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

Nominations Are Open For the 1804 List

We are pleased to announce our national Call for Nominations for the 1804 List of Haitian-American Changemakers and Ones To Watch (2025).

The 1804 List recognizes Haitian-Americans who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, have been proven forces for change, and have helped to create a better understanding of Haiti and the Haitian community. Since 2012 HRT has inducted over 200 community, industry and thought leaders of Haitian descent.

Nominations can be submitted here: https://rb.gy/5brljz

THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS JANUARY 6, 2025, 12 NOON {EST) The 1804 List Induction Ceremony and Dinner Reception will be held on the evening of June 7, 2025 at the New York Academy of Medicine, located on the Museum Mile in Manhattan.

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.