Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
\u201cThe festivals, we do them specifically in the hardest places, the most difficult to reach,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cWe do that for a specific reason, to show them we care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
People Matter Fest has grown over the years and been held at Traz Powell Stadium, Gwen Cherry Park and Ives Dairy Estates, among other locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe festivals, we do them specifically in the hardest places, the most difficult to reach,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cWe do that for a specific reason, to show them we care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
The first People Matter Fest was held in Liberty City. Its 5,000 attendees enjoyed a day of hip-hop, sports, food and more.=<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People Matter Fest has grown over the years and been held at Traz Powell Stadium, Gwen Cherry Park and Ives Dairy Estates, among other locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe festivals, we do them specifically in the hardest places, the most difficult to reach,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cWe do that for a specific reason, to show them we care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
\u201cIt went from pay gigs to doing this for free,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cThat kind of sparked me wanting to create something where I could gather a bunch of people who wanted to provide resources, and connect them with a free hip-hop concert.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The first People Matter Fest was held in Liberty City. Its 5,000 attendees enjoyed a day of hip-hop, sports, food and more.=<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People Matter Fest has grown over the years and been held at Traz Powell Stadium, Gwen Cherry Park and Ives Dairy Estates, among other locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe festivals, we do them specifically in the hardest places, the most difficult to reach,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cWe do that for a specific reason, to show them we care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
\u201cIt went from pay gigs to doing this for free,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cThat kind of sparked me wanting to create something where I could gather a bunch of people who wanted to provide resources, and connect them with a free hip-hop concert.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The first People Matter Fest was held in Liberty City. Its 5,000 attendees enjoyed a day of hip-hop, sports, food and more.=<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People Matter Fest has grown over the years and been held at Traz Powell Stadium, Gwen Cherry Park and Ives Dairy Estates, among other locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe festivals, we do them specifically in the hardest places, the most difficult to reach,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cWe do that for a specific reason, to show them we care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
In 2017, he began collaborating with Florida Majority to start hosting small festivals to promote voting in areas prone to gun violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cIt went from pay gigs to doing this for free,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cThat kind of sparked me wanting to create something where I could gather a bunch of people who wanted to provide resources, and connect them with a free hip-hop concert.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The first People Matter Fest was held in Liberty City. Its 5,000 attendees enjoyed a day of hip-hop, sports, food and more.=<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People Matter Fest has grown over the years and been held at Traz Powell Stadium, Gwen Cherry Park and Ives Dairy Estates, among other locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe festivals, we do them specifically in the hardest places, the most difficult to reach,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cWe do that for a specific reason, to show them we care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
Walcott quickly achieved prominence, with \u201cRadio & Records\u201d magazine naming him one of the 10 \u201cJocks On The Rise\u201d in 2003; he was also featured in Miami New Times\u2019 2005 \u201cBest of Miami\u201d edition as \u201cBest FM Radio Personality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2017, he began collaborating with Florida Majority to start hosting small festivals to promote voting in areas prone to gun violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cIt went from pay gigs to doing this for free,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cThat kind of sparked me wanting to create something where I could gather a bunch of people who wanted to provide resources, and connect them with a free hip-hop concert.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The first People Matter Fest was held in Liberty City. Its 5,000 attendees enjoyed a day of hip-hop, sports, food and more.=<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People Matter Fest has grown over the years and been held at Traz Powell Stadium, Gwen Cherry Park and Ives Dairy Estates, among other locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe festivals, we do them specifically in the hardest places, the most difficult to reach,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cWe do that for a specific reason, to show them we care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
Four years later in 2003, Walcott was hired by a brand-new station in Miami owned by iHeartRadio, WMIB 103.5 The Beat. He was named full-time host of the nighttime show, where he played music and talked to his audience about things affecting the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walcott quickly achieved prominence, with \u201cRadio & Records\u201d magazine naming him one of the 10 \u201cJocks On The Rise\u201d in 2003; he was also featured in Miami New Times\u2019 2005 \u201cBest of Miami\u201d edition as \u201cBest FM Radio Personality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2017, he began collaborating with Florida Majority to start hosting small festivals to promote voting in areas prone to gun violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cIt went from pay gigs to doing this for free,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cThat kind of sparked me wanting to create something where I could gather a bunch of people who wanted to provide resources, and connect them with a free hip-hop concert.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The first People Matter Fest was held in Liberty City. Its 5,000 attendees enjoyed a day of hip-hop, sports, food and more.=<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People Matter Fest has grown over the years and been held at Traz Powell Stadium, Gwen Cherry Park and Ives Dairy Estates, among other locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe festivals, we do them specifically in the hardest places, the most difficult to reach,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cWe do that for a specific reason, to show them we care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
