The Haitian Roundtable

Lights, Camera, Aksyon!

The Haitian Roundtable visited Los Angeles on November 14, 2024 to launch a new “Haitians In Hollywood” program as part of our ongoing mission to redefine the narrative on Haitian excellence.

Movers and shakers across the film and entertainment industry joined members of the Haitian Roundtable board to foster community on the West Coast and address the need for scripts, creative content and productions where Haitian culture is seen, valued and respected.

A special thank-you to our Event Co-Chairs — Esdra Lamy of WarnerBros Discovery; Executive Producer Dominique Telson; and Media Executive Joel Vilmenay — for their unwavering support of HRT as past 1804 List inductees and industry innovators.

The inaugural “Haitians In Hollywood” soirée was a night to remember, and we deeply appreciate all guests at our special milestone event!

[Photo credit: Will Utley]

(Left to Right) HRT Board Chair Rose Pierre Louis; HRT Vice Chair Daphne Leroy; Actress & Producer Garcelle Beauvais; and HRT Board Member Dina Simon

Announcing the 1804 List for 2025

Celebrating Haitian Excellence!

The Haitian Roundtable is pleased to introduce the 1804 List of Changemakers and Ones To Watch for 2025. The 1804 List, named in honor of Haiti’s year of independence, celebrates Haitian-American thought leaders, industry innovators, rising stars, and unsung heroes. Since its inception, over 200 leaders across the U.S. have been inducted into this prestigious group.

The 1804 List Induction Ceremony and Dinner Reception will be held on Saturday, June 7th, 6:00-10:00PM, at the New York Academy of Medicine.

CATHERINE FLON AWARD

The Catherine Flon Award, named for the courageous Haitian woman who sewed the first Haitian flag during Haiti’s Revolution for Independence, represents HRT’s most distinguished honor, reserved for exceptional leaders who embody resilience, profound impact, and historic significance.

This year’s award will be presented to Dr. Carole M. Berotte Joseph, a distinguished educator and the first Haitian-American president of a college in the United States.

MIDWIN CHARLES LEGACY AWARD

Established to honor the memory of our beloved friend and board member, Midwin Charles—an attorney, TV legal analyst, and radio host who passed away in 2021—this award pays tribute to her enduring legacy as a champion for social justice and the Haitian community.

We are honored to present the Midwin Charles Legacy Award to Marguerite Lathan, a philanthropist, psychotherapist and longtime Advisory Board Member of Fonkozé.

For tickets please visit: hrt1804list2025.eventbrite.com

(For a complete list of those selected, click here.)

A Good Evening For Bad Kreyol

On October 15th the Haitian Roundtable, Haiti Cultural Exchange and the Haitian Creole Language Institute of New York joined forces with the Signature Theatre to sponsor a unique night at the theater for the Haitian community – the world premiere of Bad Kreyòl, an exciting new play written by Dominique Morisseau and directed by Tiffany Nichole Greene that explores the conflicts among multiple generations of a Haitian family.

The evening began with a celebratory Happy Hour featuring Haitian music and food. After the performance, there was a talkback session moderated by New York City Council Member Farah Louis featuring Dominique Morisseau, Wynnie Lamour, Millery Polyné and Frederica Stines.

Our Mission

The Haitian Roundtable (“HRT”), founded in 2008, is a not-for-profit organization of Haitian-American professionals committed to civic engagement and strategic initiatives benefiting the Haitian community. The organization seeks to heighten awareness of Haitians as an important constituency among thought leaders and newsmakers, policymakers and institutions through partnerships, programs and events recognizing Haitian excellence. HRT is committed to working collaboratively with the goal of redefining the narrative about Haiti and Haitians. We are guided by our Motto: As Haitians, We Are The Keepers of Our Legacy.

The 1804 List of Haitian-American Changemakers and Ones to Watch

Haitian History Is Black History

During February, the Haitian Roundtable commemorates Black History Month by celebrating Haitian independence, history and culture.

For 2021, we honor three contemporary Haitian heroes: Humanitarian Marguerite Erasme Lathan, NYC Council Member Farah N. Louis and Elie Mystal, Justice Correspondent for The Nation magazine.

Haiti Dialogue Series

HRT hosts the Haiti Dialogue Series, which serves as a forum to discuss current and relevant topics that impact the Haitian community. The Dialogue Series brings together distinguished thought leaders and accomplished practitioners for candid conversation on a variety of important issues.

Kreyol Connection

HRT frequently sponsors Kreyol Connection. These networking receptions offer opportunities for professionals to celebrate Haitian culture after work, as they build lasting social bonds. The events are held at elegant venues throughout New York City and co-hosted by various high profile Haitian-Americans.