Port-au-Prince, November 28, 2025.- Invited on Magik 9 this Friday, November 28, New York City Councillor Rita Joseph confirmed the tabling of resolution 987, aimed at making July 26 the Haitian Compas Day, an official day dedicated to konpa in New York. The proposal, which will be put to the vote on 4 December 2025, could offer Haitian culture one of the most significant institutional recognitions in its history in the city.
At a meeting of the Cultural Affairs Committee of the New York City Council, held on Thursday, 20 November, Rita Joseph presented the text to officially register July 26 as a Konpa Day in New York City.
Speaking on Magik 9, the Haitian-born advisor stressed the cultural and symbolic significance of this approach. According to her, konpa is not only a musical genre, but a major identity marker, a vector of social cohesion and a living heritage that accompanies the Haitian diaspora for several generations.
An institutional tribute to Haitian culture
Rita Joseph explains that this resolution will allow the city to organize major cultural activities every 26 July, including:
• lectures on the history of konpa;
• artistic performances;
• Community reunion days;
• events open to the public;
• major cultural events in iconic spaces, such as Eastern Parkway.
According to her, this day could become one of the great cultural celebrations in New York, like other Caribbean festivities already recognized.
A decisive vote expected on 4 December
Resolution 987 will be put to the vote of the New York City Council on December 4, 2025. The legislative body has 51 members, including four elected from Haitian origin. Rita Joseph expressed confidence in the adoption of the text, believing that the contribution of the Haitian community to the economic, social and cultural life of the city warranted broad support.
Recognition for 300,000 Haitians in New York
The councillor recalls that nearly 300,000 Haitians today live in New York, one of the city's most dynamic diasporas. An official recognition of the konpa would, she said, be a deserved tribute: « This initiative will bring happiness to the entire Haitian community in New York », she said.
W.A.
