By Adam Pincus
Haitian Americans United for Progress presented the Haitian Presence in Black History to teach the younger members of the community about the island's culture and history, which many have not experienced first hand, organizers said.”It is a way of bridging the cultural gap between their birth culture and the culture of their parents,” the group's executive director Elsie Accilien said. The group is a 30-year-old non-profit based in Cambria Heights serving Haitians, Haitian Americans and others with a wide variety of community and family services.Several hundred people of all ages filled the Sacred Heart School auditorium, located at 115-50 221st St. in Cambria Heights, sitting at long tables eating regional food and watching performances of traditional dances.Vendors also displayed carved sculptures from Haiti and sold local favorites such as a Haitian soda pop.Teenagers performed traditional island dances such as Yanvalon, Ibo, Nago and Konpa, which Accilien said was an important way to connect with their heritage and the famous residents of the island.”The kids not only present the history,” she said, “they dance it themselves.” The teenagers appeared enthralled by the event.”I love being with kids, and I love working with kids my age and helping people to work out their problems,” said Ashley Desvarieux, 15, of Long Island, who volunteers with the hosting organization.Others saw the day as an opportunity to maintain a personal connection with the island nation.Ewendra Mathurin, 14, of Queens Village, said that with the current troubles in Haiti, it was safer to remain in the United States. “But just because we are in America doesn't mean we have to lose the culture.”She danced the two-person Konpa with Jeffrey Smith, from Cambria Heights. He liked the annual party because it brings him closer to his roots. The 12-year-old said he was proud of being Haitian.”It is one of the best things to be.”Reach reporter Adam Pincus by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 154.
