BROOKLYN- Hundreds of community members gathered at the Saint Jerome Church in Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn May 2nd to remember and honor journalist Lyonel Legrand who died of liver complications two weeks ago.
At age 53, Legrand has 13 years career as news anchor and talk show host in the Brooklyn based Radio Soleil. The station
“Lyonel creates a whole that needs to be filled. Talent like that is not easy to find in the Haitian Community in New York, Ricot Dupuy owner of Radio Soleil said.
Legrand who survived by his wife Ayisha and four daughters has lent his voice to many radio spots from launching a product to mobilizing the community. His unique voice and colorful way to speak the creole language have captivated the public Dupuy said.
“Lyonel has a special impact in the Haitian community. His contribution goes beyond the radio,” Dupuy said.
“His voice has been used for all activist events and that was a major contribution to the community. He engages you in a way no body else did.”
According to Dupuy Legrand has been hosting the oldest talk show in the Haitian community titled “Jwèt pou ou”.
Dupuy has announced at the Saturday funeral that he will rename the radio’s newsroom after the late Lionel Legrand who died two weeks ago.