Our United Way’s CIAT Bridges Gaps and Empowers Communities
Haitian Heritage Month is coming to a close, and every year, United Way of Broward County joins this national celebration of honoring the history, culture, and contributions of the Haitian community. With over 120,000 Haitian-Americans residing in our community, this month-long observance is an important time for reflection, education, and festivity.
The celebration of Haitian Heritage Month usually starts on Haitian Flag Day on May 18, and this date marks the creation of the Haitian flag in 1803, a symbol of unity and independence during the Haitian Revolution.
Haiti holds a unique place in history as the first independent Black republic, gaining freedom from French colonial rule in 1804. Its victory in the Haitian Revolution was both a triumph for the people of Haiti and a beacon of hope for enslaved people around the world, and its impact influenced abolitionist movements and inspired oppressed communities to fight for their rights.
Haitian Heritage Month provides an opportunity for Haitians and non-Haitians to learn about Haiti’s struggles, triumphs, resilience, and cultural richness. Throughout the month, various organizations highlight Haitian heritage through parades, cultural festivals, educational workshops, flag-raising ceremonies, art exhibitions, and events with live music and traditional dance performances.
Broward County’s vibrant population of Haitian-Americans has significantly contributed to our community’s economy and cultural landscape — deeply involved in business, education, healthcare, and the arts. And many Haitian-owned businesses are thriving in areas like Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach.
Despite a variety of social and economic challenges, the Haitian-American community in Broward County remains strong and united, and United Way of Broward County is committed to creating better opportunities and supporting personal well-being for every person in our community.
Our United Way celebrates and supports Haitian-Americans every day of the year through our Creole Initiative Action Team (CIAT). A part of our United Way’s Commission on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention,
CIAT-Inyon Lakay is it is a community-building initiative empowering people in the Haitian community to live safe, healthy, and drug-free.
CIAT fosters collaboration among educators, healthcare professionals, faith-based organizations, and policymakers to provide critical resources and mental health support. Mental health remains a taboo topic in many communities, including among Haitian-Americans, and CIAT promotes stigma-free conversations about mental health and the prevention of substance use prevention as well as delivers culturally relevant outreach.
CIAT’s annual Koze Sou Sante Mantal Conference is a powerful event connecting Creole-speaking providers with people in the Haitian community. This dynamic conference is designed to increase awareness and positive outcomes related to mental and behavioral health.
Koze Sou Sante Mantal is a collaboration among United Way of Broward County’s Commission on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention, Broward Behavioral Health Coalition, and the Florida Department of Children and Families.
By working with these great community partners, our United Way is bringing access to vital mental health services and substance use prevention programs to the Haitian community. By bridging gaps between providers and the Haitian-American community, we are empowering individuals to seek help without fear of judgment.
This educational, festive, and free event will take place on Saturday, July 26 from 9 am to 4 pm at the Pompano Cultural Arts Center. This conference will offer full day of engagement, including:
- speakers and personalities from the Haitian community
- sessions focused on mental health awareness and substance use prevention
- networking opportunities for Haitian Creole-speaking professionals and community members
- free resources, including books, parent guides, and wellness materials
- entertainment, including music and prize giveaways
Click here for more details and registration information on CIAT’s Koze Sou Sante Mantal Conference. By providing a wide range of support, raising awareness, and fostering connections, this conference is a powerful step toward building a healthier, stigma-free future — and one example of how our United Way is creating a better Broward for everyone who lives here.
Happy Haitian Heritage Month!
