Friday, October 2, 2026
As the Elmont Cultural Center made its way down Eastern Parkway during New York City’s West Indian American Day Parade on Labor Day, one dress in particular stood out.
Its long train stretched behind the float, carried by two people as the model rode alongside the group. The dress was so long that she could not walk in it.
Designed by Orlando-based designer Santia McKoy, the dress honored the 250th anniversary of the United States and Haiti’s 222 years of independence. The design was meant to highlight the history shared by the two countries and bring that story into one of New York City’s largest Caribbean celebrations.
The Elmont Cultural Center partnered with Haitian Day Parade Inc., a nonprofit that helps organize Haitian celebrations in New York, to participate in the parade. Members of the group wore McKoy’s designs and carried signs referencing Temporary Protected Status.
Mimi Pierre-Johnson, head of the Elmont Cultural Center, said there had been discussion about boycotting the parade because of the uncertainty surrounding TPS. She felt it was important for the group to be there.
“This is when because you have an opportunity to tell the world about the resiliency of Haitians and everything,” Pierre-Johnson said.
The message was also reflected in the clothing designs. A white dress featured images of Haitians working in different professions, highlighting the many roles they play in their communities while calling attention to Temporary Protected Status.
McKoy also created a QR code connected to material explaining the inspiration behind her designs. Pierre-Johnson said the group wanted people who saw the clothing along the Parkway to understand the meaning behind it.
Tamar Paoli-Bailey, who represented Elmont with the cultural center, said the parade gave the group a chance to bring attention to issues affecting Haitian families while celebrating their culture.
“Representing Elmont on Eastern Parkway and using such a big platform as a 1 million attendee parade to not only advocate for families in our community being torn apart due to the ending of TPS but to celebrate the joy and resilience specifically of Haitians through these uncertain times was an honor,” Paoli-Bailey said.
For Paoli-Bailey, the day reflected the role the Elmont Cultural Center plays in the community.
“The beautiful thing about the Elmont cultural center is that we are where advocacy and culture meet at a crossroad,” she said.
Pierre-Johnson said participating in the parade gave the group a chance to make that message visible to a much larger audience.
“No matter what happens, Haitians are always going to show their culture,” she said.