During his time with 99 Jamz, Walcott studied hard to learn everything he could about radio and perfect his craft. While there he earned a degree in radio broadcasting and began appearing on some of the station\u2019s most popular shows, including Luther Campbell\u2019s \u201cThe Luke Show.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four years later in 2003, Walcott was hired by a brand-new station in Miami owned by iHeartRadio, WMIB 103.5 The Beat. He was named full-time host of the nighttime show, where he played music and talked to his audience about things affecting the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walcott quickly achieved prominence, with \u201cRadio & Records\u201d magazine naming him one of the 10 \u201cJocks On The Rise\u201d in 2003; he was also featured in Miami New Times\u2019 2005 \u201cBest of Miami\u201d edition as \u201cBest FM Radio Personality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2017, he began collaborating with Florida Majority to start hosting small festivals to promote voting in areas prone to gun violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cIt went from pay gigs to doing this for free,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cThat kind of sparked me wanting to create something where I could gather a bunch of people who wanted to provide resources, and connect them with a free hip-hop concert.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The first People Matter Fest was held in Liberty City. Its 5,000 attendees enjoyed a day of hip-hop, sports, food and more.=<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People Matter Fest has grown over the years and been held at Traz Powell Stadium, Gwen Cherry Park and Ives Dairy Estates, among other locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe festivals, we do them specifically in the hardest places, the most difficult to reach,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cWe do that for a specific reason, to show them we care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
\u201cMy first shot on the radio professionally was in 1999 with 99 Jamz,\u201d said Walcott, naming the South Florida radio station owned by Cox Media Group. He started there as an intern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his time with 99 Jamz, Walcott studied hard to learn everything he could about radio and perfect his craft. While there he earned a degree in radio broadcasting and began appearing on some of the station\u2019s most popular shows, including Luther Campbell\u2019s \u201cThe Luke Show.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four years later in 2003, Walcott was hired by a brand-new station in Miami owned by iHeartRadio, WMIB 103.5 The Beat. He was named full-time host of the nighttime show, where he played music and talked to his audience about things affecting the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walcott quickly achieved prominence, with \u201cRadio & Records\u201d magazine naming him one of the 10 \u201cJocks On The Rise\u201d in 2003; he was also featured in Miami New Times\u2019 2005 \u201cBest of Miami\u201d edition as \u201cBest FM Radio Personality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2017, he began collaborating with Florida Majority to start hosting small festivals to promote voting in areas prone to gun violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cIt went from pay gigs to doing this for free,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cThat kind of sparked me wanting to create something where I could gather a bunch of people who wanted to provide resources, and connect them with a free hip-hop concert.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The first People Matter Fest was held in Liberty City. Its 5,000 attendees enjoyed a day of hip-hop, sports, food and more.=<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People Matter Fest has grown over the years and been held at Traz Powell Stadium, Gwen Cherry Park and Ives Dairy Estates, among other locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe festivals, we do them specifically in the hardest places, the most difficult to reach,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cWe do that for a specific reason, to show them we care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
There was never a doubt in his mind about his future career path. And, after performing on the streets of Brooklyn, he sought his big break in the Magic City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy first shot on the radio professionally was in 1999 with 99 Jamz,\u201d said Walcott, naming the South Florida radio station owned by Cox Media Group. He started there as an intern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his time with 99 Jamz, Walcott studied hard to learn everything he could about radio and perfect his craft. While there he earned a degree in radio broadcasting and began appearing on some of the station\u2019s most popular shows, including Luther Campbell\u2019s \u201cThe Luke Show.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four years later in 2003, Walcott was hired by a brand-new station in Miami owned by iHeartRadio, WMIB 103.5 The Beat. He was named full-time host of the nighttime show, where he played music and talked to his audience about things affecting the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walcott quickly achieved prominence, with \u201cRadio & Records\u201d magazine naming him one of the 10 \u201cJocks On The Rise\u201d in 2003; he was also featured in Miami New Times\u2019 2005 \u201cBest of Miami\u201d edition as \u201cBest FM Radio Personality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2017, he began collaborating with Florida Majority to start hosting small festivals to promote voting in areas prone to gun violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cIt went from pay gigs to doing this for free,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cThat kind of sparked me wanting to create something where I could gather a bunch of people who wanted to provide resources, and connect them with a free hip-hop concert.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The first People Matter Fest was held in Liberty City. Its 5,000 attendees enjoyed a day of hip-hop, sports, food and more.=<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People Matter Fest has grown over the years and been held at Traz Powell Stadium, Gwen Cherry Park and Ives Dairy Estates, among other locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe festivals, we do them specifically in the hardest places, the most difficult to reach,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cWe do that for a specific reason, to show them we care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
\u201cI was always fascinated by radio,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cI used to imitate all of the personalities I used to hear back in the day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was never a doubt in his mind about his future career path. And, after performing on the streets of Brooklyn, he sought his big break in the Magic City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy first shot on the radio professionally was in 1999 with 99 Jamz,\u201d said Walcott, naming the South Florida radio station owned by Cox Media Group. He started there as an intern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his time with 99 Jamz, Walcott studied hard to learn everything he could about radio and perfect his craft. While there he earned a degree in radio broadcasting and began appearing on some of the station\u2019s most popular shows, including Luther Campbell\u2019s \u201cThe Luke Show.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four years later in 2003, Walcott was hired by a brand-new station in Miami owned by iHeartRadio, WMIB 103.5 The Beat. He was named full-time host of the nighttime show, where he played music and talked to his audience about things affecting the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walcott quickly achieved prominence, with \u201cRadio & Records\u201d magazine naming him one of the 10 \u201cJocks On The Rise\u201d in 2003; he was also featured in Miami New Times\u2019 2005 \u201cBest of Miami\u201d edition as \u201cBest FM Radio Personality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2017, he began collaborating with Florida Majority to start hosting small festivals to promote voting in areas prone to gun violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cIt went from pay gigs to doing this for free,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cThat kind of sparked me wanting to create something where I could gather a bunch of people who wanted to provide resources, and connect them with a free hip-hop concert.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The first People Matter Fest was held in Liberty City. Its 5,000 attendees enjoyed a day of hip-hop, sports, food and more.=<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People Matter Fest has grown over the years and been held at Traz Powell Stadium, Gwen Cherry Park and Ives Dairy Estates, among other locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe festivals, we do them specifically in the hardest places, the most difficult to reach,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cWe do that for a specific reason, to show them we care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
He found his love of radio as a small child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was always fascinated by radio,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cI used to imitate all of the personalities I used to hear back in the day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was never a doubt in his mind about his future career path. And, after performing on the streets of Brooklyn, he sought his big break in the Magic City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy first shot on the radio professionally was in 1999 with 99 Jamz,\u201d said Walcott, naming the South Florida radio station owned by Cox Media Group. He started there as an intern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his time with 99 Jamz, Walcott studied hard to learn everything he could about radio and perfect his craft. While there he earned a degree in radio broadcasting and began appearing on some of the station\u2019s most popular shows, including Luther Campbell\u2019s \u201cThe Luke Show.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four years later in 2003, Walcott was hired by a brand-new station in Miami owned by iHeartRadio, WMIB 103.5 The Beat. He was named full-time host of the nighttime show, where he played music and talked to his audience about things affecting the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walcott quickly achieved prominence, with \u201cRadio & Records\u201d magazine naming him one of the 10 \u201cJocks On The Rise\u201d in 2003; he was also featured in Miami New Times\u2019 2005 \u201cBest of Miami\u201d edition as \u201cBest FM Radio Personality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2017, he began collaborating with Florida Majority to start hosting small festivals to promote voting in areas prone to gun violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cIt went from pay gigs to doing this for free,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cThat kind of sparked me wanting to create something where I could gather a bunch of people who wanted to provide resources, and connect them with a free hip-hop concert.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The first People Matter Fest was held in Liberty City. Its 5,000 attendees enjoyed a day of hip-hop, sports, food and more.=<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People Matter Fest has grown over the years and been held at Traz Powell Stadium, Gwen Cherry Park and Ives Dairy Estates, among other locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe festivals, we do them specifically in the hardest places, the most difficult to reach,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cWe do that for a specific reason, to show them we care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., by Trinidadian immigrants, Walcott moved to Miami in 1992. He has become not only a prominent figure in radio, but also a fighter for those in the community who need help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He found his love of radio as a small child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was always fascinated by radio,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cI used to imitate all of the personalities I used to hear back in the day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was never a doubt in his mind about his future career path. And, after performing on the streets of Brooklyn, he sought his big break in the Magic City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy first shot on the radio professionally was in 1999 with 99 Jamz,\u201d said Walcott, naming the South Florida radio station owned by Cox Media Group. He started there as an intern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his time with 99 Jamz, Walcott studied hard to learn everything he could about radio and perfect his craft. While there he earned a degree in radio broadcasting and began appearing on some of the station\u2019s most popular shows, including Luther Campbell\u2019s \u201cThe Luke Show.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four years later in 2003, Walcott was hired by a brand-new station in Miami owned by iHeartRadio, WMIB 103.5 The Beat. He was named full-time host of the nighttime show, where he played music and talked to his audience about things affecting the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walcott quickly achieved prominence, with \u201cRadio & Records\u201d magazine naming him one of the 10 \u201cJocks On The Rise\u201d in 2003; he was also featured in Miami New Times\u2019 2005 \u201cBest of Miami\u201d edition as \u201cBest FM Radio Personality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2017, he began collaborating with Florida Majority to start hosting small festivals to promote voting in areas prone to gun violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cIt went from pay gigs to doing this for free,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cThat kind of sparked me wanting to create something where I could gather a bunch of people who wanted to provide resources, and connect them with a free hip-hop concert.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The first People Matter Fest was held in Liberty City. Its 5,000 attendees enjoyed a day of hip-hop, sports, food and more.=<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People Matter Fest has grown over the years and been held at Traz Powell Stadium, Gwen Cherry Park and Ives Dairy Estates, among other locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe festivals, we do them specifically in the hardest places, the most difficult to reach,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cWe do that for a specific reason, to show them we care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
