The Haitian American Student Association (HASA), a Brooklyn College Student Organization, not only adds to to the social atmosphere of the school but does charitable deeds, as well.
“HASA is a club that highlights Haitian culture and educates the Brooklyn College community about our culture,” said Michaella Dauphin, the president of the organization.
Like the average student club, HASA does a great deal of socializing. The club’s headquarters is a place where students can hangout and unwind during their spare time. It also hosts various events such as “Kompa Nite,” a party where students indulge in Haitian music and dance.
But besides these recreational activities, HASA organizes events that help people both academically and economically.
The organization arranged a “Career Day.” At this event, high school students are introduced to various professionals who then conduct workshops educating the students about their field. “If someone wants to go into law, we bring lawyers and cops,” said Dauphin. “If they like medicine we bring doctors. Education—teachers. The list goes on.”
Not only does HASA educate the youth, giving them invaluable knowledge to help better their futures, they aid those in desperate times of need.
Just this past summer, HASA sent hurricane relief to Haiti. Its members rallied together and started a campaign evoking all to help. Canned goods and clothes were sent to the island which helped numerous families.
For the future, HASA is planning to throw a party in which the proceeds will go to a “legit” charity in Haiti, said former vice president Valery Molière. It will be held at Pepper’s Lounge, a nightclub in New York City, on Jan. 17. Like previous efforts, this event will help aide in hurricane relief.
While at the moment they are unsure of which charity they will assist, one can be sure that whoever receives the profit will definitely benefit.
In such times of economic need Dauphin notes that the efforts of HASA are more of a needed but harder to give.
“Times are hard and nobody wants to give out money, they want to keep it in their pockets,” says the president. “But there’s other ways to give. If anything, we will surely be giving our time.”