Click here to open and download PDF file
OR navigate pages below.

• 1
• 2-3
• 4-5
• 6-7
• 8-9
• 10-11
• 12-13
• 14-15

Visit our newsletter page to catch up on older editions

Haiti and Chicago, a historical connection that needs to be celebrated.

Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable was a free man of color, originally from the town of St. Marc in St. Domingue (present day Haiti). DuSable settled near the mouth of the Chicago River between 1778 and 1779. He and his Potawatomi wife, Kittihawa (Catherine) had a successful trading post there.

Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable is the first non-Native American settler of the area that we all know as Chicago. Unfortunately, the historical importance of his contribution is often overlooked and very much uncelebrated. Until now, that is…

The DuSable Heritage Association (DHA) has been collaborating with other organizations to establish the DuSable Park.

A project of this magnitude needs a lot of support and financial backing. It behooves all of us, and particularly Haitians considering the connection to Haiti, to support this effort that aims to celebrate a man of color and his accomplishments and legacy that have gone unrecognized for so many years.

Carmélite, Gaëlle and Gabrielle Dalmacy, residents of Grosse Pointe Woods (MI) and members of Haitian Network Group of Detroit have pledged to help raise $10,000 to support the creation of the DuSable Park in Chicago. This is certainly a worthy cause to fight for! Won’t you join them?

Donations can be made online or mail a check to HNGD 60 Milwaukee P.O. Box 2106 Detroit, MI 48202 (checks must be made out to HNGD; please add DuSable Park in the memo line)

Dear friends of Haiti,
We cannot thank you enough for your boundless generosity and for your love for the people of Haiti. 
As you know, back in August when the earthquake hit the southern portion of Haiti, HNGD sprang into action and immediately went into fundraising mode. 
We made our plea to you, and you responded without hesitation by making generous donations or by attending or by playing an active role in the incredible fundraising event that was organized by the Caribbean Community Service Center. 
Thanks to you, we raised a total of $17,741.20! This is no small feat! We commend you for playing a vital role in this relief effort.
Please consult the attached document to see how the funds will be distributed. Disbursement is scheduled to take place next week; we will keep you posted as we receive updates on how the earthquake victims benefited from your generosity.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The HNGD Board
Maggy Corkery
Alain Desvalons Mentor
Shirley Alcé Konaté
Janny Magloire Milton

Dear Friends,

The Coronavirus has taken all of us by surprise forcing us into self-isolation and wondering when and how it will all end. We have lost many things that a month ago we took for granted: loved ones, job, freedom to come and go as we please, a sense of control and so much more!

Do not despair this difficult moment will pass. Until then, try your best to make the most of this forced confinement; read the book that you never got to finish, play more with your children, call, text or chat with long lost friends, remind to you are close to how much you love them, go for walks in non-crowded areas, catch-up on movies, laugh, joke. Bottom line keep busy, keep living and stop focusing on the bad news that you are being bombarded with!

What is equally important is how we respond to this crisis; not as individuals, but as caring members of an amazing community. We implore you to remain calm, think of those in need while protecting yourself and those around you. Check on your friends, neighbors, those who are at risk, the elderly and the weak. Remember to keep in your prayers those who died alone, and their family members who are not able to grieve in a way that will bring them closure. Take time to thank the front-line workers who are seeing firsthand the magnitude of the devastation caused by COVID-19.

Remind yourself that where there is hope there is life. We are all in his together and we will come out stronger!

Stay safe, stay connected , stay strong!

The Board of Haitian Network Group