By Salhiram Balthazar - ​ BROOKLYN, NY — January 8, 2026 — The spirit of 1804 was alive and vibrant last night as the Jean Jacques Dessalines Foundation joined hundreds of community members at Brooklyn Borough Hall to celebrate the 222nd anniversary of Haitian Independence. Organized by Council Member Rita Joseph , the event was a powerful testament to the enduring resilience and cultural pride of the Haitian diaspora. ​A Celebration of Sovereignty ​The historic halls of Bo