“Konne’l Pat Konnen – You Think You Know but You Have No Idea”. That’s the theme for the fall 2009 Haitian Cultural Club week. Club members kicked off the week with a church service Sunday at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Later Sunday evening the organization hosted a potluck dinner at The Commons apartment complex on west Tharpe Street.
According to the Haitian Cultural Club President, Andremene Jacques, the annual HCC week celebrates the Battle of Vertières, which led to the Haitian Revolution. The battle, fought between rebel slaves and the French military took place November 18, 1803. The Haitian Revolution led to the elimination of slavery
and established Haiti as the first republic ruled by blacks.
Today is dedicated to service as HCC members along with the FAMU Social Work Association of Graduate Students hosts “Each One Reach One.” The two organizations joining together to adopt a family at the Children’s Home Society. The event starts at 3:00pm and is open to the public.
This year’s week has many HCC member favorites along with a few new surprises.
“I added something different this year which is our health awareness night which is going to be focused on HIV aids and different diseases,” said Andremene Jacques, the current president of the Haitian Cultural Club of Tallahassee. “I’m looking forward to this night because it’s very important for us to be aware of our health.”
Tuesday is a night of the arts with a purpose. It’s a health awareness night entitled, “La Pi Vini.” Students are invited to come out to a one man show featuring, “Devin T.” Robinson X. The show, “God Did Not Give Me H.I.V.” is the story of a drug addict triumphing over his troubles to become a preacher. The performance takes place in the Florida Ballroom in the Oglesby Union on the campus of Florida State University. It starts at 7:00pm.
On Wednesday, students can head over to Club Down Under located at FSU. “Bouillon Night” is a talent show in its second year run. The event is from 8:00 to 10:00pm.
On Thursday the HCC will tackle two issues with “Strap it Up: In the Car & In the Bedroom.” The event will stress the importance of the safety belt and will feature testing for sexually transmitted diseases. Then it’s time to “Roll Out” as members host a skate night. The event is located at Skate World on Capital Circle North East.
Friday, the HCC will host a pageant located in Moore Auditorium on FSU’s campus. The pageant is from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Then make your way over to the after party at Lazarre’s Caribbean Cuisine located on south Monroe Street.
The community is invited out to the HCC Week Banquet 7:00pm Saturday evening. The event is located in the FSU “Florida Room” Ballroom. Dress to impress because immediately following the banquet is the Black and White Masquerade Ball located at the Roxy Night Club. The ball is also a new addition to the annual HCC week.
Jacques is excited about the week, especially the new additions.
“I want people to get out of this is fellowship, getting together, meeting new people and just having fun is a positive way.”