“Community work is the work of a marathon runner, it’s not sprinting: after 100 meters, you’ll be out of breath! »
Marjorie Villefranche laughs, amused by this metaphor that she often repeats to new employees she meets. It must be said that the director general of the Maison d’Haïti has seen snow since the beginning of her involvement with the organization in the 1970s.
The duty the meeting at the Tohu performance hall, Saturday afternoon, as part of the celebrations of the half-century of existence of the institution whose mission remains the same as when it was founded: to welcome Haitians and immigrants in Quebec and improve their living conditions.
“For me, 50 years old means that we are good marathon runners,” rejoices Ms. Villefranche. We held on, we follow the rhythm. Defining itself as anti-racist and feminist, the organization offers services to newcomers, such as help with completing immigration papers or finding accommodation, registration for francization courses or help with homework. . Day camps for children are also offered.
For Ms. Villefranche, who has been defending the interests of black communities for decades, the past few years have been synonymous with an openness to the cause in Quebec. “There is a momentum that has been created by the George Floyd affair [en 2020]. There is a door that has opened ajar, and you have to rush in and never close it, ”she says with a smile.
She cites the example of Black History Month, which takes place in February each year and is experiencing increasing visibility. “In the media, it went from something literally folkloric to something important,” she notes. “When it started, we barely talked about it in the newspapers, it was marginal. Now it has great visibility and there are artistic programs based around it. »
Pay it forward
Met on the spot, Pierre André is full of praise for the Maison d’Haïti. Arrived in Quebec in 2022, he benefited from their advice. “I was taken care of completely, the service is perfect,” he enthuses. “They helped me by giving me information, informing me about my lawyer and teaching me things about Quebec culture,” he adds.
Today, he volunteers for the organization. “I try to give other people the help that the Maison d’Haïti has given me. »
Special programming
The programming of the 50e Maison d’Haïti’s anniversary included various activities at the Tohu, on rue Jarry. On the big stage of the room, two round tables took place in the afternoon in front of about twenty people. Held in an intimate atmosphere, the panels focused on “Resistances of black communities over time in Montreal: alliances, strategies and transmissions”.
Various personalities of Haitian origin and of various ages spoke there, in particular about their backgrounds and what led them to get involved for black communities in Quebec.
The day of celebrations included other activities, including activities for children in the morning and the opening of an exhibition of artists of Haitian origin, at the end of the afternoon.
A gala to celebrate the success of black communities in Quebec is held in the evening to conclude the event. The former Governor General of Canada Michaëlle Jean, Senator Marie Françoise Mégie and the Minister responsible for the Fight against Racism, Christopher Skeete, will notably be present.
The event is sold out and should welcome nearly 900 people. “We are going to honor the members and former members of the board of directors, then there will be a show, explains Ms. Villefranche. You have to spoil yourself. She smiles, then she adds: “Black joy! »