Mangano Declares May As Haitian Heritage Month In Nassau County

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano will host a Haitian Heritage celebration on Friday, May 4, 2012 at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building in Mineola to kick off May as Haitian Heritage Month in Nassau County. Co-sponsored by Nassau County, Haitian-Americans United for Progress (HAUP), and Kompas Guide, the event will feature Haitian art and culture displays and Haitian food and refreshments. Presentations will also be given by both Nassau County and Haitian officials. The event is free and open to the public.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to host this event and celebrate the many achievements of the Haitian-American community not only here in Nassau County, but across the nation,” said County Executive Mangano.

“On May 18, 1803, Haitians raised for the first time the flag of the new Republic of Haiti, vowed to free themselves of the chains of slavery and to be truly independent. Through their unity of strength and ingenuity they achieved their dreams six months later. They have inspired generations of Haitians to follow their example. We can do no less,” said Elsie Saint Louis Accilien, HAUP’s Executive Director, The Haitian Americans United for Progress, Inc. (HAUP).

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. Kompa Guide is a 20 year-old travel and entertainment-company which produces weekly Haitian television shows, promotes annual Caribbean festivals, and specializes in international group tours.

WHEN:

Friday, May 4, 2012

6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

WHERE:

Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Chamber, 1550 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, NY