DOWNTOWN MIAMI – Not even a canopy of rain on an overcast day could quell the spirit of about 300 guests who came out to support the Haitian-American Leadership Organization (HALO) and their annual event that took place on Saturday, May 26. HALO’s continuing mission is to help Haitian-American students pursue their dreams through college and into the career fields of their choice. This year’s 13th edition of the event was held at the JW Marriot Hotel in downtown Miami.
As has become typical of this event, it was dedicated to ‘unifying and empowering the Haitian diaspora.’ Attendees as well as organizers and volunteers all agreed this was a raving success. The 13th annual edition was the second time that the new generation of organizational leaders (who received the torch from founding members two years ago) proved themselves worthy of putting together such a brilliant and successful event.
Under the leadership of President Katia M. Philippeaux, this year’s event was no different. It reminded everyone that this Annual Cultural Night is one of the premiere events throughout the Haitian-American community.
The atmosphere from the start of the evening was charming and entertaining and the people were very cordial and easy-going. Quiet, engaging, and respectful conversation surrounded the gathering. As guests arrived, they were welcomed with a fine glass of wine, Haitian food, and exquisite music by well-known local DJ NickyMix.
‘HAITI La Perle des Antilles/The Pearl of the Antilles’ was this year’s theme. The ballroom decorations reflected that. Some elegant pictures and displays on the two giant screens in the ballroom reminded the audience how beautiful Haiti was in the nineteenth century, and it can still be a rich and prosperous country.
The Mistress of Ceremony, Kassandra Timothe, welcomed the attendees in the ballroom around 8:45pm. She acknowledged a number of prominent guests before inviting Father Jean-Marie of Notre Dame d’Haiti Catholic Church in Little Haiti to the podium to deliver the invocation.
Haitian-American local singer Tania Momperouse followed and performed both the Haitian and American anthems. President Kathia M. Philippeaux addressed the crowd -all dressed in their finest apparel- with her welcoming remarks. “The past year,” she said, “the HALO board has continued its efforts of collaborating with other community based organizations for the betterment of the community. On behalf of the board members, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the organizations that we have collaborated with and will continue to work together for a positive impact.”
“The ultimate goal of HALO’s Free College Scholarship Fund is to help exceptional Haitian-American students achieve their dream of attending college,” she added.
Professional dancers from Nancy Leger Dance Ensemble and SosyeteKoukouy also contributed to the 13th Annual HALO Cultural Night and Fundraising Gala. They performed some of the best dance routines imaginable, and received a rousing ovation.
Following the dancers’ performance, HALO’s Founding Member Beatrice Cazeau, Esq. announced HALO’s 2018 Scholarship winners. She reminded people of the importance of education and thanked them all for their support and generous donations that help fund the scholarships that are essential to the education of so many young, ambitious individuals of Haitian descent.
This year’s scholarship recipients were:
LEILLA BELONY from Blanche Ely High School; Weighted GPA: 4.8; Proposed Major: Political Science.
MELISSA LATOUR from North Miami Senior High School; Weighted GPA: 4.2; Proposed Major: Advertising.
LEMEC PETIT-FRERE from North Miami Senior High School; Weighted GPA: 4.2; Proposed major: Mechanical Engineering.
PRECIOUS PIERRE from North Miami Senior High School; Weighted GPA: 4.0; Proposed Major: Pre-Med.
Three community organizations were recognized during the gala as well. Katia M. Philippeaux (President), Valerie Cantave (Vice-President) and Angelica Gousse (Secretary General) successively presented a Plaque of Recognition to representatives of Haitian Neighborhood Center/Sant La, Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida (HACCOF) and ‘AvanseAnsanm’. These organizations are, according to the board members, three that help empower the Haitian Community.
Founding member Dr. ThedyBrezault then took to the podium to acknowledge a significant number of local businesses which sponsored this year’s event, including Primary Medical Care Center, Dr. Romane Joseph, Dr. Flore Lindor – Radio TV, Gousse Urology LLC, Radio Mega, Bonjour Haiti Show, Island TV, and the Office of Miami-Dade County Commissioner District 2, Jean Monestime.
Around 10:30pm, Ms. Valerie Cantave delivered the closing remarks. The Vice-President of HALO, congratulated the recipients on their award and wished them well on their future educational journeys. She also took time to thank the guests and those who contributed to the wonderful event. “Without your help, your true support, tonight’s event would not have been as successful as it has been.”
For thirty solid minutes, DJ Nicky Mixx played an exceptional blend of Caribbean music to bring more joy and festiveness to the gala event before renowned Haitian compas band T-Vice took the stage for a magical moment of fun for the guests on the dance floor. The gala ended around 12:40am.
The Cultural Night and Fundraising Gala is critical to helping young Haitian-American men and women follow their dreams and lay the foundation for a strong and vibrant life starting with a college education. Once again, under the leadership of President Katia Philippeaux, the new generation of HALO leaders has shown how capable they are when it comes to carry the torch that they received two years ago from their predecessors. Saturday night’s event showed that there is no doubt they are capable of helping the torch shine even brighter for the years ahead.
HALO continues to be a bright light for young Haitian-American students who seek to make a positive impact in their community as they move into adulthood. Events such as this provide a wonderful foundation to bring community leaders, businesses, and advocates together to bring more awareness to the positive influences they can each have in the lives of so many who dream big, no matter where they are on this road of life.
- Ferdinand/Le Floridien