Originally dedicated on July 4, 1955, the memorial gun mount was a gift to the city by the North Miami Beach Junior Chamber of Commerce. This testament to the heroes of the community once included a fountain at its base, but was restored in 2013 without the water feature.
Every now and then, we come across people with a genuine good nature and desire to do well for their contemporaries. That’s what we felt creating this special issue celebrating the City of North Miami Beach and its strong Haitian heritage through the eyes of Commissioner Paule (pronounced Paul-ee) Villard. Interacting with her, we saw, firsthand, her care and concern for every constituent who stopped her on the street or sidewalk, and learned how fierce an advocate she is for both the elderly and the young.
Our writer, Lyndon, captured the essence of this spirit, exploring the commissioner’s life of service, from tragedy in her youth in Haiti, to U.S. citizenship and through the ranks of
the City of Miami Police Department, then on to her current role on the City of North Miami Beach board of commissioners. Lyndon also brought us on a tour of North Miami Beach, illustrated by beautiful images from award-winning photographer David I. Muir. Hannah gave us a preview of the planned senior center that will soon become a hub of activity. Chrissana shared the story behind the flagship community event, Miss Teen Haiti Scholarship Pageant, and photographer Patrick Blanchard shared vivid images from another Haitianled event, Unsung Heroes.
In this special issue of Island Origins, we hope you see the impact of Haitian leadership and civic responsibility on this blossoming community.
Calibe Thompson
BRAND STRATEGY David I. Muir
Tamara Philippeaux
Calibe Thompson
SENIOR ASSOCIATE Hannah Gulics
Calibe Thompson Lyndon Nicholas Hannah Gulics Chrissana Wilmot
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Christian Ossohou David I. Muir Patrick Blanchard
ON THE COVER: In this special edition, we profile The City of North Miami Beach and its first Haitian-American woman commissioner, Paule Villard. The community advocate talks about her colorful life journey, her own version of the American Dream and her unwavering commitment to service. Photography by Christian Ossohou. Styling by Maisie and Kimberley McNaught of Kulture Klothes by Isis. Makeup by Shantell Leann Artistry.
Commissioner Paule Villard:
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They call her Manman Pèp, (the peo ple’s mother). “There’s something natural in me to serve, to help, to make other people happy,” the for mer police officer said.
At first, “I really never thought about politics,” she admitted, but after seeing her work in the community, many people around her encour aged her to run for local leadership. It was 2014, and she had recently retired after 27 years on the City of Miami Police force, where she had risen to the rank of sergeant. Eventu ally, inspired by the Shirley Chisholm quote, “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth,” she answered the call.
Narrowly defeated by an incumbent in her 2016 run for city commission, she handily won her 2018 bid and hit the ground running. Since then, she’s taken a number of issues facing her constituents head on.
Commissioner Villard’s first resolution was to install two much-needed trolleys to run through the communities she served.
Paule Villard’s journey to her position as a North Miami Beach commissioner has been a winding one, but a constant throughout has been her commitment to serving the people, especially those in the Haitian community.Commissioner Paule Villard with constituents at a 2022 community event. PHOTO: DAVID I. MUIR (ISLAND SYNDICATE)
As the commission liaison for the Educa tion Committee, she’s been integral in releas ing health information materials, especially to young people and the elderly. As she did in her work on the police force, she continues championing the elderly, now through senior programming, as a liaison to the Senior Com mittee, developing a monthly senior luncheon, and sponsoring the first senior center in North Miami Beach. She is also spearheading oppor tunities for young people as the liaison for the Youth Advisory Board. She started the Miss Teen Haiti program which celebrates Haitian cultural heritage for young women and pres ents positive portrayals of Black women and beauty. She has been integral in developing summer workforce development programs for young people, ages 18 to 21, where they get on-the-job paid experience and mentorship. In all, whether younger or older, Villard wants to see people in the community grow. “As a lead er and a servant, you want to help people in your area as the product of your area, not only so that they live there but that they’re able to become the productive citizens that you need in your city.”
When she sees a need, she moves to action. At the start of her first term as commissioner, addressing an issue that many people had ex pressed, particularly within predominantly Hai tian communities, Villard’s first resolution in stalled two trolleys in these areas to help make travel more accessible. When COVID-19 hit in 2020, Villard was one of the first to act. “Ev erybody was away staying at home but I was out there ensuring that the people get what they need.” She even rented a truck using her own money to help distribute food and other necessities. “Although I was afraid,” she said, “as a leader I can’t be hiding.”
