BROOKLYN, NY — On May 18, Vania André, editor in chief of Haitian Times, was honored by members of New York City Council and New York State Assembly during the Haitian Flag Day Celebration event. The annual event, which was organized in collaboration with Haiti Cultural Exchange and the Haitian American Caucus, celebrates the work and achievements made by Haitian Americans in their respective fields.
“This recognition shows the importance of supporting community institutions,” Vania Andre, editor in chief of Haitian Times said. “Next year Haitian Times will be celebrating 20 years of sharing the stories of the Haitian Diaspora and shedding light on issues that impact Haitian neighborhoods across the United States. With the current administration in the United States, it’s more important than ever to own our stories and make sure that this ‘shithole’ image of Haiti that’s being perpetuated in mainstream media is pushed back against through critical reporting from the Haitian Times.”
The Haitian Times was founded in 1999 as a weekly English-language newspaper based in Brooklyn, NY by Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Garry Pierre-Pierre. The newspaper is one of the oldest new outlets in the Haitian Diaspora and is considered one of the best ethnic media publication in the U.S.
Other honorees from the annual Haitian Flag Day celebration included political commentator Karine Jean-Pierre; co-founder of the Haitian American Caucus, Samuel M. Pierre; founder of Fashion Bomb Daily, Claire Sulmers; musician Dickson Guillaume; and boxer Melissa St. Vil.
“There’s a generational shift that always has to happen in order for any institution or company to survive through the years,” Pierre-Pierre said. “Vania shares in my vision for the future of Haitian Times, and through her dedication and hard work will ensure Haitian Times is here, bridging the gap between Haiti and the Diaspora for the next 20 years.”
May is Haitian Heritage Month and May 18 marks the 213th Anniversary of the Haitian Flag. In recent months, the Haitian community has garnered national attention in the U.S. because of their fight to extend TPS designation for some 60,000 Haitians living in the country.
In November, the community was once again thrust into the spotlight following alleged comments from Trump calling the Haiti a “shithole” country.
“I’m humbled by this recognition,” Andre said. “I’m proud that Garry, who is a mentor and friend, has entrusted me in fulfilling his vision for the Haitian Times.”