\u201cA part of our mission statement is showing you that you matter,\u201d he\u2019s said while addressing his listeners on WMIB 103.5 The Beat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., by Trinidadian immigrants, Walcott moved to Miami in 1992. He has become not only a prominent figure in radio, but also a fighter for those in the community who need help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He found his love of radio as a small child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was always fascinated by radio,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cI used to imitate all of the personalities I used to hear back in the day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was never a doubt in his mind about his future career path. And, after performing on the streets of Brooklyn, he sought his big break in the Magic City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy first shot on the radio professionally was in 1999 with 99 Jamz,\u201d said Walcott, naming the South Florida radio station owned by Cox Media Group. He started there as an intern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his time with 99 Jamz, Walcott studied hard to learn everything he could about radio and perfect his craft. While there he earned a degree in radio broadcasting and began appearing on some of the station\u2019s most popular shows, including Luther Campbell\u2019s \u201cThe Luke Show.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four years later in 2003, Walcott was hired by a brand-new station in Miami owned by iHeartRadio, WMIB 103.5 The Beat. He was named full-time host of the nighttime show, where he played music and talked to his audience about things affecting the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walcott quickly achieved prominence, with \u201cRadio & Records\u201d magazine naming him one of the 10 \u201cJocks On The Rise\u201d in 2003; he was also featured in Miami New Times\u2019 2005 \u201cBest of Miami\u201d edition as \u201cBest FM Radio Personality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2017, he began collaborating with Florida Majority to start hosting small festivals to promote voting in areas prone to gun violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cIt went from pay gigs to doing this for free,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cThat kind of sparked me wanting to create something where I could gather a bunch of people who wanted to provide resources, and connect them with a free hip-hop concert.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The first People Matter Fest was held in Liberty City. Its 5,000 attendees enjoyed a day of hip-hop, sports, food and more.=<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People Matter Fest has grown over the years and been held at Traz Powell Stadium, Gwen Cherry Park and Ives Dairy Estates, among other locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe festivals, we do them specifically in the hardest places, the most difficult to reach,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cWe do that for a specific reason, to show them we care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
Every year, the 52-year-old Miami radio host known as \u201cPapa Keith\u201d leads a festival in a troubled part of South Florida that includes a call for a 24-hour cease-fire, as well as music, food and games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA part of our mission statement is showing you that you matter,\u201d he\u2019s said while addressing his listeners on WMIB 103.5 The Beat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., by Trinidadian immigrants, Walcott moved to Miami in 1992. He has become not only a prominent figure in radio, but also a fighter for those in the community who need help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He found his love of radio as a small child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was always fascinated by radio,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cI used to imitate all of the personalities I used to hear back in the day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was never a doubt in his mind about his future career path. And, after performing on the streets of Brooklyn, he sought his big break in the Magic City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy first shot on the radio professionally was in 1999 with 99 Jamz,\u201d said Walcott, naming the South Florida radio station owned by Cox Media Group. He started there as an intern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his time with 99 Jamz, Walcott studied hard to learn everything he could about radio and perfect his craft. While there he earned a degree in radio broadcasting and began appearing on some of the station\u2019s most popular shows, including Luther Campbell\u2019s \u201cThe Luke Show.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four years later in 2003, Walcott was hired by a brand-new station in Miami owned by iHeartRadio, WMIB 103.5 The Beat. He was named full-time host of the nighttime show, where he played music and talked to his audience about things affecting the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walcott quickly achieved prominence, with \u201cRadio & Records\u201d magazine naming him one of the 10 \u201cJocks On The Rise\u201d in 2003; he was also featured in Miami New Times\u2019 2005 \u201cBest of Miami\u201d edition as \u201cBest FM Radio Personality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2017, he began collaborating with Florida Majority to start hosting small festivals to promote voting in areas prone to gun violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cIt went from pay gigs to doing this for free,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cThat kind of sparked me wanting to create something where I could gather a bunch of people who wanted to provide resources, and connect them with a free hip-hop concert.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The first People Matter Fest was held in Liberty City. Its 5,000 attendees enjoyed a day of hip-hop, sports, food and more.=<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People Matter Fest has grown over the years and been held at Traz Powell Stadium, Gwen Cherry Park and Ives Dairy Estates, among other locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe festivals, we do them specifically in the hardest places, the most difficult to reach,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cWe do that for a specific reason, to show them we care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every year, the 52-year-old Miami radio host known as \u201cPapa Keith\u201d leads a festival in a troubled part of South Florida that includes a call for a 24-hour cease-fire, as well as music, food and games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA part of our mission statement is showing you that you matter,\u201d he\u2019s said while addressing his listeners on WMIB 103.5 The Beat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., by Trinidadian immigrants, Walcott moved to Miami in 1992. He has become not only a prominent figure in radio, but also a fighter for those in the community who need help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He found his love of radio as a small child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was always fascinated by radio,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cI used to imitate all of the personalities I used to hear back in the day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was never a doubt in his mind about his future career path. And, after performing on the streets of Brooklyn, he sought his big break in the Magic City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy first shot on the radio professionally was in 1999 with 99 Jamz,\u201d said Walcott, naming the South Florida radio station owned by Cox Media Group. He started there as an intern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his time with 99 Jamz, Walcott studied hard to learn everything he could about radio and perfect his craft. While there he earned a degree in radio broadcasting and began appearing on some of the station\u2019s most popular shows, including Luther Campbell\u2019s \u201cThe Luke Show.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four years later in 2003, Walcott was hired by a brand-new station in Miami owned by iHeartRadio, WMIB 103.5 The Beat. He was named full-time host of the nighttime show, where he played music and talked to his audience about things affecting the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walcott quickly achieved prominence, with \u201cRadio & Records\u201d magazine naming him one of the 10 \u201cJocks On The Rise\u201d in 2003; he was also featured in Miami New Times\u2019 2005 \u201cBest of Miami\u201d edition as \u201cBest FM Radio Personality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2017, he began collaborating with Florida Majority to start hosting small festivals to promote voting in areas prone to gun violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cIt went from pay gigs to doing this for free,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cThat kind of sparked me wanting to create something where I could gather a bunch of people who wanted to provide resources, and connect them with a free hip-hop concert.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The first People Matter Fest was held in Liberty City. Its 5,000 attendees enjoyed a day of hip-hop, sports, food and more.=<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People Matter Fest has grown over the years and been held at Traz Powell Stadium, Gwen Cherry Park and Ives Dairy Estates, among other locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe festivals, we do them specifically in the hardest places, the most difficult to reach,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cWe do that for a specific reason, to show them we care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
\u201cContinue to dream, dream like Dr. King,\u201d Washington said. \u201cDream about the bigger things that you know you can accomplish and how you can contribute to our global society in a positive way.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"Danni Washington connects people to science and the sea","post_excerpt":"Danni Washington, a Miami native with Jamaican roots, attributes her love for the ocean to her Caribbean heritage and family adventures. Her journey from young dreamer to the first woman of color to host a science television science show is\u2026","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"danni-washington-connects-people-to-science-and-the-sea","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-02-23 19:13:41","post_modified_gmt":"2024-02-23 19:13:41","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1830","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1829,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:31:05","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:31:05","post_content":"\n
Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every year, the 52-year-old Miami radio host known as \u201cPapa Keith\u201d leads a festival in a troubled part of South Florida that includes a call for a 24-hour cease-fire, as well as music, food and games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA part of our mission statement is showing you that you matter,\u201d he\u2019s said while addressing his listeners on WMIB 103.5 The Beat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., by Trinidadian immigrants, Walcott moved to Miami in 1992. He has become not only a prominent figure in radio, but also a fighter for those in the community who need help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He found his love of radio as a small child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was always fascinated by radio,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cI used to imitate all of the personalities I used to hear back in the day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was never a doubt in his mind about his future career path. And, after performing on the streets of Brooklyn, he sought his big break in the Magic City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy first shot on the radio professionally was in 1999 with 99 Jamz,\u201d said Walcott, naming the South Florida radio station owned by Cox Media Group. He started there as an intern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his time with 99 Jamz, Walcott studied hard to learn everything he could about radio and perfect his craft. While there he earned a degree in radio broadcasting and began appearing on some of the station\u2019s most popular shows, including Luther Campbell\u2019s \u201cThe Luke Show.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four years later in 2003, Walcott was hired by a brand-new station in Miami owned by iHeartRadio, WMIB 103.5 The Beat. He was named full-time host of the nighttime show, where he played music and talked to his audience about things affecting the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walcott quickly achieved prominence, with \u201cRadio & Records\u201d magazine naming him one of the 10 \u201cJocks On The Rise\u201d in 2003; he was also featured in Miami New Times\u2019 2005 \u201cBest of Miami\u201d edition as \u201cBest FM Radio Personality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2017, he began collaborating with Florida Majority to start hosting small festivals to promote voting in areas prone to gun violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cIt went from pay gigs to doing this for free,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cThat kind of sparked me wanting to create something where I could gather a bunch of people who wanted to provide resources, and connect them with a free hip-hop concert.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The first People Matter Fest was held in Liberty City. Its 5,000 attendees enjoyed a day of hip-hop, sports, food and more.=<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People Matter Fest has grown over the years and been held at Traz Powell Stadium, Gwen Cherry Park and Ives Dairy Estates, among other locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe festivals, we do them specifically in the hardest places, the most difficult to reach,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cWe do that for a specific reason, to show them we care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
She embraces the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.\u2019s legacy, emphasizing the importance of equal opportunities for every child to thrive. Washington sees science communicators as vital bridges between diverse backgrounds and communities who can foster a better understanding of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cContinue to dream, dream like Dr. King,\u201d Washington said. \u201cDream about the bigger things that you know you can accomplish and how you can contribute to our global society in a positive way.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"Danni Washington connects people to science and the sea","post_excerpt":"Danni Washington, a Miami native with Jamaican roots, attributes her love for the ocean to her Caribbean heritage and family adventures. Her journey from young dreamer to the first woman of color to host a science television science show is\u2026","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"danni-washington-connects-people-to-science-and-the-sea","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-02-23 19:13:41","post_modified_gmt":"2024-02-23 19:13:41","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1830","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1829,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:31:05","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:31:05","post_content":"\n
Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every year, the 52-year-old Miami radio host known as \u201cPapa Keith\u201d leads a festival in a troubled part of South Florida that includes a call for a 24-hour cease-fire, as well as music, food and games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA part of our mission statement is showing you that you matter,\u201d he\u2019s said while addressing his listeners on WMIB 103.5 The Beat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., by Trinidadian immigrants, Walcott moved to Miami in 1992. He has become not only a prominent figure in radio, but also a fighter for those in the community who need help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He found his love of radio as a small child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was always fascinated by radio,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cI used to imitate all of the personalities I used to hear back in the day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was never a doubt in his mind about his future career path. And, after performing on the streets of Brooklyn, he sought his big break in the Magic City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy first shot on the radio professionally was in 1999 with 99 Jamz,\u201d said Walcott, naming the South Florida radio station owned by Cox Media Group. He started there as an intern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his time with 99 Jamz, Walcott studied hard to learn everything he could about radio and perfect his craft. While there he earned a degree in radio broadcasting and began appearing on some of the station\u2019s most popular shows, including Luther Campbell\u2019s \u201cThe Luke Show.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four years later in 2003, Walcott was hired by a brand-new station in Miami owned by iHeartRadio, WMIB 103.5 The Beat. He was named full-time host of the nighttime show, where he played music and talked to his audience about things affecting the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walcott quickly achieved prominence, with \u201cRadio & Records\u201d magazine naming him one of the 10 \u201cJocks On The Rise\u201d in 2003; he was also featured in Miami New Times\u2019 2005 \u201cBest of Miami\u201d edition as \u201cBest FM Radio Personality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2017, he began collaborating with Florida Majority to start hosting small festivals to promote voting in areas prone to gun violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cIt went from pay gigs to doing this for free,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cThat kind of sparked me wanting to create something where I could gather a bunch of people who wanted to provide resources, and connect them with a free hip-hop concert.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The first People Matter Fest was held in Liberty City. Its 5,000 attendees enjoyed a day of hip-hop, sports, food and more.=<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People Matter Fest has grown over the years and been held at Traz Powell Stadium, Gwen Cherry Park and Ives Dairy Estates, among other locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe festivals, we do them specifically in the hardest places, the most difficult to reach,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cWe do that for a specific reason, to show them we care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
Washington became a TV presenter and host in 2016, when she got her first opportunity to host a nationally syndicated show called \u201cNature Knows Best.\u201d Since then, she\u2019s worked in TV on various networks, including CBS, National Geographic and Discovery Channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She embraces the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.\u2019s legacy, emphasizing the importance of equal opportunities for every child to thrive. Washington sees science communicators as vital bridges between diverse backgrounds and communities who can foster a better understanding of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cContinue to dream, dream like Dr. King,\u201d Washington said. \u201cDream about the bigger things that you know you can accomplish and how you can contribute to our global society in a positive way.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"Danni Washington connects people to science and the sea","post_excerpt":"Danni Washington, a Miami native with Jamaican roots, attributes her love for the ocean to her Caribbean heritage and family adventures. Her journey from young dreamer to the first woman of color to host a science television science show is\u2026","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"danni-washington-connects-people-to-science-and-the-sea","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-02-23 19:13:41","post_modified_gmt":"2024-02-23 19:13:41","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1830","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1829,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:31:05","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:31:05","post_content":"\n
Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every year, the 52-year-old Miami radio host known as \u201cPapa Keith\u201d leads a festival in a troubled part of South Florida that includes a call for a 24-hour cease-fire, as well as music, food and games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA part of our mission statement is showing you that you matter,\u201d he\u2019s said while addressing his listeners on WMIB 103.5 The Beat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., by Trinidadian immigrants, Walcott moved to Miami in 1992. He has become not only a prominent figure in radio, but also a fighter for those in the community who need help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He found his love of radio as a small child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was always fascinated by radio,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cI used to imitate all of the personalities I used to hear back in the day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was never a doubt in his mind about his future career path. And, after performing on the streets of Brooklyn, he sought his big break in the Magic City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy first shot on the radio professionally was in 1999 with 99 Jamz,\u201d said Walcott, naming the South Florida radio station owned by Cox Media Group. He started there as an intern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his time with 99 Jamz, Walcott studied hard to learn everything he could about radio and perfect his craft. While there he earned a degree in radio broadcasting and began appearing on some of the station\u2019s most popular shows, including Luther Campbell\u2019s \u201cThe Luke Show.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four years later in 2003, Walcott was hired by a brand-new station in Miami owned by iHeartRadio, WMIB 103.5 The Beat. He was named full-time host of the nighttime show, where he played music and talked to his audience about things affecting the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walcott quickly achieved prominence, with \u201cRadio & Records\u201d magazine naming him one of the 10 \u201cJocks On The Rise\u201d in 2003; he was also featured in Miami New Times\u2019 2005 \u201cBest of Miami\u201d edition as \u201cBest FM Radio Personality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2017, he began collaborating with Florida Majority to start hosting small festivals to promote voting in areas prone to gun violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cIt went from pay gigs to doing this for free,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cThat kind of sparked me wanting to create something where I could gather a bunch of people who wanted to provide resources, and connect them with a free hip-hop concert.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The first People Matter Fest was held in Liberty City. Its 5,000 attendees enjoyed a day of hip-hop, sports, food and more.=<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People Matter Fest has grown over the years and been held at Traz Powell Stadium, Gwen Cherry Park and Ives Dairy Estates, among other locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe festivals, we do them specifically in the hardest places, the most difficult to reach,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cWe do that for a specific reason, to show them we care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
