A Night of Liberty and Legacy: Celebrating Haitian Independence at Brooklyn Borough Hall

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 Borough Hall were transformed into a sea of red and blue. The evening was more than just a commemoration; it was a joyous reclamation of history. Council Member Rita Joseph, a lifelong advocate for the Haitian community, opened the festivities by reminding attendees that the Haitian Revolution remains the ultimate symbol of Black liberation worldwide.

​"We stand here today because our ancestors dared to dream of a world where they were free," said Council Member Joseph. "Tonight, we honor their sacrifice by continuing to build a strong, unified Brooklyn."

Honoring the Legacy of Jean Jacques Dessalines

​For the Jean Jacques Dessalines Foundation, the evening held a special significance. As we continue our work to preserve the legacy of Haiti’s founding father, seeing the community gather in the heart of Brooklyn's civic center reinforces our mission. Our aim is to bring clean water to Haiti. The event featured:

• ​Traditional Performances: The rhythmic beats of Haitian drumming echoed through the rotunda, accompanied by folk dances that told the story of the revolution.

• ​The Taste of Freedom: Guests were served traditional Soup Joumou, the savory squash soup that was once forbidden to the enslaved and became the ultimate symbol of Haitian independence. Also, the Haitian Hot Chocolate made with real cocoa from the motherland.

• ​Community Recognition: Local leaders and activists were honored for their contributions to the Haitian-American community in Brooklyn.

​Looking Forward: Unity and Strength

​The celebration served as a vital bridge between the history of 1804 and the challenges of 2026. Speakers emphasized the importance of civic engagement and supporting the next generation of Haitian-American leaders. The presence of the Jean Jacques Dessalines Foundation highlighted our ongoing commitment to education and the promotion of Haitian history as a tool for empowerment.

Haitian Independence for The Future

​It was truly an amazing event that left everyone in attendance feeling inspired and reconnected to their roots. As we look toward the rest of the year, let us carry the fire of Dessalines in our hearts—reminding ourselves that through unity, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome.