Saturday, October 3, 2026
More than 60 people filled the meeting room at the Uniondale Public Library — standing along walls and crowding near the back doors — as the library opened Haitian Heritage Month with an evening of music, dance and art that transformed the normally quiet space into a celebration of Haitian culture.
The May 3 event also served as a preview for Haitian artist Frenal Mezilas, whose artwork will be featured in a larger exhibition at the library on June 5. Pieces of his work lined the room as guests arrived, giving attendees an early look at the upcoming exhibit while performers took turns in the meeting room, which is not the usual space for concerts, as it is usually held upstairs for 30 people.
“It is truly an honor and job to welcome you all to the launch of our Haitian heritage month here at the Uniondale public library,” Maria Sonia Saint-Rose Bienvil. “The “Uniondale library cares about the Haitian community here”
Saint-Rose Bienvil recited a poem by Haitian writer and poet Gary Daniel. He is associated with Haitian Creole literature. While Mezilas performed stand-up comedy, which drew the large crown to laughter. Also called, “blague,” which directly translates into joke or nonsense talk. Both performances were spoken in their native tongue, Creole.
Sister Frantzcie Altidor-Wagnac presented the opening prayer. She is one of the sisters and leaders at Maranatha Grace Church in Uniondale .
“Father God, we thank you for this opportunity,” she recited. “That you have given us to gather together as your people to celebrate your goodness and to enjoy everything that is about to take place.”
She continued to bless that without God, they cannot do anything and thanked for all the things to come their way.
Sr. Sherley Francois recited the United States and Haiti National Anthem called La Dessalinienne. The history of the anthem was selected at a nationwide competition in 1903. It honored Jean-Jacques Dessalines who was the revolutionary leader who led Haiti to independence from France, one hundred years before.
Middle of the celebration Alexandra performed a traditional dance throughout the libraries meeting room. She represented Haiti by wearing a flowing dress of the flag’s colors, red and blue.
Following Alexadra’s, there were special guest performances by Jazzyjoz and Antoine Joash Bienvil, known as JayFlexn, 14, rising singer and songwriter. He performed several original songs along with traditional Haitian songs. Bienvil started rapping at five-years-old keeping it going as he has over 100 thousand views on YouTube.