City Manager Willis Howard has worked with Commissioner Villard for several years. “It’s been a great experience, refreshing to know there are still politicians out there that still care about common people and common causes, still asks questions about the individu als, elderly, children, always asks those ques tions about the regular common folk.” He credits Villard’s “motherly feel” and approach to the position, and says that she goes out of her way to make people feel like family. “She’s like your aunt. Every color, race and creed, she’s your favorite aunt. [She’s] sharp and strong but still has that soft part that can get it done with her intelligence.”
She considers herself a trailblazer, getting
“There’s something natural in me to serve, to help, to make other people happy.”
Before becoming a commissioner, Paule Villard spent 27 years on the City of Miami Police force.
more people from North Miami Beach involved in city government and representing as the first Haitian-American woman commissioner in North Miami Beach. She’s also seen the first Haitian-American deputy chief of police, the first African-American woman police chief, the election of a Haitian-American woman city clerk, and the first Haitian-American city manager. “The city has changed drastically because even the population has changed. We see more people involved in North Miami Beach because of the way that we reach out to the community.“
Born and raised in Haiti, Villard learned the value of hard work early. “I was put in charge of [a neighbor’s] store at six, seven years old, in the afternoon counting money.” When their home was destroyed by a hurricane, Villard’s family had to rely on their community for hous ing support for several months. This taught her a valuable lesson on the importance of com munity, one that she’s carried with her into her professional work.
She immigrated to the United States at the age of 21, maintaining these values. A Miami resident since 1981, Villard has enjoyed living in the same house in North Miami Beach for
33 years. Early on, while working as a cashier at a check cashing agency, she attended Mi ami Dade Community College as a step to ward learning better English, and, like many immigrants, toward achieving the American Dream. She went on to earn her associate’s degree, a BA in Public Administration, and eventually a master’s in early childhood edu cation. Soon after, she started down her path of public service. “I wanted to be a police of ficer but wasn’t able to because I wasn’t a citizen. I became a public service aid.” Eyes on the prize, a permanent connection to the United States and the city she loved was her next step.
After becoming a naturalized citizen and tak ing her oath in 1990, she began working as a clerk with the police department, later enter ing the police academy. For Villard, it was a family affair. “My father was a police officer in Haiti.” In her new role, she would do what women in Haiti had not been allowed to do years before — protect and serve.
She would eventually join the city’s com munity relations unit, a specialized unit that served as a liaison between the police depart ment and the people. For 17 years she worked directly with residents and as a crime preven tion officer at schools in the Little Haiti area. Villard’s approach was to empower young
people. Too often, she believed, the only time young people interacted with police officers was when they were in trouble, or when police officers were committing an arrest. “I felt that they were inspired by me because they don’t see me as a police officer on the street. I used to go to parks and recreation, certain libraries, play sports with them, soccer.” She felt a duty to show a more human, relatable side of law enforcement.
As a case officer, she helped to prevent crimes against the elderly and promote more awareness of the needs of the senior com munity in the area, a mission that has car ried over into her role as city commissioner. On the force, she helped educate seniors who are often vulnerable to scams, schemes, and crimes, and she forged genuine connections with them.
When Villard retired from the force in 2014, she had every intention of taking it easy, sitting back, and just enjoying life. But life had other plans for her. Essentially recruited by the com munity she had served as an officer, Villard, as a commissioner, could continue walking that path, but with the power to advocate for constitu ents at a more impactful level. In 2018, newly
elected, her first order of business was connect ing with the people. “I canvassed, knocked on so many doors,” she shared. She leveraged the firsthand understanding of the people’s needs she acquired to create helpful programs her con stituents actually want, and she has no intention of slowing down.
Outside of her work, Villard prioritizes spend ing time with her family as much as possible, although it has not always been easy. She has three daughters: 35-year-old Sasha, 31-yearold Ashley, and 21-year-old Victoria, as well as two grandchildren.
Looking ahead, she remains focused on serv ing the people. “I want to continue doing my work. It’s really hard to find a leader that really does care about their community. Everybody says that, but it is something natural for me.”
In what she describes as “a community that has been suffering for a leader,” Villard’s atten tion to the community, her constituents, and ultimately the people of North Miami Beach is a legacy that will last all her life.
“It’s hard to find a leader that really does care about their community. It is something natural for me.”
Led by 32-year veteran Chief Harvette Smith, the first Black and second woman chief of the NMBPD, the department is a progressive one. “One of the fundamen tal principles of the NMBPD is that we
value and preserve human life,” Smith says in a statement on the department’s website. “Under my leadership, we will build a strong bond of trust between law enforcement and the people that we protect and serve.”
