois Visits Little Haiti

Miami, site of Super Bowl 44 and last week’s Pro Bowl is also home to the largest proportion of Haitians living in the United States.

Like their homeland, the Haitian community in South Florida was greatly impacted by the earthquake in Haiti. The Little Haiti community in Miami was especially affected; many lost family members and friends in the disaster. Now, families in Little Haiti are taking in orphans and others who were injured in the earthquake.

To help support the Little Haiti community, NFL players including 49ers defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois visited with community members this past Wednesday at the Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center in Miami. The NFL also presented the Center with a donation to those families most in need.

The players spent time with students speaking of their experiences on and off the football field. In addition the players toured the Center to get an update of how South Florida’s community has been impacted by the earthquake and how they’re responding to it.

The issue was especially important to Jean Francois, who is of Haitian decent.

Jean Francois had never visited his father’s homeland, but had a trip planned before the devastation hit Haiti.

“I want to give back to my people because my whole dad’s side of the family is over there. I’ve never had a chance to see them and finally when I had planned to go see them the disaster happened.

“I want to give all the support I can to make sure people continue to support Haiti with whatever they can, whether its food, money, or any support possible. We need to continue to give to help the country get better.”

Click here to help donate to the Red Cross’ Haitian Relief Fund.