Dr. Larry Pierre

Larry Pierre was born and raised in Haiti and moved to the United States in his teens. In 1978, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology at Barrington College and went on to obtain a medical degree at the prestigious University of Haiti’s Medical School. He also received a master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Miami.

While in training as a visiting fellow at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital in the early 80’s, Larry Pierre met a significant number of patients of Haitian origin who were affected by HIV/AIDS and grew alarmed that they were not served adequately due to language and cultural barriers.

In 1989, he founded the Center for Haitian Studies (CHS), to address this problem. CHS, is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to improve the conditions of Haitians living in South Florida through the provision of health and social services and community-based research.

From 1988 to date, Dr. Pierre has brought through research and outreach education intervention projects over 40 million dollars to the Haitian community of South Florida. CHS’s clinic meets the medical needs of over 7000 individuals in South Florida. Dr. Pierre’s path to political empowerment was sparked as he engaged CHS and South Florida’s Haitian community in a process of reflection and power building. CHS’ annual Strategic Leadership retreats were organized as cruises, convening political leaders, service providers and stakeholders from South Florida and Haiti. These retreats, originally designed to keep the Center’s staff, Board and researchers updated on the changing conditions of the Haitian population in South Florida and in Haiti, set in motion, Dr. Pierre’s greater involvement in the US political process. They also deepened his commitment to Haiti.

Today, Larry Pierre is considered one of the most powerful political leaders in South Florida for his ability to raise funds in support of policies and causes beneficial to his community and to Haiti.

In spite of his influence, Dr. Pierre points to Haiti’s chaotic situation and the pivotal role played by the US in maintaining the status quo, as the catalyst for the creation of the Haitian American Foundation for Democracy. Through HAFFD, Dr. Pierre understands that transforming Haiti, demands the engagement of a committed, well-informed Haitian Diaspora.