Though tough on crime, the NMBPD maintains a mutually respectful relation ship with the community. They take the time to identify and analyze the potential root of an issue before one arises and then create future programming to com bat it.
The department’s website promotes best tips and practices to keep safe, including gang awareness, gun safety, prevention tips for common scams and demographic-based programming, like “Seniors vs. Crime.” Their active and engaged social media pages promote and share photos from events like a noquestions-asked gun buyback, Family Violence Awareness Walk, Childhood Cancer Parade and resident meetings.
And the work isn’t done once the badge comes off at the end of the day. The men and women of the NMBPD have dedicated their lives to the com munity and often continue these efforts long after they hang up their uniform.
The motto of the North Miami Beach Police Department is simple: Honor, Integrity, Service.The NMBPD with recently sworn in chief of police, Harvette S. Smith. Commissioners Jean and Commissioner Villard with Chief of Police, Harvette S. Smith.
A jewel of South Florida nestled at the border of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, the City of North Miami Beach is at an intersection in more ways than one.
Built in 1925, Fulford-By-TheSea Monument is a Dade Historical Site whose likeness is seen in the City of North Miami Beach logo.
Not only is it adjacent to the Golden Glades Inter change, also known as the “Crossroads of South Florida,” but it is a city on the verge of a boom, with sprawling outdoor spaces along miles of winding waterways, a rich arts scene which showcases both the history of the area and the cultures of its inhabitants, and a mix of at tractive commercial and residential opportunities.
North Miami Beach was known as Fulford-by-the-Sea until a name change in the 1930’s. With a current population of around 44,000, it has the fifth largest percentage of Haitian residents in the country, and significant numbers from other Caribbean and Latin-American countries, as well as JewishAmerican and Arab-American populations. All this makes it a culturally diverse community with a rich culinary scene.
One of the city’s big attractions is its surplus of outdoor space. At 1,043 acres, its Oleta River State Park is the largest urban park in the en tire state. Check out the Oleta River Outdoor Center where you can rent a kayak or canoe, or a bike to pedal the trails that weave in and out of the luscious greenery. For those looking for a more laid back outdoor experience, they can check out the shady pavilions perfect for picnics, or opt for a day soaking in the sun on the sandy shores of the beach. North Miami Beach also boasts the 233-acre Greynolds Park. Transformed from a rock quarry in the early 1930s, the park is known for its walking paths that traverse a vibrant mangrove forest, a pic turesque public golf course, and the historic remnants of the Outlook Mound and Tower. Activities on the water at Oleta River State Park.
North Miami Beach is a burgeoning hub for culture and the arts as well. Fans of history, culture and fine architecture will love the Ancient Spanish Monastery, home to St. Bernard de Clairvaux Church. Built in Sacramenia, Segovia, Spain in the 12th century, the intricate arches and Spanish stonework of the cloisters, the detailed statues and effigies mounted throughout, and the well-manicured gar den grounds make it a sought-after wed ding venue and popular tourist attraction, with Sunday services open to the public.
Those seeking out the performing arts in North Miami Beach will find a home at the Julius Littman Theater, a 931 seat performing arts facility in the heart of the city. The venue has hosted a litany of events including off-Broadway produc tions, cultural showcases, and the Miami International Ballet Competition.
Those who enjoy a more groovy art ex perience can attend the annual Love-In Music Festival hosted at Greynolds Park. The festival is a feel-good celebration of 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s music, culture, and fashion. You can catch renowned cover and tribute acts and local talent, all blast ing hit tunes from decades past. Festivalgoers have their choice of food trucks, German food in honor of Oktoberfest, loads of arts and craft vendors, and even a shot at participating in a period cos tume contest for those looking to get colorful in their boogie-down threads. The event is a must-attend for fans of a quirky atmosphere that promotes peace and love.
Boasting the Intracoastal Mall, Biscayne Commons, and the Skylake Mall, North Miami Beach is a premiere shopping cen ter within the region where you can find designer brands, movie theaters, and more. You can also find a mix of large apartment complexes in the downtown area, as well as smaller, more suburban housing options, and even though it is not technically coastal, North Miami Beach has its fair share of excellent wa terfront views perfect for basking in the sunset thanks to its proximity to many waterways, lakes, bays and inlets.
