As the first quarter of the year comes to a close, one thing is clear: the volunteers of ITIAH Angels for Learning (IAFL) have been hard at work. From community celebrations to school events and meaningful acts of generosity, our team has been actively building awareness for our mission while strengthening the connections that make our work possible.
Celebrating the New Year and Haiti’s Independence
We began the year in the most meaningful way by gathering friends, families, and supporters on New Year’s Day to celebrate both the new year and Haiti’s Independence Day. The event was filled with warmth, culture, and community spirit.
Of course, no Haitian Independence celebration would be complete without Soup Joumou, the beloved traditional soup that symbolizes freedom and resilience. This iconic dish, enjoyed across Haiti every January 1st, was shared generously among guests, bringing everyone together around a powerful cultural tradition. It was a wonderful moment to reflect on heritage while introducing new friends to the spirit of Haiti.
A Meaningful Presence During Black History Month
February proved to be an equally vibrant and active month for IAFL volunteers.
The month began with our participation in the Robbinsville High School Black History Month Festival, organized by the school’s Robbinsville High School Black Culture Club. The festival brought the community together in celebration of culture, entrepreneurship, and artistic expression. Visitors enjoyed artisan crafts, local food vendors, small business showcases, and inspiring performances by the talented dancers of Tiffany & Co. Academy of Dance.
One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity to meet Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy, who shared her personal journey and aspirations as a public servant. Her dedication to community service resonated strongly with our own mission and reinforced the importance of civic engagement and leadership.
Pages from the Heart: A Gift of Literacy
Valentine’s Day brought another special moment for IAFL. On February 14th, our volunteers gathered at P23 Boba Tea to host an event called “Pages from the Heart.”
The event was inspired by the generosity of one of our student volunteers Sneha Sailesh, from the Robotics team at Robbinsville High School, who through her initiative Booksforafriend.org collected approximately 150 picture books for children in Haiti. These books will soon be shipped to the students we support through IAFL.
For many children, picture books are more than just stories. They are gateways to language, imagination, and discovery. Through these colorful pages, students will have the opportunity to learn new English words while exploring the joy of reading. Sneha’s thoughtful act of kindness is a beautiful reminder that compassion and leadership can begin at any age.
Celebrating Culture and Unity in Lawrence Township
Our volunteers also participated in the Lawrence High School Black History Celebration, now in its 13th year. The evening was filled with extraordinary performances that energized the entire auditorium.
The program’s theme, “The Power of Us: Building Tomorrow from Yesterday’s Strength,” beautifully reflected the spirit of unity and cultural pride that filled the room. The event blended performances, cultural expression, and community vendors into a powerful celebration of heritage.
The evening was further elevated by the inspirational words of keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Charles F. Boyer of the Greater Mt. Zion AME Church of Trenton, whose message reminded everyone of the importance of collective strength and social responsibility.
One of the most memorable moments of the night came when the Lawrence choir delivered a soulful performance of a song titled “Ayibobo.” For those familiar with Haitian culture, the meaning resonated deeply. As the voices filled the auditorium, the performances celebrated unity among Africans, African Americans, and Afro-Latinos, an uplifting tribute to shared heritage and solidarity.
Thank you Ms. Zanetta Pierce – LHS Black History Vendor Liaison for including IAFL in this amazing event.
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