North Miami is set to honor longtime Haitian-American leader Jacques Despinosse by naming a street after him this week. The street naming ceremony for “Councilman Jacques Despinosse Street” will take place on Thursday, September 24, at 11 a.m., acknowledging his extensive contributions to public service and political advocacy in South Florida.
The designated stretch of roadway includes Northeast 131st Street from Northeast 2nd Avenue to North Miami Avenue and Northwest 131st Street from Northwest 2nd Avenue to Northwest 13th Avenue.
North Miami Councilwoman Mary Estimé-Irvin, who represents District 3, will host the ceremony alongside Miami-Dade County Commissioner Marleine Bastien, representing District 2, which encompasses North Miami.
Recognition of Despinosse’s Legacy
Despinosse served on the North Miami City Council from 2001 to 2009, initially winning his election in 2001 and securing a second term in 2005 without opposition. Councilwoman Estimé-Irvin emphasized his significant impact on the community, stating that naming the street after Despinosse is a meaningful tribute to his legacy.
Born in Port-de-Paix, Haiti, in 1945, Despinosse immigrated to the United States in 1968, initially residing in Brooklyn, New York, where he operated a small business. He moved to South Florida in 1977 and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1979. Over the years, he became a key advocate for Haitian-American political participation in the region.
In 1985, Despinosse founded the Haitian American Democratic Club of Greater Miami and later established the Haitian American Citizenship and Voter Education Center, which focuses on voter education and civic engagement among Haitian immigrants. His efforts also contributed to the formation of the South Florida Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce and the Friends of Haiti National Foundation.
Before his council tenure, Despinosse was involved in electoral politics; he ran for the Florida House in 1994 and served as a delegate to various Democratic National Conventions. Additionally, he observed elections in Haiti during the Clinton administration and actively advocated for issues affecting the Haitian-American community in both Washington and Tallahassee.
Despite a previous debate about how to honor Despinosse, the North Miami City Council ultimately decided to designate the street in his name. In June 2025, the council voted 4-1 for the co-designation. However, the meeting also saw a resolution to rename Breezeswept Park in his honor being rescinded following the Despinosse family’s preference.
North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme, who opposed both resolutions, acknowledged Despinosse’s invaluable contributions, calling him a “pillar” in North Miami and highlighting his influence beyond the local Haitian community.
The street designation has received approval from both the North Miami City Council and Miami-Dade County, allowing residents, community leaders, and the public to participate in the upcoming ceremony.
Why It Matters
The naming of the street after Jacques Despinosse serves as a public acknowledgment of his decades-long commitment to civic engagement and the Haitian-American community. It highlights the importance of recognizing community leaders whose contributions have lasting impacts on local governance and advocacy efforts.
