Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages joined Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and community members to celebrate Haitian heritage at the 12th Annual Creole American Family Night in Eisenhower Park on July 6.
Hosted by Haitian Americans United for Progress and Kompa Guide, the event brought thousands together for a night of culture, unity and music. Performances included the Flexx Music Band and the Haitian kompas band Tabou Combo. The groups drew thousands to the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater.
As a proud Haitian American, Legislator Solages used the opportunity to recognize the community’s resilience and stand in support of Caribbean families during challenging times.
“At a time when the federal government is targeting the Caribbean diaspora and the Haitian community in particular with unprecedented levels of vitriol and cruelty, this year’s Creole American Family Night was even more important than ever,” Legislator Solages wrote. “The thousands of people who came to Eisenhower Park demonstrated our collective resilience and showed how Nassau County is enriched by our Caribbean brothers and sisters. Thank you and merci to HAUP, Kompa Guide, the Nassau County Police Department, Nassau County Parks Department and all of the performers and sponsors who made this night such a triumph.”
His words came as a heartfelt response to growing hostility aimed at Haitian and Caribbean immigrants, reflected in harsh immigration policies, limited humanitarian relief and rhetoric that often dehumanizes these communities. Recent federal decisions to reduce and ultimately terminate Temporary Protected Status for Haiti—despite ongoing violence and political instability there—have left many Haitian families feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their future.
Rather than respond with fear, both Solages and the event organizers choose to uplift joy, culture and pride as powerful tools of resistance.
