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DC Carnival 2003

Howard University HSA

T-Vice 2003: Forever

Haitian Sensation Association
3523 Leslie Way,
Suite 102
Laurel, MD 20724
Tel: 240-938-6798
Fax: 301-617-9758

After a winter of turmoil in Haiti, the gentle breeze of spring is bringing a renewed sense of celebration to the DC area Haitian community. The newly formed Haitian Sensation Association is preparing to represent Haitian culture in the DC Caribbean Carnival.

For the past few years WACAHAPA, Washington Carnival Haitian Participation organization, has done a commendable job representing the community at the Caribbean carnival, but this year a group of young, energetic, and determined men and women are willing to also represent. Many of them are looking for a change in how the community is represented. With the political struggles in Haiti now away from the headlines, the community is starting to emerge from their hibernation to meet, greet, and celebrate.

Headed by George Bazile. Farah Moise, Roseland Plesimond, and Elizabeth Arty, Haitian Sensation Association has started raising funds and doing fundraising parties to make this 2004 a true celebration of Haitian culture at the carnival. “We are a group of young Haitians, who grew up in the Greater Washington DC area, and we would like to represent our culture and society through the DC Caribbean Carnival. Our goal is to educate, instruct, coordinate, and implement programs of culture and related activities. We will inform the general public and our community about Haitian art and culture through our music and dance.”

In a true sense of support, on a Friday night at Sahara Oasis restaurant in Hyattsville, Maryland, many showed up to support the new organization. Members of the Association of Haitian Professionals, the new konpa bands Trankill and Rafreshi, and Howard University students, all came out to support the effort and dance to music of DJ Jean-Michel.

The bicentennial year was supposed to be a year of full-scale celebration of Haitian culture, and the Haitian Sensation Association is continuing with that agenda. The youthful association is determined to make their mark at the DC Caribbean Carnival, as well as taking a stab at the leadership of the community.