\u201cI\u2019m super proud of the team that\u2019s worked on this project because it\u2019s truly grassroots,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s truly giving young students an opportunity to impact and affect change in their neighborhood because that\u2019s where it starts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Washington became a TV presenter and host in 2016, when she got her first opportunity to host a nationally syndicated show called \u201cNature Knows Best.\u201d Since then, she\u2019s worked in TV on various networks, including CBS, National Geographic and Discovery Channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She embraces the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.\u2019s legacy, emphasizing the importance of equal opportunities for every child to thrive. Washington sees science communicators as vital bridges between diverse backgrounds and communities who can foster a better understanding of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cContinue to dream, dream like Dr. King,\u201d Washington said. \u201cDream about the bigger things that you know you can accomplish and how you can contribute to our global society in a positive way.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"Danni Washington connects people to science and the sea","post_excerpt":"Danni Washington, a Miami native with Jamaican roots, attributes her love for the ocean to her Caribbean heritage and family adventures. Her journey from young dreamer to the first woman of color to host a science television science show is\u2026","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"danni-washington-connects-people-to-science-and-the-sea","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-02-23 19:13:41","post_modified_gmt":"2024-02-23 19:13:41","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1830","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1829,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:31:05","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:31:05","post_content":"\n
Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every year, the 52-year-old Miami radio host known as \u201cPapa Keith\u201d leads a festival in a troubled part of South Florida that includes a call for a 24-hour cease-fire, as well as music, food and games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA part of our mission statement is showing you that you matter,\u201d he\u2019s said while addressing his listeners on WMIB 103.5 The Beat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., by Trinidadian immigrants, Walcott moved to Miami in 1992. He has become not only a prominent figure in radio, but also a fighter for those in the community who need help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He found his love of radio as a small child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was always fascinated by radio,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cI used to imitate all of the personalities I used to hear back in the day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was never a doubt in his mind about his future career path. And, after performing on the streets of Brooklyn, he sought his big break in the Magic City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy first shot on the radio professionally was in 1999 with 99 Jamz,\u201d said Walcott, naming the South Florida radio station owned by Cox Media Group. He started there as an intern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his time with 99 Jamz, Walcott studied hard to learn everything he could about radio and perfect his craft. While there he earned a degree in radio broadcasting and began appearing on some of the station\u2019s most popular shows, including Luther Campbell\u2019s \u201cThe Luke Show.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four years later in 2003, Walcott was hired by a brand-new station in Miami owned by iHeartRadio, WMIB 103.5 The Beat. He was named full-time host of the nighttime show, where he played music and talked to his audience about things affecting the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walcott quickly achieved prominence, with \u201cRadio & Records\u201d magazine naming him one of the 10 \u201cJocks On The Rise\u201d in 2003; he was also featured in Miami New Times\u2019 2005 \u201cBest of Miami\u201d edition as \u201cBest FM Radio Personality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2017, he began collaborating with Florida Majority to start hosting small festivals to promote voting in areas prone to gun violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cIt went from pay gigs to doing this for free,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cThat kind of sparked me wanting to create something where I could gather a bunch of people who wanted to provide resources, and connect them with a free hip-hop concert.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The first People Matter Fest was held in Liberty City. Its 5,000 attendees enjoyed a day of hip-hop, sports, food and more.=<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People Matter Fest has grown over the years and been held at Traz Powell Stadium, Gwen Cherry Park and Ives Dairy Estates, among other locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe festivals, we do them specifically in the hardest places, the most difficult to reach,\u201d said Walcott. \u201cWe do that for a specific reason, to show them we care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues to innovate and improve upon the event each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to unite, suppress gun violence and create a community,\u201d Walcott said. \u201cHip-hop is my life, so to be able to bring community and hip-hop together in this way is very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"\u2018Papa Keith\u2019 Walcott leverages celebrity status for good","post_excerpt":"Keith Walcott aims to stop gun violence.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"papa-keith-walcott-leverages-celebrity-status-for-good","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:56:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1829","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1828,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:24:08","post_content":"\n