Whether it’s a rich history, cultural di versity, beautiful outdoor spaces, or an exciting arts scene, North Miami Beach has a lot to offer. An accessible hub, con venient to travelers and locals alike, it won’t be long that North Miami Beach remains one of South Florida’s best-kept secrets.
Contrary to popular belief, mod ern senior centers are vibrant venues jam packed with stateof-the-art amenities and com munity-centered fun. Within these lively halls you’ll find older residents taking full advantage of fitness centers, indoor and outdoor activities, arts and crafts, learning opportunities and tasty culinary delights.
With residents 65 and older making up nearly 13% of North Miami Beach’s over all population, the city is taking their se nior center to the next level with a newly acquired property and a renovation that will greatly enhance these residents’ physical, social and emo tional well-being. Build ing on the structure of the abandoned Singer Building at 16501 N.E. 15 Avenue, the proposed redesign will also enhance and beautify the surrounding neighbor hood.
The city’s current seniorrelated endeavors are lim ited to a few rooms within
the Marjorie and William McDonald Center on N.E. 19th Avenue, so the new stand-alone facility’s nearly 10,000 square feet of recreational and office space will allow for even more to be done, includ ing expanding seniors’ activities, outings and crucial educational classes and work shops. The multi-million dollar facility will also be ADA accessible with wheelchair ramps, reserved parking spots and more.
The senior center’s renovation is par ticularly important to North Miami Beach Commissioner Paule Villard, who spear headed the project. Villard is the Liaison for multiple city programs, but one that
is especially close to her heart is the Commission on Aging / Senior Citizens Advisory Board. As a former case offi cer for crime against the elderly during her years serving on the police force, making sure seniors know they are an important part of the city’s fabric is es pecially important to Villard, who now hosts popular monthly senior luncheons that feature engaging guest speakers, games and raffle prizes. “She has really improved the senior community. We all love her,” said local North Miami Beach resident Barbara Pearson.
A major goal for the center is to bring more opportunities to the city’s aging population, with Pearson saying she’s especially “looking forward to the possibility of dif ferent activities — maybe even a sewing class!”
The senior luncheon on October 14, 2022 wel comed the community for the official groundbreaking of the new senior center.
If your first thought when you hear “senior center” is bingo and shuffleboard, think again.Seniors cheer as Commissioner Paule Villard addresses their group. The existing Singer Building will be renovated to become the new NMB Senior Center.
In fact, extensive studies have shown that consistent exercise throughout our lives is a key com ponent to minimising the risk of lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, and keeping us young at heart.
The beautiful thing about exercise is that there’s something for everyone. For the more mature among us, lowimpact training can be ideal. Also great for recovering from physical injuries, this version of movement offers benefits to our overall wellness without gruelling effects on our joints, like those caused
by high-intensity workouts. Low-impact workouts help maintain muscle mass and lubricated joints, enabling seniors to stay independent in everyday activities. Staying mobile also releases dopamine, the happy hormone, resulting in more energy and better moods.
One highly recommended sport for this community is aqua aerobics. They say 30 minutes in the water is equivalent to an hour on land as this minimal-exertion, high-resistance setting presents just as much of a challenge, but with quicker re sults. Specialised classes like this, in addi tion to others like chair-yoga, tai-chi and
pilates, afford the added benefit of being a sort of social club. Work your mind as well as your body, as studies have dem onstrated group interactions are excellent for stimulating cognitive function and im proving memory while providing a level of resistance to mental diseases.
Whether you choose to enjoy walks with your friends or just some light weights and a fitness app in the comfort of your own home, try some low-impact exercise. It’s a tried and true way to keep the ticker going and the blood flowing, ensuring a happy you and an even hap pier quality of life.
From youth to our golden years, health professionals underscore how integral physical activity is to our overall well-being.
Since 2021, Commis sioner Paule Villard has hosted an an nual Women’s Month event called Unsung Heroes With COVID still a clear con cern in the event’s first year, 13 women were honored via virtual presentation. In 2022, however, dozens of honor ees all dressed in pink walked across the stage to receive their words and awards of rec ognition. These are just a few images from the festive affair.
Since then, the annual pageant has directly enriched the lives of young women in the diaspora by uncovering hidden strengths and burgeoning talents, all while shining the unmistakable beacon of creole pride on both the wider community and those still at home. After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Miss Teen Haiti is set to return to its longtime home at the Littman Theater in North Miami Beach with more fanfare than ever in the sum mer of 2023.
