Tampa Bay – Florida: The Haitian Association Foundation unfolds Haiti’s history through the 220th anniversary of the Haitian Flag last Saturday.

In the middle of paintings that reveal the Haitian heritage – with Konpa vibes emitted from a brilliant Saxophonist of Tropicgroove Music, Yves Morency – Haitians and friends wearing blue and red enjoy their little party. At the same time, some of them prove their talent on the dance floor. Others share drinks and laugh while revealing their deep knowledge of Haitian history. That was the atmosphere of that remembrance night.

 While welcoming the audience, Dr. Yves Morency states, “Haiti is an enigma and a paradox; we manage to fight from the Bois-Caiman to the Haitian revolution of 1803.” So Haitians did collaborate in the past to fight for independence, and then that collaboration needs improvement whether they want the union that they seek, Morency explained.

A member of the Haitian Association Foundation, Aileen Bellegarde says, “Every time we celebrate that anniversary, it reminds us of our origin; it doesn’t matter if some of us are born here or not; what count is that we are all Haitians.” Bellegarde also states this moment helps them to remember the Haitians’ struggles and perseverance.

Jean-Rene Rinvil left Haiti when a was a 12-year-old boy and now becomes a professional artist who brings empathy and stirs up dialogue through paintings that display Haitian culture. He says, “I want people to see [my] home and feel Haiti through my works.”

According to Bellegarde, celebrating Haitian heritage is not limited to May 18th; cooking Haitian food, listening to Haitian music, and even talking in Creole to fellow Haitian are indications of celebrating Haitian legacy. She said, “The Haitian Culture is an everyday thing.”

Dr. Yves Morency, a retired physician, calls on fellow Haitian to embrace their heritage while developing their engagement toward the community’s prosperity. He also states, “Get back to our culture” as a special message to Haitians abroad.

“I wish I could see the motto l’Union fait la force more on day-to-day life,” said Bellegarde, who also would like to see the Haitian’s union when it comes to having a good time as well as in serious business for the community and Haiti. Because she said, “The flag and the Haitian’s union are the core of the Haitian revolution, and I remain hopeful that we can do better.” As “We are brothers and sisters; let’s come together and embrace the Haitian community’s aims,” Bellegarde said.

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