After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That epiphany led her to pursue a career making birth a more sacred experience, for Black mothers in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had this calling to become a midwife,\u201d Amani said. \u201cIt was very strong. I would have dreams about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past two decades, she has been building a movement for birth justice, an effort she describes as her life\u2019s work. As a midwife and activist, she\u2019s been able to help more women of color in her community give birth with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cHospitals are killing people,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe need to change the hospital. We have this perception in our society that labor is just so painful, but a lot of that is because of interventions (in hospitals) that are unnecessary. Normal physiologic birth doesn\u2019t break your body.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Amani is the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide accessible midwifery care to marginalized communities. She dedicates her days to being a midwife, writing grants and running programs for the organization, and training both doulas and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2011, three years after it was founded by Amani\u2019s mentor, Becky Strouse, the network began teaching childbirth education classes for pregnant and parenting young people at Cope Center North, a school in West Little River. After hearing about mothers being pushed out of the hospital too soon and other horror stories, the organization decided that teaching childbirth education was not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next step was to train doulas, particularly those of color, and send them to hospitals so they could advocate for healthier pregnancies and check on mothers postpartum. A vocational program at Cope Center North to train more doulas and moms who were interested in the practice was also established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the network hosted a panel where mothers spoke about the abuses they had endured in many places, particularly at Jackson Memorial Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese moms said to us, \u2018We need to change Jackson,\u2019\u201d said Amani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2021, she hosted a press conference to publicize the problems of giving birth at Jackson. The conference garnered local coverage and soon after, she received a phone call from Jackson\u2019s department of labor and delivery, which led to discussions about possible changes at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe started educating them,\u201d said Amani. \u201cWe invited some of their Jackson staff to our doula training.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miami Birth Justice Initiative, which sprouted from the network, was awarded a three-year grant of almost $1 million in 2023 to provide training for 80% of Jackson\u2019s providers, residents, attending nurses and anyone who deals with birthing at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was an important accomplishment, says Amani, but there\u2019s still much work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we hope is that this will lead to an improvement of outcomes,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see less morbidity, less mortality, more sacredness, more joy, more compassion. That just leads to stronger families \u2013 and that leads to stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"How Jamarah Amani fights for birth justice in Miami","post_excerpt":"After giving birth to her second child 17 years ago with the help of a doctor, Jamarah Amani recognized that hospitals often traumatize pregnant women.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"how-jamarah-amani-fights-for-birth-justice-in-miami","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-22 20:02:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1828","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1827,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-23 16:17:20","post_content":"\n
As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past 12 years he has been the economic development and strategic initiatives director for the city. In this role, he has helped support businesses that strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy ideal goal is to have people in the community be as financially sustainable as possible in whatever their endeavors are, including students who may not be considering college as an option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 background fuels his commitment to see the community succeed. He says he looks up to his parents, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, Lorfils \u2013 who comes from a family of five sisters and two brothers \u2013 participated in the Police Athletic League of North Miami in sports like track and football. He attended the College of the Sequoias in California and played for the school\u2019s Giants football team, then moved back to Miami and attended Florida International University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before taking on his current professional role, Lorfils held several management and supervisory positions in areas including sanitation, contract compliance and budget analysis. He\u2019s also a real estate specialist with Green Street Realty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cAs a Haitian American myself, it\u2019s great to be able to provide support to people who look like me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was raised by a family that sacrificed to come here for a better quality of life for me.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils\u2019 goal to support the Black community is further accomplished by the NoMi Tech Program, where he plays an integral role. The initiative provides support to minority startup companies that are in the tech space or interested in technology-driven startups. It launched in 2023, giving companies the ability to pitch their ideas to receive funding. Winners have been awarded up to $500,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to open our doors to minority businesses that may currently be doing business in other places,\u201d he said. \u201cIf people are interested in coming to Miami-Dade County, we want them to look at North Miami as a possible destination. We consider our small businesses to be the backbone of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of his career responsibilities, Lorfils volunteers with Communities In Schools of Miami, a nonprofit that mentors students at schools such as North Miami Middle about perseverance, work ethic and success in the business sector. Lorfils\u2019 selflessness helps the community prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI firmly believe that it is not just a need, but a requirement,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils feels there should be more programs to engage youth in activities that set them up for success later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wish that some of these resources or people were in my corner or were available to me to give me an activity to be a part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorfils has found a way to use his heritage and past experiences to provide creative outlets that can propel his beloved community forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be in the position right now to be able to give back to the community that gave to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like it is a responsibility we all have.\u201d<\/p>\n","post_title":"John Lorfils is using his roots to build a future","post_excerpt":"As a lifelong resident of North Miami, John Lorfils recognizes the value in giving back to the community.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"john-lorfils-is-using-his-roots-to-build-a-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-10 06:54:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/ourhistorymakers.com\/?p=1827","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"total_page":false},"paged":1,"class":"jblog_block_24"};
