News Information

• NEWS_POSTED_BY: Haiti Place
• NEWS_POSTED_ON: Oct 10, 2015
• Views : 752
• Category : Diaspora News
• Description : Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte
  announces
  The Haitian Studies Institute (HSI)
  Takes Root at CUNY
  
  Efforts Underway to Document and Disseminate the Contributions of Haitians and Haitian Americans through Research
• Location : Brooklyn, NY, United States

Overview

• Brooklyn, NY - After years of trying to find a clearinghouse to document and disseminate the contributions of Haitian people here in Brooklyn, New York City and abroad, a sincere effort is underway beginning with a series of mini-conferences around Haitian history and culture, as a precursor to the possible establishment of a Haitian Studies Institute (HSI) in The City University of New York (CUNY) at Brooklyn College.
  
  "It takes a village and I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the many people that have come together to get us where we are today," said Assemblymember Bichotte. "Dr. Jean Yves Plaisir, along with Edu Hermelyn and myself have been fervent advocates in support of the Haitian Studies Institute at Brooklyn College, and have also been instrumental in the development of the proposal that will be presented to the CUNY Board of Trustees by the spring of 2016. In addition, I would also like to acknowledge the time and commitment of CUNY's Vice Chancellor Jay Hershenson, Brooklyn College's Dean Richard Greenwald and Steve Schechter and the HSI Planning Committee for their expert guidance and facilitation. The creation of a Haitian Studies Institute at Brooklyn College would be a dream come true. I am very grateful for the progress made thus far."
  
  Brooklyn College resides in the districts of State Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte, City Councilmember Jumaane D. Williams, State Senator Kevin Parker, and Congressmember Yvette Clarke and CUNY's Board of Trustee Dr. Una Clarke, all of whom have been extremely supportive of this effort.
  
  
  
  Photo Credit: Garry Pierre-Pierre
  
  
  The Formation of The Haitian Studies Institute
  An Executive Committee* comprised of faculty members from across CUNY met last spring, over the summer via a teleconference, and in person again in late-August to review the HSI draft proposal and recommend changes led by Dr. Yves Plaisir. The initial draft has been reviewed and commented by President Gould and Provost Tramontano. A larger Advisory Committee, comprised of additional faculty members from across CUNY and CUNY graduate students, will have an opportunity to do a final review before the proposal moves on to the next step, which is the submission to the CUNY University Provost and the Office of Academic Affairs for their review. After their review and approval, the HSI moves on to the appropriate CUNY Board Committee, then goes to the full Trustee Board for review, and approval is expected.
  
  
  Photo Credit: Vania Andre
  
  In August, the Executive Committee reviewed a number of proposals and, with funding from CUNY, has agreed to support the several events. Two events have been finalized:
  
  "Vision and Process of the Creation of the HSI" - BMCC ,
  Friday, October 9th, 10am-12pm, Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Scholarship, 199 Chambers Street, Room S-510D
  Email: send email
  
  
  "Images of Haiti in US Society" - NYC Tech/York College (@ City Tech), Thursday, October 15, 8am-2pm, 300 Jay Street, Atrium Amphitheater.
  
  The following events are being finalized:
  
  "Theater in Haitian-Creole"- Brooklyn College
  "The US Occupation of Hispaniola, 100 Years Later" - Queens/York
  
  Marie-Celie Agnant author visit - Lehman/CCNY
  
  In addition, a two-day conference is scheduled for April 14 - 16, 2016 to further promote and rally more support for the HSI. The conference will bring together a diverse group of scholars, educators, community leaders, business leaders, and elected officials. The first day of the conference will consist of an opening session and keynote address, the second day will consist of a plenary session and panel discussions, and the closing ceremonies.
  
  *Executive Committee
  
  
  Prof. Jean-Yves Plaisir, Education @ BMCC
  Prof. François Pierre-Louis, Political Science @ QC
  Prof. Margarett Alexandre, Nursing @ York
  Prof. Nicolas Biais, Science @ BC
  Prof. Carolle Charles, Sociology @ Baruch
  Prof. Jean F. Claude, Hospitality @ City Tech
  Prof. Prudence Cumberbatch, Africana Studies @ BC
  Prof. Frantz Leconte, Modern Languages @ KBCC
  Prof. Clement MBom, Modern Languages @ BC
  
  ###
  
  
  Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte represents the 42nd Assembly District in the New York State Assembly representing Brooklyn communities of Ditmas Park, Flatbush, East Flatbush and Midwood. She is currently the Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), and serves on the following committees: Housing, Government Operations, Economic Development, Small Businesses, Banks and Social Services. She is also the Vice Chair of the NYS Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators.
  
  As the current Assemblymember and District Leader, Rodneyse Bichotte has been outspoken advocate on issues concerning immigration, unemployment, education reform, health care access, senior citizen centers, affordable housing, women's and LGBTQ rights, as well as other issues affecting the quality of life in the community.
  
  Learn more about
  Rodneyse Bichotte by visiting her website at www.rodneysebichotte.com or http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Rodneyse-Bichotte