The First Annual Creole Image Honors

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“Honneur… Respect…”

The Red Carpet was a buzz as Honorees and known personalities within the Haitian community came together to recognize and celebrate the noteworthy achievement of ten distinguished members of our community.

On Sunday October 8, 2017, Creole Image held its First Annual Honors ceremony. The event took place in Passaic, NJ and celebrated the achievements of Haitians/Haitian-Americans in Film, Art, Music, the Sciences and Public Service. The event was founded by, Nafeeza Holder and Fred Raphael, was presented by First Republic Works to honor pathfinding Haitians dedicated to uplifting the Haitian culture and shedding a positive light on the country and its people.

Photo credit: Haitiville.com (All rights reserved.)
Inspirational speaker and social service advocate, Stanley Neron hosted the ceremony with Haitian-American singer/songwriter Sybelle. Highlights from the evening included a moving and inspirational speech by Betty Jean. Ms. Jean, a breast cancer survivor, spoke of her journey and how it led to the work she currently focuses on to empower women and children. Honorees, Judge Sibyl M. Elias and Kangol Kid, referenced the trials of growing up Haitian in America during the 1980s, moving past the stereotypes and achieving their dreams. Each speech echoed the strength of the Haitian people and the sense of responsibility each felt to pay homage to the legacy of our forefathers.

Photo credit: Haitiville.com (All rights reserved.)
The Honorees:

* Kervin Andre (@akomicsart) a gifted visual artist is recognized for his brand, AkomicsArt. He is known for showcasing Haiti’s rich history and culture through his work.

* Doctor Ruth Celestin is a certified and nationally recognized plastic surgeon located in the Cobb County, GA area. She was born in New York and earned her medical degree at New Jersey Medical School.

* Joseph M. Champagne is a Haitian attorney and former Mayor of Toms River, NJ. Mr. Champagne (@chamoagnehjoseph) focuses on immigration and family law.

* Chef Stephan Durand (@haitianchef) is an award winning and highly acclaimed Chef and Culinary Ambassador. He is dedicated to bringing attention to the riches of Haiti’s gastronomy.

* Honorable Judge Sibyl M. Elias is a Haitian Judge, presently serving as a judge on the East Orange Municipal Court. She became the first ever Haitian-American Jurist to sit on the Municipal Court in NJ.

* Grammy nominated singer, songwriter and composer Melky Jean (@therealmelkyjean). Ms. Jean is the founder of Carma Foundation, an organization focused on helping women and children in Haiti.

* Hip-Hop artist Kangol Kid (@yokangol). Kangol and his group U.T.F.O are best known for their Top 10 hit “Roxanne, Roxanne.”

* Bergson Leneus (@haitianking80) is a Haitian-American property manager and community leader in the City of East Orange, NJ.

* Carel Pedre (@carelperde) is a Haitian radio and tv personality. He is well known for his work as host of Radio One’s @chokarella.

* Haitian comedian Wil Sylvince (@wilsylvince) is known around the world from his appearances on SHOWTIME, HBO’s DEF COMEDY JAM and COMEDY CENTRAL.

Honorable Mentions:

* Betty Jean is a NJ Licensed Counselor focused on helping women and children move from broken to healed.

* The Federation Haitienne de Basketball (FHB)/Haitian Basketball Federation founded in 1951 is a non-governmental, non-profit organization with a goal to developing the game of Basketball in Haiti.

Photo credit: Haitiville.com (All rights reserved.)
Honorees enjoyed a big evening as they were entertained by singer (and host) Sybelle, singer Mickaelle Cartright and violinist Bri Blvck. Accompanied by IETBand, singer Anie Alerte had the guests on their feet as she opened the Creole Image after party.

The event was planned and beautifully curated by Mimi Planned Events, Weddings by Natasha and Points of Creation Events. Public Relations was handled by SK Public Relations and the media sponsor for the First Annual Creole Image Honors was YAC Radio, Inc.

It was an amazing evening filled with beautiful speeches and wonderful accolades. It’s genius that Creole Image was established to honor distinction in a sometimes unrecognized but overly deserving community. The talents of Haitians, in a host of industries, can now be applauded in an annual celebration. Without a doubt, we look forward to next year’s ceremony and a new class of Honorees.

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Event Sponsors: Aella Gold Kremas, Dnalsi, Vodkila, McKayla Studios, Lori Diamond, Who’s Styling Who, Music Speaks Power, and Gil Rios Productions.

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