521W Olney Ave. Philadelphia PA 19120
Tel: (267) 312-0693 Fax: (215) 224-2309
Tel: (267) 312-0693 Fax: (215) 224-2309
E-Mail: haitianchc@MSN.com
A proceed of this Award’s ceremony is going toward our Community Help Center in Haiti
Organizational Background
HCHC was created to meet the many needs of Haitians and Haitian Americans who live in the Philadelphia and Delaware Valley. Mr. Emmanuel Polection, Founder and Executive Director, who after having resided in Philadelphia from Haiti for over 24 years, realized the lack of assistance and supports within the vast and growing Haitian Community of Philadelphia, developed the concept of this organization in 2003. Coupled with his technical expertise (M.S., Administration of Human Services) and the support of many other talented community leaders and activists, the HCHC officially became a 501(c) (3), non-profit organization and opened its doors in January 2003.
Who we are
HCHC is a non-profit entity working solely to enhance the quality of life of Philadelphians—both Haitian and non-Haitian—physically, socially, mentally, and economically. This is evident in its mission and goals, which are primarily to make known the collective voice of the community at-large in Philadelphia and to provide a medium of networking for all Haitians living in this area.
What we do
Since its inception, HCHC has served over 4000 individuals in various capacities through the following services:
Immigration counseling and referrals
Job preparation and job placement
Document translation (French, Creole, and Spanish)
Recreational services to different age groups
After-school tutoring program
GED/English at Second Language Classes
Beginner Computer Classes
“Step-by-Step Program”—mentoring service for young Haitians who need assistance successfully and gracefully transitioning from Haitian to American culture.
“Haitians Helping Haitians Program” (HHH)—mentoring/peer support developed by creating an internal network of Haitian professionals in Delaware Valley to young and middle-aged Haitian and Haitian Americans.
Project Strategy
Since 2005, HCHC has rallied the support of volunteers, local partners, the private sector, and artist promoters in sharing in the vision of formally recognizing our artists. As a result of this mobilizing effort, HCHC has received this year the official support of Mr. E Production and key members of the community. The production of Mr. E has agreed to contribute this year financial resources as well as in kind donation to include artists living in Haiti in this event. Essentially, HCHC has identified 155 artists from United States, Canada, and Haiti who will go through a rigorous round of evaluations. Artists will be divided into different judging categories, such as: Best Lyrics, Best Video, Best Group, Best Female Vocalist, Best Male Vocalist, Community-Service Oriented, Best Song of the Year, Best Traditional (Haitian-style) song, Best Supporting Vocalists, Best in Contemporary, and Best in Other Music Genre. Each category will be narrowed down to 5 nominees, where all nominees will be present during the awards ceremony. The names of the pre qualifies will be called and the winner will be known for each category. HCHC and Mr. E Production will organize different committees. Each committee will be responsible for a set number of activities. They include: Search and Selection Committee: responsible for surveying well-known local artists in each community and for nominating them into their respective categories; Promotion Committee: is responsible for promoting event, especially among artists and the Haitian communities at-large; Fund-Raising Committee: responsible for raising funds for the awards ceremony (awards, facility rental, etc.); and the Panel of Judges: responsible for narrowing down the nominees per category into four (5) final nominees. Note that the Panel of Judges will have to make their nominating decisions one (1) month prior to the awards ceremony so that HCHC can conduct surveys (web-based, etc.) among the communities to determine the winner per category. Special awards will be given to the: Oldest Artist, Most Achieved Artist of the Year (2010), and Youngest Artist. HCHC will invite special guest artists coming from United States, Canada, and Haiti to perform for the event. Special guests such as Samuel Dalembert, Wyclef Jean, and other Caribbean or African celebrities will be invited to present awards to the gospel stars.
Awards Logistics
Beginning the third week of January, the Search and Selection Committee will begin their search of finding artists to be nominated. Simultaneously, Staff will work diligently to reach out to churches, sectarian organizations, the local Christian Bookstores, other Christian Award Producers, and other interested stakeholders to begin finding the necessary guidance and financial support needed to make this awards ceremony a success. The Fund-Raising Committee will begin planning small monthly fund-raisers to raise funds needed for the logistics, purchase of awards, flyers, invitations, tickets, and other awards ceremony-related costs. The Chair of this Committee will also be responsible for contacting and inviting the special guests mentioned above.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, September 18, 2010, from 7 to 11 pm. It is envisioned that through proper planning and strategic effort put forth, this event will continue to be the demand-driven and HCHC, HGMMA and Mr. E Production will be able to continue this program on an annual basis.
Haitian Community Help Center
1263 E Chelten Ave. Philadelphia PA 19138
Tel: (215) 224-4971 Fax: (215) 224-3571
e-Mail: haitianchc@MSN.com
haitianmusicawards@yahoo.com
A heavenly Weekend in Philadelphia
