HAUP and Kompa Guide Assemble Standing-Room Only Crowd to Commemorate the 2010 Haiti Earthquake in Mineola

The event, held at the Seat of the Nassau County Legislature, also celebrated Haiti’s Anniversary as an Independent Republic

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano joined by members of the Haitian-Americans United for Progress (HAUP) and Kompa Guide at an event commemorating the 208^th Anniversary of Haiti’s Independence. The ceremony also honored the lives of tens of thousands of Haitians that died during an earthquake on January 12, 2010.

“When Haiti declared its freedom, Haitians made history, setting a precedent as the second country to declare independence in Latin America and creating the first post-colonial black-led nation in the world.  Today, we continue to see the courage of that struggle reflected in Haiti’s response to the devastating earthquake that occurred on January 12, 2010,” said County Executive Mangano.  “Despite all Haiti has endured throughout their history, Haitians have shown an unwavering strength, will, and passion to forge ahead and build a more prosperous nation.  I salute the many contributions that Haitian-Americans have made to the culture and prosperity here in Nassau County and I wish all Haitians a happy Independence Day and hope that 2012 is a year filled with peace and progress.”

The event was moderated by Haitian-American poet/performer Michèle Voltaire Marcelin whose writings and performances in English, French, and Creole are praised and sought after.  Haitian music, dance performances and gourmet meals illustrative of Haitian cuisine were also offered to guests.

“Haiti Day on January 11^th shed light on the growing contributions of Haitians to Nassau County’s diversity and economic development.  We are delighted to partner with Mr. Mangano in celebrating Haiti’s Independence and we look forward to a successful partnership,” said Elsie Saint Louis Accilien, Executive Director, The Haitian Americans United for Progress, Inc. (HAUP).

Gina Faustin, Executive Producer of Kompa Guide, added, “Many Haitian families including the Faustins settled in Nassau County in the early 1950′s and have been in integral part of its evolution, and richness. Haiti’s Independence Celebration will raise awareness to this remarkable population.”

Haitian-Americans United for Progress (HAUP) is one of the largest not-for-profit community-based organizations in the greater Cambria Heights area and Nassau County, serving approximately 15,000 people a year through a variety of programs and services that range from after-school and youth programs to remedial care for the elderly and the mentally-disabled.  HAUP has risen from its inception 35 years ago as a small volunteer-based Haitian refugee and immigrant mutual assistance association into a service agency that reaches out to the broader community of immigrants and native-born Americans.  HAUP is dedicated to providing a supportive environment through education, training, culture, networking opportunities, and other support services, that allow members of the community to successfully adapt and thrive.

Standing Tall with Ed Mangano

Gina Faustin, Kompa Guide’s CEO, was honored by Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano along with several others of various ethnic origins at a breakfast meeting on December 15. Staff and friends of Haitian-Americans United for Progress (HAUP) were present in large numbers at the event which gathered at least 300 participants.

Faustin is a Haiti booster par excellence, promoting it as a travel destination along with its unique music, culinary offerings and and culture.

Next January 11, Kompa Guide will partner with HAUP to celebrate Haiti’s Independence, honor the memory of the 2010 earthquake victims, and pay tribute to all those who rallied to Haiti’s side at a time of extreme need.

The event, organized in cooperation with the office of County Executive Edward Mangano, will be held on January 11, 2012 from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building in Mineola. It will be free and open to the public.

HAUP’s event will feature and be moderated by Haitian-American poet/performer Michèle Voltaire Marcelin whose writings and performances in English, French, and Creole are much praised and sought after. Haitian music, dance performances and gourmet meals illustrative of Haitian cuisine will be offered to the 250 or more assembled guests, community and business leaders, and officials from Nassau County.

The Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative building in Mineola, Nassau County is an excellent venue for the festive event that aims to highlight the Haitian presence in Nassau County. Indeed, many Haitian professionals (physicians, teachers, engineers, architects, nurses, financial services executives, realtors and lawyers) have made the county their home. The recent election of Haitian-American Carrie Solages is testament to their growing presence and impact on local developments.