Tamarac honors Wycliffe John and Melky John with keys to the city during Haitian American Heritage Month

TAMARAC, Fla. — The City of Tamarac on May 1 presented keys to the city and formal proclamations to Wycliffe John and Melky John, honoring the siblings’ musical, entrepreneurial and humanitarian work during a ceremony marking Haitian American Heritage Month.

Marlon Bolton, who opened the event and read the city proclamation, said the recognition was meant to celebrate “Haitian excellence, resilience and global influence.” Bolton invited local, county and state officials to join the presentation and told the audience refreshments and a rum tasting would follow the program.

“Today we proudly recognize Wycliffe John and Melky John, two global ambassadors of Haitian culture in our community,” Bolton said, noting the city intentionally purchased Haitian-made gift baskets for the honorees.

U.S. Rep. Sheila Sheerfulness McCormick, representing District 20, praised the honorees and told the crowd the fight for protections such as Temporary Protected Status for Haitians is ongoing. “We’re proud to welcome you into our District 20,” she said, adding that advocacy for TPS would continue.

Former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness traced Haiti’s historic contributions and urged greater investment in Haitian communities, while Broward County Commissioner Hazel P. Rogers and State Representative Lisa Dunkley read county and state proclamations that designated May 1, 2026, as days of recognition for each honoree.

Dunkley summarized the proclamations’ language as honoring Wycliffe John’s international music career, humanitarian work and role in elevating Haitian and Caribbean culture, and Melky John’s work as an artist, entrepreneur and advocate for Haitian families. The state proclamations were read aloud during the ceremony.

Melky John thanked the city and described Tamarac as the community where she started her business and foundation. “This is my community,” she said, acknowledging family, foundation staff and local collaborators who have supported her work.

Wycliffe John, speaking briefly, reflected on cultural inspiration and the responsibility of public figures to uplift young people. He urged the audience not to judge leaders solely by formal credentials, saying that cultural and civic leadership can come from many paths.

The program also included presentations by a representative for Broward County Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis, and remarks from local elected officials who framed the honors as a recognition of Haitian heritage and community contributions. Bolton closed the ceremony with practical information about a post-event reception at Casa D'Amour and overflow rooms for attendees.

The city’s proclamations and county and state recognitions formally record May 1, 2026, as appreciation days for Wycliffe John and Melky John. The event did not include policy votes or formal government actions beyond the proclamations and ceremonial key presentations.