Area Haitian-Americans Help Rebuild the Home Country

The United Haitian-American Society first came together in 2001 with a mission to advance Haitian-American culture and elevate the local Haitian-American community.

“The majority of our members have been friends for over thirty years, since 1978," Gerry Azor, vice chairman of UHAS, told Patch. "As the Haitian-American community grew, we had always thought about what we could do to recognize Haitian-Americans in Connecticut.” 

While they were originally a social group, UHAS has become much more. In 2002, UHAS was recognized on the Heritage Wall in Norwalk. Former Mayor Alex Knopp, former Knicks player Alan Houston and Haitian Ambassador Raymond Joseph attended the ceremony.   

Mayor Knopp named the third week of July Haitian-American Week in Norwalk and former Governor M. Jodi Rell followed this up with a proclamation that the third Saturday in July will be Haitian-American Day.

Each summer, thousands gather for the Connecticut Haitian-American Day Festival and Parade in Norwalk’s Veterans Park. This year's festival will be held on July 23.

After the earthquake, UHAS began to focus their efforts on mission work and established the Haiti Relief Fund of Fairfield County. Azor shared what he saw in Haiti during some of those early trips.

“It was unimaginable,” he said. “From the time you arrive, you start seeing tents, tents everywhere. Once you get off the plane, it’s just damage…now they’re starting to rebuild. There’s some progress.”

In early March, UHAS members will be traveling to Haiti to distribute toys to around 500 children. The organization also sends down medicine and other supplies.

A youth group helps with different fundraising drives and putting together the annual festival. Four members of the youth group were in Haiti when the earthquake occurred and have since come to the U.S.

“They’re at BJs right now buying toiletries for us to distribute [on the March trip to Haiti],” Azor said.

In the future, UHAS plans to continue to do what they can to help build community among Haitian-Americans and to support the rebuilding effort in Haiti. Plans are in the works to build a school in Leogane, Haiti.

“We may not be able to fix everything, but we’re going to try,” Azor said.

For more information on getting involved with UHAS, send an email to uhasociety@aol.com or call 866-413-8427.