Miss Teen Haiti has grown exponen tially, attracting both migrants and first generation Haitian-Americans as well. In preparation for the pageant, Villard and her team of mentors impart impor tant social skills, like etiquette and public speaking, enhanced with cultural lessons upon their wards. Though this guidance is rigorous, the young participants accept it with keen enthusiasm and unwavering
appreciation for the way the competition champions their community.
Chrissybil Boulin, a former title holder and current mentor in the program, spoke highly of her experiences in both capacities.
“The pageant taught me a lot about having self-esteem, being a leader, openly express ing my views, having poise and not being afraid to share my singing talent with oth ers,” she said. “Definitely helped prepare me to be a role model for my community.”
A vehicle for personal growth, the pag eant is not without its own major success stories. One past contestant found her voice on this stage, going on to become a professional model for brands such as Fenty. Through outreach activities like restaurant meet-ups and public speaking school tours, the popularity of the event continues to grow immensely with sup porters both near and far, as well as title hopefuls. The 2023 event is expected to be its best staging yet!
More than 15 years ago, the Miss Teen Haiti Scholarship Pageant was founded in North Miami Beach by Paule Villard, a daughter of Haitian soil.Nya Labossiere, a formal title holder, as she is crowned Miss Teen Haiti in 2017.
This initiative’s goal is to provide foot wear to school children — grades Pre-K all the way to seniors in high school — in Haiti. Shoes can be dropped off at these four donation sites: Haitian American Nurses Association of Florida, Sant La, Family Cuisine and the Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce.
This program, in partnership with U-Turn Youth Consulting, is designed for ages 13 to 18 to encourage honest conver sations about mental health, improve relationships with law enforcement and brainstorm new ideas to improve the NMB community. Teens will even receive community service hours for attending meetings.
This weekly arts and crafts class for adults 50 and older is held on Thursdays from 11am to 1pm in Meeting Room A of the North Miami Beach Public Library. Art supplies are provided and all skill lev els are welcome.
Every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30am to 2pm, NMB residents ages 60 and older can enjoy a free fitness class at the McDonald Center. Attendees will also have a chance to participate in fun raffles and giveaways.
Jazzercise classes for the adult and se nior communities take place daily, ex cept for Friday and Sunday. This group fitness class is available for all skill lev els and incorporates dance, cardio and strength training. Times vary, so check the city’s website for more informa tion.
Once a month, the senior community can enjoy a free special luncheon featur ing a guest speaker, activities, games and a delicious meal.
The city is empowering small businesses to succeed through a new grant program that awards eligible business owners up to $5,000 of awarded funds. Business owners can check requirements and ap ply on the city website.
Designed to assist homeowners currently struggling with payments, this new pro gram will award up to $7,500 to quali fying residents. Interested residents and check requirements and apply on the city website.
Open to graduating seniors attending a public high school and residing in North Miami Beach, this scholarship oppor tunity will award 50 eligible individuals with $2,000 each to cover future college expenses.
CITY HALL
Phone: 305-947-7581
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR & COMMISSION
Phone: 305-948-2986
Fax: 305-957-3602
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Phone: 305-948-2900
Fax: 305-957-3602
Email: nmbmgr@citynmb.com
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
Phone: 305-787-6001
Fax: 305-787-6026
Email: cityclerk@citynmb.com
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
Phone: 305-948-2965
Fax: 305-919-3708
Email: nmbbldg@citynmb.com
CODE COMPLIANCE DIVISION
Phone: 305-948-2964
Fax: 305-957-3517
Email: nmbcode@citynmb.com
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Phone: 305-787-6053
Fax: 305-957-3531
Email: joann.milord@citynmb.com
NORTH MIAMI BEACH LIBRARY
Phone: 305-948-2970
Fax: 305-787-6007
JULIUS LITTMAN PERFORMING ARTS THEATER
Phone: 305-787-6005
Fax: 305-787-6040
Email: info@littmantheater.com
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Phone: 305-948-2957
Fax: 305-787-6040
NORTH MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT
Phone: 305-949-5500
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Phone: 305-948-2967
Fax: 305-957-3502
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, NMB-LINE
Phone: 305-743-3662 / 305-957-3523 / 305-787-6040
Commissioner Villard presenting care packages at the August Senior Luncheon. The NMB community having fun at the Rock the Vote event. Recipients of laptops and backpacks at the Back to School Edition of Movies on the Lawn. PHOTO: PATRICK BLANCHARD PHOTO: PATRICK BLANCHARD PHOTO: PATRICK BLANCHARD PHOTO: COURTESY OF COMMISSIONER PAULE VILLARD