Me: I came across some great interviews on the Haiti Cultural Exchange (HCX) website and YouTube channel. I’d love to know more about what you do, why you do it, and the ultimate goal of your organization.

Kassandra Kalil: Thank you for asking. Defining an “ultimate goal” in cultural work is complex because culture is constantly evolving. At HCX, we aim to contribute to a thriving cultural landscape. We’ve been doing this since our founding in 2009 by creating platforms that showcase Haitian culture through events like film festivals, music series, and artist exchanges. For example, HCX  NY brings Haitian artists to the U.S. to share their work in real time, emphasizing Haiti’s present and future, not just its past.

Our mission is to present Haitian culture and expression locally and globally. New York City is considered a Caribbean hub by many anthropologists, so it’s vital for Haitian Americans and the diaspora here to see their culture represented and celebrated. At HCX, we don’t shy away from tough conversations, even when our programs are joyful. For instance, exhibitions like “Rasanble” explore themes like displacement and belonging, highlighting the realities faced by Haitians and the diaspora.

Me: That’s inspiring. Could you tell me about the challenges HCX faces, especially with funding and reaching wider audiences?

Kassandra: Running a nonprofit like ours comes with challenges. We spend a lot of time writing grants and rely on funding from foundations, government programs, and individual donations. A priority for us is to make 95% of our programming accessible through free or donation-based events. However, this requires significant effort and resources, and we operate with a small team.

As for reaching audiences, our presence is stronger among Haitian artists who know and appreciate our work. But we’re also working to connect with broader audiences, including non-artists and younger generations. We do a lot of outreach through social media, newsletters, and word of mouth. However, with our limited marketing budget, it’s not always easy to amplify our message.

Me: Speaking of younger generations, I’ve noticed that people my age, 20s and younger, have a strong connection to Haiti. Many of us want to learn more about our heritage and even return to Haiti, unlike some older members of the diaspora. Is this demographic a target audience for HCX?

Kassandra: Absolutely. The younger generation’s passion for exploring their heritage is incredibly motivating. Our audience is diverse and includes Haitian Creole, French, and English speakers. We aim to serve this dynamic audience by offering programming that resonates across these languages and cultures.

Me: What inspired you to join HCX?

Kassandra: I was born in Queens, New York, and moved to Curacao as a child. When I returned to New York, reconnecting with the Haitian community was essential for me. I joined HCX as an intern at 20, helping write some of the first grants. It was just getting started then, and it’s amazing to see how much it has grown since. Coming back to work here years later, I feel like I’m part of a family that’s still deeply committed to our mission.

Me: In 2024, with everything moving so quickly—especially with social media—how does HCX adapt to engage younger audiences?

Kassandra: Social media is a big part of how we reach younger audiences. We recognize that people want to explore their identities and connect with their heritage. Our programs are designed to provide that space for exploration while educating and celebrating Haitian culture. It’s not just about enjoying art but also understanding its origins and relevance.

Me: What would you like more people to know about HCX?

Kassandra: HCX is one of the only year-round multidisciplinary Haitian cultural organizations in the U.S. We started as an experiment and a call to action, and we’ve grown into something we couldn’t have imagined. But we need continuous support, whether through donations, attendance, or simply spreading the word.

Ultimately, I believe culture shapes policy. When we shift cultural perceptions, we pave the way for societal change. Organizations like HCX ensure that Haitian voices and stories are part of that shift, fostering understanding and a sense of belonging.

Me: Thank you, Kassandra. Your work is invaluable, and I hope more people discover and support Haiti Cultural Exchange.

Kassandra: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure sharing our story.

 

 

Me: I came across some great interviews on the Haiti Cultural Exchange (HCX) website and YouTube channel. I’d love to know more about what you do, why you do it, and the ultimate goal of your organization.

Kassandra Kalil: Thank you for asking. Defining an “ultimate goal” in cultural work is complex because culture is constantly evolving. At HCX, we aim to contribute to a thriving cultural landscape. We’ve been doing this since our founding in 2009 by creating platforms that showcase Haitian culture through events like film festivals, music series, and artist exchanges. For example, HCX  NY brings Haitian artists to the U.S. to share their work in real time, emphasizing Haiti’s present and future, not just its past.

Our mission is to present Haitian culture and expression locally and globally. New York City is considered a Caribbean hub by many anthropologists, so it’s vital for Haitian Americans and the diaspora here to see their culture represented and celebrated. At HCX, we don’t shy away from tough conversations, even when our programs are joyful. For instance, exhibitions like “Rasanble” explore themes like displacement and belonging, highlighting the realities faced by Haitians and the diaspora.

Me: That’s inspiring. Could you tell me about the challenges HCX faces, especially with funding and reaching wider audiences?

Kassandra: Running a nonprofit like ours comes with challenges. We spend a lot of time writing grants and rely on funding from foundations, government programs, and individual donations. A priority for us is to make 95% of our programming accessible through free or donation-based events. However, this requires significant effort and resources, and we operate with a small team.

As for reaching audiences, our presence is stronger among Haitian artists who know and appreciate our work. But we’re also working to connect with broader audiences, including non-artists and younger generations. We do a lot of outreach through social media, newsletters, and word of mouth. However, with our limited marketing budget, it’s not always easy to amplify our message.

Me: Speaking of younger generations, I’ve noticed that people my age, 20s and younger, have a strong connection to Haiti. Many of us want to learn more about our heritage and even return to Haiti, unlike some older members of the diaspora. Is this demographic a target audience for HCX?

Kassandra: Absolutely. The younger generation’s passion for exploring their heritage is incredibly motivating. Our audience is diverse and includes Haitian Creole, French, and English speakers. We aim to serve this dynamic audience by offering programming that resonates across these languages and cultures.

Me: What inspired you to join HCX?

Kassandra: I was born in Queens, New York, and moved to Curacao as a child. When I returned to New York, reconnecting with the Haitian community was essential for me. I joined HCX as an intern at 20, helping write some of the first grants. It was just getting started then, and it’s amazing to see how much it has grown since. Coming back to work here years later, I feel like I’m part of a family that’s still deeply committed to our mission.

Me: In 2024, with everything moving so quickly—especially with social media—how does HCX adapt to engage younger audiences?

Kassandra: Social media is a big part of how we reach younger audiences. We recognize that people want to explore their identities and connect with their heritage. Our programs are designed to provide that space for exploration while educating and celebrating Haitian culture. It’s not just about enjoying art but also understanding its origins and relevance.

Me: What would you like more people to know about HCX?

Kassandra: HCX is one of the only year-round multidisciplinary Haitian cultural organizations in the U.S. We started as an experiment and a call to action, and we’ve grown into something we couldn’t have imagined. But we need continuous support, whether through donations, attendance, or simply spreading the word.

Ultimately, I believe culture shapes policy. When we shift cultural perceptions, we pave the way for societal change. Organizations like HCX ensure that Haitian voices and stories are part of that shift, fostering understanding and a sense of belonging.

Me: Thank you, Kassandra. Your work is invaluable, and I hope more people discover and support Haiti Cultural Exchange.

Kassandra: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure sharing our story.