24779: Hermantin (News) Essence of Miami

[sak-pase@bimini.ws]

leonie hermantin <lhermantin@hotmail.com>


Posted Posted on Fri, Apr. 15, 2005

Essence of Miami

When Essence magazine decided to publish its ''biggest issue ever'' 
celebrating 35 years of inspiring black women, the folks in New York didn't 
just stay in the Big Apple. They headed down south.

Among the stunning and trailblazing black women featured in the collector's 
edition are Miami's own Marleine Bastien, executive director of Fanm Ayisyen 
Nan Miyami/Haitian Women of Miami; and a former local girl, actress Garcelle 
Beauvais-Nilon, who was discovered by former Essence Editor-in-Chief Susan 
L. Taylor while visiting New York as a Miami high schooler.

After several modeling gigs, she turned to acting and her credits include 
Models Inc., the Jamie Foxx Show, NYPD Blue and now, Eyes. She plays a 
''strong, sophisticated, intelligent'' woman who speaks French.

Both women are Haitian-born, a sign that the community is prospering and 
receiving attention outside of the Little Haiti quarters. In fact, the 
scene-setter for Bastien's photo shoot was SoBe's Tap Tap Restaurant, which 
serves up authentic Haitian cuisine while showcasing the work of Haitian 
artists. Bastien's photographer? Former Herald standout, now freelancer, 
Jeffrey Salter.