Haitian youths proudly marching at the 3rd annual Haitian American Day Parade in CT ..

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Many elected officials and well known people from the Norwalk area took part at this year's parade. Among the attendees were Norwalk's city mayor, Alex Knopp; Pierre Bayonne, Haitian soccer legend from the 1974 World cup in Germany; C.T State Representative, Bob Duff; and Norwalk Councilman, Joseph Mann, who spoke before the more than two thousands participants.

The 3rd Haitian American Day parade also provides a profound reminder of the homeland.

" We should celebrate our Heritage with a lot of pride in the Diaspora for all our brothers and sisters from Haiti who can not do so, " said Francois Turnier, also known as "Turnier Bel Garcon", a Connecticut resident and Haitian producer of the upcoming film "Le secret Devoile. "

" I feel very proud anytime I see an organization from N.Y, N.J, C.T, and anywhere in the Diaspora creates such an event that promotes the Haitian culture, which makes me feel that I'm currently in Haiti, and Haiti is inside of me… se fresko kap graje, se diri kape vann."

The annual event is organized by the United Haitian American Society (U.H.A.S.). U.H.A.S. is a non profit, Connecticut based, organization founded in November 2001 with the mission of elevating the Haitian-American community in Connecticut. The organization is involved in many philanthropic programs like relief benefits, wherein medical items, food, and clothes are sent to Haiti and Dominican Republic (Batey). Additionally, U.H.A.S. participates in various local based activities providing assistance to other local non profit organizations. Currently, the organization is negotiating with the governor of Connecticut to build a center for the Haitian American community to teach computer and related skills, learn about Haitian history, participate in sports and other leisure activities, etc.

The parade is literally "a dream come true" for each of the organizers whose dedication, hard work, and perseverance was tested under a multitude of hardships throughout the year. Difficulties ranging from financial roadblocks to mental and familial stressors, and the current conditions in Haiti were all overcome this year, in a collective effort to simply acknowledge the Haitian American contribution abroad.

" We need to make sure that the Haitian American community in Connecticut is recognized for all its contributions as it is for the other ethnicities, " said Gerard Azor, the Vice Chairman of the United Haitian American Society of Connecticut (U.H.A.S), and co-organizer of the event.

Historically, the Haitian American Day parade in C.T began in 2003, just two years after U.H.A.S. was founded. According to local participants, this annual event gets bigger and better every year. Gerard Azor, agreeing with the overall consensus, mentioned that the parade turn out keeps increasing from year to year and the response they have received from the Haitian American community is very positive:

" The Haitian-American community in Connecticut shows a lot of support to the organization and the parade. We have an increase from 3,500 to 5,000 participants this year. "

Although it was a day of celebration for Haitian Americans in Connecticut, Haiti was not forgotten. The parade was officially started with an inspirational song, by internationally acclaimed Haitian group Taboo Combo, called "Yo" to reflect the hardships of the people living in Haiti. Moreover, the participants of this year's parade were invited to take a moment to reflect on the current conditions in Haiti:

" We want everyone to think about Haiti, to keep Haiti in their heart while we are enjoying this beautiful day with music, food, " said Gerard Azor, Vice Chairman of the organization.

 Entertainment also played a major part in the 3rd Annual Haitian American Day Parade. Bryant Park was the most exciting place to be in Norwalk, Connecticut on Saturday, July 23rd. Many Haitian groups such as D-Tay Band (http://www.d-taykompa.com), Blast Compas, Balance Compas, Poze, Marogani as well as Haitian-American Hip-Hop groups, NEGMARON (http://www.negmaronent.com), from Brooklyn, and J Blaize Entertainment and Lexo from Boston graced the Bryant Park stage. Other features included the well known, very talented Haitian youth artist, Ashley performing live before an enthusiastic crowd. Also, Jerry Lubin and Edzer Jean Baptiste also known as ZaGui from the local Connecticut Haitian group "Balance Compas" considered their group's performance as a pure representation of Haiti and of the Haitian Flag in the Diaspora:

" We feel very proud to be part of this great event to represent Haiti via music, and the Haitian Flag. A parade like this one should occur in every state in the US to promote unity within the Haitian-American community, and to help Haiti to be on the level where it belongs. "

Highlighting the occasion as always, Haitian food made its well-anticipated appearance with its mouth-watering aromas and eye catching colors. Among the favorites, Haitian dishes of "Poule, Taso, Griot and Du Riz" were present, and delighted the taste buds of many for only $10.

Without the sponsors this year parade would not be possible. Many organizations, vendors, and businesses showcased their products and services during this year's celebration. Businesses like Unit Transfer and Western Union gave away promotional items like t-shirts and bandanas. In addition, many local vendors and store owners advertised Haitian arts and crafts and reported a high volume of sales during the event.

This year's parade symbolized another victory for the Haitian community living in the US. For the 2006 parade, the organizers are looking forward to attracting other ethnic groups, sponsors, and more youth participation. If God willing, the 2006 parade is promised to be better, and will constitute yet another marker of success for the Haitian community abroad.

Let the continued accomplishments of the Haitian American community remind everyone of the Haitian culture that lives within us all as Turnier Francois said in Kreyol: "…Se fresko kap graje, se diri Kape vann. "

End.
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