“Independence Day is not only a moment of pride for Haitians, but a turning point for America and the world,” Uniondale High School Principal Shawn Brown told students and community members at the school’s second annual Soup Joumou celebration, commemorating Haiti’s Le Jour de l’Indépendance.
Held last Saturday in the school’s auditorium, the event blended tradition, remembrance and student voices with Haitian music, dances and greetings in Creole as well as English. It also paid tribute to those lost in the catastrophic Jan. 12, 2010, earthquake in Haiti.
Soup Joumou, a savory pumpkin-based soup once forbidden to enslaved people, has become a national symbol of Haitian resilience and independence. Traditionally served on Jan. 1 to mark Haiti’s 1804 liberation from France, it represents unity, strength and remembrance. Last weekend it served as more than a meal — it was a celebration of culture, identity and pride for the school’s Haitian community.
A portion of the program also honored students, faculty and alumni for their efforts in preserving Haitian heritage and uplifting the school’s Haitian population.
Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, who represents Elmont, Franklin Square and Valley Stream, was recognized during the program. Born in the United States to parents from Jacmel and Port-au-Prince, Solages made history as the first person of Haitian descent elected to New York state government.
“I wish there would be stability in Haiti,” she said, attributing many of the nation’s challenges to external interference. “We have never been given the opportunity to govern our own country.”
Solages recalled the 2010 earthquake, in which well over 100,000 Haitians died, and the helplessness she felt trying to reach family members. “And it seems that every day, God is testing us as Haitian people,” she said. “And you know, he tests the best, right?”
Celebration through song, dance and reflection
Uniondale High alumna Windie Auguste, a 2000 graduated and an English as a New Language teacher who oversees the school’s Haitian Club, organized the event.
“It’s a good way of making Haitian students feel comfortable here in this space and to celebrate them,” Auguste said. “Because they wanted to do this — they wanted to do a combination celebration of Independence Day and the earthquake, remembering the people that died.”
“By combining celebration and remembrance, we acknowledge Haiti’s powerful past while showing respect for its challenges and losses through today’s reflections, performances and presentations,” Gemima Amadis, president of the districts Haitian American Student Association, said.
The program began with the Haitian national anthem, “La Dessalinienne,” performed by Marie Sonia Saint Rose-Bienvil, of Uniondale, president of Solidarité Haitiano-Américaine de Long Island.
“It’s named after our founder, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, and it’s for our nation, our ancestors, to stay together,” Rose-Bienvil explained. “Our motto is strength, so we encourage our people to stick together to keep our nation alive.”
The women of HASA performed “Lakou,” a song about family and community written by Haitian artist Tafa Mi-Soleil. Dressed in flowing white gowns connected at the wrists, their movements lifted the fabric in graceful, wave-like motion.
Students from Lawrence Road Middle School’s Haitian Club performed “La Relèv” (“The Dream”) by Haitian musician John Steve Brunache, a song about struggle and hope. HASA closed the performances with “Jacmel,” a spirited tribute to the coastal Haitian city.
Lucka Dornevils, vice president of the Lawrence Road Haitian Club, recited the poem “Ayiti Pap Peri” (“Haiti Will Not Perish”).
“When Haiti became free on Jan. 1, 1804, the first thing our ancestors did was cook Soup Joumou,” Dornevils quoted. “It was the way of saying, ‘We are free.’ Today, we still share it with family, friends and neighbors, because freedom is meant to be shared.”
From Haiti to Uniondale
“I just want to say this — a lot of my students literally just came from Haiti a year or two ago,” Principal Brown said. “They’re passing all their Regents, trying to graduate. They have no behavior problems, no attendance issues, and they’re speaking full English in front of a crowd. You do not understand how powerful that is.”
Herley Jean, a senior from Les Cayes, agreed.
“I feel like I belong, and I like seeing people from my country, because it’s where I came from,” she said. “But it’s different living here — I’m not stressed about living here.”
Jean and fellow senior Hervens Boulin, originally from Port-au-Prince, arrived under humanitarian parole, a two-year immigration status introduced by the Biden administration for nationals of certain countries, including Haiti. The policy grants temporary stay and work permits for urgent humanitarian reasons or public benefit. After two years, recipients must seek an extension or transition to another legal status.
Though their future in the U.S. is uncertain, both students are focused on their education, and have fully integrated into the school community. They have passed their Regents exams and are preparing for college.
Boulin said that school in the U.S. feels more relaxed than in Haiti, calling it “easier.” He remembers teachers back home being far stricter.
Senat Solages, a math teacher at Islip High School, echoed that view. “They give students the illusion of mastering courses and inflate the grades,” Solages said of her experience in America. “In Haiti my teachers were very strict, and I got grades I really deserved. I understand here they want to keep confidence levels high so students don’t disengage — but it can also backfire.”
Frenal Mezilas, a Haitian-born artist, also took part in the celebration, displaying his paintings near the entrance of the auditorium. Originally from Jérémie and later Port-au-Prince, Mezilas began painting when he was 10, and said he had to adapt his artistic style after coming to the U.S.
“Not everyone here is interested in Haitian culture,” he said. To connect with wider audiences, he began experimenting with abstract work, pieces without spiritual or cultural symbolism, while still holding on to the roots that shaped his identity. His paintings at the event ranged in price from $50 to $1,000.
‘Never forget where you came from’
District Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil reminded students and families of the importance of cultural pride.
“It’s up to us to keep our culture alive,” she said. “It’s up to us to teach our children. Never forget — never be ashamed of your culture, your tradition, your language, your dance, the things of your mothers, your fathers and your grandmothers.”
After the final performances, guests were invited to enjoy Soup Joumou.
District employees and community members donated and supported the event. St. Marthe Bakery, on Jerusalem Avenue, provided pastries, and Caribbean Buffet, on Nassau Road, the soup. Both are Haitian-owned businesses.
