Club Kreyol students gathered around the John T. Washington Center on Monday to remember those fallen in the earthquake that hit Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010.
The large club featured an itinerary of speakers from the club’s executive board and a quiet candlelight vigil.
“Tonight, we are sharing the same skies as our brothers and sisters of Haiti,” Club Kreyol member Kenno Fertilini said in a speech.
For students, the impact of the earthquake has forever changed their lives.
Hadassa Romeus, a pre-law senior, says she was directly affected by the tragedy.
“I lost friends, family, everything I’ve known. I came here to say another goodbye,” Romeus said.
Romeus moved to the U.S. and later attended UCF after the effects of the earthquake. The 7.0 M earthquake was said to have affected 3 million Haitian citizens.
“I was in Port Au Prince (when it happened). It was strong, but not as strong as other parts of the island. I remember I just wanted to locate my dad mom and sister,” Romeus said. “I’m very pleased (the memorial happened) despite the bad weather to honor those we have lost.”
Later that night, Club Kreyol joined forces with the Orlando Haitian community to pay respects once more. Haitian American citizens, members the Haitian Consulate, the City Commissioner, and Chamber of Commerce gathered downtown for a performance from Club Kreyol members, food and a vigil.
Club Kreyol Executive Board member Rose Josue said that this day will also have an impact in the Orlando community.
“I would say we have a big Haitian community in Orlando. I’m not sure how long we’ve been planning this, but we definitely wanted to have a way to remember what happened,” Josue said.
To Ley Nezifort, a computer engineering junior, January 10 still brings the Haitian community together, even through loss.
“The ones living are not better than those who have fallen,” Nezifort said.
