The Haitian Roundtable

In Conversation With Award-Winning Author Dr. Peniel E. Joseph

Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X may have operated in very different spheres but their views converged on two key issues: the need to tackle poverty and the international nature of the Civil Rights Struggle. Those are just a few of the fascinating insights offered on Tuesday, June 30th when the award-winning scholar and author Dr. Peniel Joseph discussed his new book The Sword and The Shield: The Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in a Zoom conversation moderated by Haitian Roundtable board member and award-winning architect Rodney J.E. Leon.

Dr. Joseph is the Founding Director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. He is also a 2016 Inductee of the Haitian Roundtable’s 1804 List. Rodney J.E. Leon is the architect of the National African Burial Ground Memorial and the United Nations Ark of Return memorial to the victims of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

If you missed the conversation, click this link to view the recording of the video webinar.

View Webinar

HRT Joins 2020 Census Black Roundtable

Given the importance of the 2020 Census to all U.S. communities, the Haitian Roundtable has joined a national effort, the 2020 Census Black Roundtable led by the National Urban League and CEO Marc Morial.

The 2020 Census Black Roundtable provides space and resources for leaders to assure an accurate count. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data. The census also determines the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and the boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts.

Let’s make sure all Haitians in the United States are counted. Make Black Count!

Haiti Dialogue Tele-Series: Haiti, COVID-19 and You

In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, The Haitian Roundtable launched a special Haiti Dialogue Tele-Series featuring timely conversations via video conferencing.

We have had four video conferences: Haiti and COVID-19: What’s Happening On The Ground and What You Can Do To Help (April 14), Staying Sane and Strong During COVID-19 (April 8), Covid-19 And Your Job (April 24) and The Impact of COVID-19 on Haitian business owners in the U.S. April 30. We are committed to continuing the dialogue in our community. Watch this space for more announcements.

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

On February 4, 2020, The Haitian Roundtable hosted its second annual program recognizing Haitian Independence and Black History Month in a sold-out event at Brooklyn’s BK9 restaurant. This program was created to raise more public awareness about the significance and relevance of Haitian History in America.

During the program, we also recognized leaders and organizations within our community reflecting a new generation, charting new paths and representing the best in our community to the nation.

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.