As the music starts, you can witness the energy growing on the dance room floor. Gentlemen are dancing with beautiful women in a ballroom setting, and a mental note is made that this is a night to remember. This is how Daniel Menard, a board member of the Haitian Student Association, describes HaSA Night.
The event is an annual banquet held to promote the riches of Haitian culture, according to Darnell Charles, a junior English major and educational coordinator of the Haitian Student Association.
“This is our outlet to entertain and educate the campus community, and our off-campus patrons,” he said. “Students can expect good food, performances and traditional Kompa music.”
Students, Charles said, should attend HaSA Night simply to learn to appreciate a historic and rich culture.
“This year especially, our theme is painting a positive picture of Haiti, not commonly represented in the media,” he said. “Haiti has had its political, social and economic problems in the past, and unfortunately, this is the only image people see.”
Menard, a junior political science major and public relations adviser for the HaSA, agreed.
“Haiti was the first black country to banish slavery,” he said “This country has bought influential change across the world.”
The year’s theme for the annual HaSA banquet is “Ayiti cherie” from the language of Haitian Creole which translates to “Haiti my love.”
The banquet will include a performance from the Black Dance Repertoire, a student dance group on campus, said Harley Lagredelle, a senior financial economics major and assistant treasurer of the HaSA.
“These fantastic student dancers will be performing a custom choreographed piece for this special night,” Lagredelle said.
The Gospel Choir Praise Team, a student singing group on campus, will also be performing, Lagredelle said.
“The angelic voices of the Gospel Choir Praise Team will set a nice tone on the evening,” Lagredelle said.
Lagredelle said a hilarious skit written by Ricky Da Costa, activities coordinator for the HaSA, will also be performed.
“The skit is designed to spread awareness of Haitian misconceptions while incorporating humor to make the event both entertaining and fun,” she said
The famous Haitian artist Sweet Micky, Lagredelle said, will be performing at the banquet.
“Personally, I am excited about Sweet Micky performing,” he said. “The artist makes rare appearances in our area, and I think students should take full advantage of this opportunity.”
Charles agreed.
“Sweet Micky is considered a legend in the Haitian musical genre of Kompa,” he said. “He has paved the way for newer artists in the past and is still very respected by our generation.”
Traditional Caribbean food will be provided at the event.
According to Menard, the food is one of the best dishes available at Binghamton University.
“The event represents everything good under the sun,” Menard said. “HaSA Night represents family, community, friends and a moment of love.”
Charles said students will gain an understanding of a culture that they may not be familiar with.
“And if they are, they will love it that much more,” he said.
Lagredelle agreed.
“People think that just because they are not Haitian or don’t understand the Haitian culture that they won’t truly appreciate the show, and that’s not the case,” he said. “After every show I hear and see people laughing and enjoying themselves, and to me, that’s fulfilling because I see people have gained a profound understanding of a culture different from their own.”