NEW YORK, April 9, 2021 — This week the legal and media worlds mourned the untimely passing of Midwin Charles, an attorney, legal analyst on cable television, radio host, and entrepreneur who was a passionate champion for underserved communities. Ms. Charles was also supportive of the McSilver Institute’s endeavors, and yesterday the Institute’s Chief Operating Officer Rose Pierre-Louis spoke in tribute to her late friend and colleague on the Peacock news show, Zerlina. Ms. Pierre-Louis is also the Board Chair of The Haitian Roundtable, of which Ms. Charles was a Board Member.
“Midwin was not only a fantastic lawyer but she was someone who was deeply committed to the Haitian community and wanted to be a voice. She was also someone who had dreams and ambitions, and part of that was really offering her thought leadership as a woman of color in various forums,” Ms. Pierre-Louis told host Zerlina Maxwell. “She was a friend to so many organizations, just kind and generous…an incredible light and someone who was always available to support and uplift our community.”
Midwin Charles (far right) is shown with (from left) CBS News‘ Vladimir Duthiers, journalist Lionel Moïse and 2019 McSilver Honoree Yamiche Alcindor of PBS NewsHour.
Ms. Pierre-Louis also expressed similar sentiments in an interview with The Haitian Times.
Ms. Charles was 47 years old when she passed away. Her family released this statement announcing her death. Among the many leaders and luminaries paying tribute to her included 2019 McSilver Award honoree and PBS NewsHour White House Correspondent Yamiche Alcindor, who said on Twitter, “Midwin Charles — my Haitian sis — was a brilliant mind and a beautiful person who worked so hard. Her voice and presence will be deeply missed.” White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre offered her condolences as well.
Watch more of the segment above or on Peacock through April 15 [subscription required].
