{"id":200896,"date":"2026-04-17T16:51:41","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T16:51:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/200896\/"},"modified":"2026-04-17T16:51:41","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T16:51:41","slug":"brooklyn-fetes-haitis-nazon-ahead-of-world-cup-caribbean-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/200896\/","title":{"rendered":"Brooklyn fetes Haiti\u2019s Nazon ahead of World Cup \u2013 Caribbean Life"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Duckens\t\t<\/a>\t<\/p>\n

Duckens Nazon signs a Haitian flag at the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA) Gallery + Caf\u00e9 in Brooklyn during \u201cA Night for Haiti\u201d event on April 13, 2026.\n<\/p>\n

Photo by Orlande Fleury<\/p>\n

Haitian American elected officials, community leaders, and cultural influencers gathered at the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA) Gallery + Caf\u00e9 in Brooklyn on April 13, 2026 for \u201cA Night for Haiti,\u201d a vibrant celebration honoring Haitian football star Duckens Nazon ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n

Among those in attendance were New York State Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, New York City Council Member Farah Louis, District Leader Josue Pierre, and Debbie Louis. Debbie Louis serves as assistant secretary of intergovernmental affairs at the New York State Executive Chamber and is an adjunct professor at York College.<\/p>\n

The invitation-only event sparkled with excitement as media figures, civic leaders, and members of the Haitian diaspora gathered to joyfully celebrate Nazon\u2019s achievements and Haiti\u2019s long-awaited return to the world\u2019s biggest soccer stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a night for Haiti, a night of Black excellence, success, and resilience,\u201d said Debbie Louis in an interview with Caribbean Life Newspaper.<\/p>\n

\"DuckensDuckens Nazon addresses the crowd at the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA) Gallery + Caf\u00e9 in Brooklyn for \u201cA Night for Haiti\u201d event. Photo by Orlande Fleury<\/p>\n

Haiti is set to compete in the FIFA World Cup for the first time in over 50 years. The country\u2019s only previous appearance was in 1974 in West Germany. Haiti officially qualified for the 2026 tournament on Nov. 19, 2025. They secured their place with a 2\u20130 victory over Nicaragua during CONCACAF qualifiers and finished at the top of their group.<\/p>\n

With the nation eagerly preparing for its long-awaited return, the Brooklyn event shone as a vibrant celebration of Haitian pride and a heartfelt recognition of one of its most influential athletes.<\/p>\n

Nazon, Haiti\u2019s all-time leading goal scorer, is expected to play a key role for Haiti at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He was recently honored with the Key to the City of North Miami Beach on April 11, 2026. This award recognizes his impact on international soccer and the Haitian community.<\/p>\n

During the event, elected officials enthusiastically presented formal citations and proclamations in honor of Nazon\u2019s outstanding contributions to the sport and Haitian national pride.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday we celebrate not only Haiti\u2019s return to the World Cup after years of absence, but also one of the great players making this possible, Duckens Nazon,\u201d said Josue Pierre, District Leader for the 42nd Assembly District.<\/p>\n

\"AssemblyAssembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn poses with Haitian soccer star Duckens Nazon after presenting him with a citation. Photo by Orlande Fleury<\/p>\n

Assembly Member Bichotte Hermelyn praised both Nazon and the Haitian national team.<\/p>\n

\u201cDuckens, we are here to honor you, and we honor the entire Haitian national football team, a team that embodies courage, that fights not just for victory but for identity,\u201d she said. \u201cBecause of your leadership in 2026, the world won\u2019t just hear about Haiti\u2019s struggles; they will see Haiti\u2019s strength on the world stage,\u201d said Bichotte Hermelyn.<\/p>\n

She added, \u201cFor 52 years, our nation has waited to return to the world\u2019s biggest stage. Through trials that would have broken others, you have remained resilient. You are Haiti\u2019s all-time leading scorer, and you represent courage and perseverance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"DebbieDebbie Louis and Council Member Farah Louis pose with Duckens Nazon following a citation presentation.Photo by Orlande Fleury<\/p>\n

Council Member Farah Louis highlighted the broader cultural significance of the moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cTonight is not just about sports. It\u2019s about pride, representation, and the global presence of the Haitian community,\u201d she said. \u201cAs we look ahead to the World Cup, we are witnessing Haiti on one of the greatest stages in the world. That moment carries hope, history, and resilience.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nazon expressed confidence and pride as he prepared to represent Haiti internationally. \u201cI am here to represent Haiti, to play and to win. My teammates are ready. We\u2019re not afraid. The world will see Haiti,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\"DistrictDistrict Leader Josue Pierre poses with Duckens Nazon.Photo by Orlande Fleury<\/p>\n

Organizers and attendees said the event joyfully celebrated athletic excellence and proudly honored Haiti\u2019s vibrant cultural influence and far-reaching global impact. As Haiti prepares for the 2026 World Cup, leaders and supporters say the occasion bursts with more than sport; it stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, unity, and Haiti\u2019s triumphant presence on the world stage.<\/p>\n

The event featured a lively, curated reception catered by Rogers Burgers.<\/a> Guests enthusiastically described the intimate gathering as impactful, celebrating the profound unity and pride of the Haitian community.<\/p>\n

The event would not have been possible without Mickael Marabou<\/a>, who played a significant role in bringing the evening together. \u00a0Marabou<\/a> is a Haitian-American artist, creative, and cultural ambassador. She is recognized for her signature \u201cAfro Krey\u00f2l\u201d sound, blending Caribbean, Afrobeat, and global influences. Additionally, she recently made history as the first Caribbean artist to lead an Audiomack Connect event in New York City, further solidifying her impact on the global music and cultural landscape.<\/p>\n

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