On Saturday, May 31st, 2014 students from the French Heritage Language Program (FHLP) at the International High School of Prospect Heights made their debut in the organization’s first ever benefit concert, Color My French at the Lycée Français de New York. The objective of this creative fundraiser was to bring attention to this non-profit organization and reveal the talents it has nurtured among its diverse youth.
The evening consisted of the students’ performance of Amidou and Toya, an original musical written and composed by jazz musician and FHLP teacher, Yacine Boulares. The concert also featured two guest performances from acclaimed francophone musicians, Jacques Schwarz-Bart and Emeline Michel. At Color My French, Ms. Michel, a singer and activist from Haiti, agreed to become the “marraine” (godmother), and celebrity sponsor of the French Heritage Language Program. The concert was followed by a cocktail reception with celebrity chef, Pierre Thiam. On this occasion, the program honored those whose contributions have been vital to its success: Jane Ross, Founder of the FHLP; Sean Lynch, Principal of the Lycée Français de New York; and Claire Sylvan, Director of the Internationals Network of Public Schools.
Color My French represents the mission of the French Heritage Language Program to unite French speakers of different ethnicities to embrace their origins and maintain their language. For over 8 years now, the FHLP has been offering free French classes to underserved francophone communities in New York City and across the United States. Despite an abundance of French classes, bilingual programs and the like, no previous program has reached out to this demographic of young, new immigrants. Program Director, Benoit Le Devedec explains, "Our target population, francophones from West Africa and Haiti, are often invisible, misunderstood and do not have access to the schools offering French, public or private, that are often located in wealthy or gentrifying neighborhoods. We have a duty to serve these Francophones, our program creates French classes where no one else does."
The FHLP students who performed Amidou & Toya recognize the impact of the program on their language capabilities. Ricardo, a 16 year old originally from Haiti explained, “ it helped me a lot with speaking French. I forgot it a little bit [before entering the program.]” Marline, also 16 and originally from Congo, echoed this sentiment, “ I’m not losing my French because of them.”
Color My French was the crowning achievement on a demanding year of preparation and rehearsal for the students of the FHLP at the International High School of Prospect Heights. Claudjena, another 16-year-old student described her feelings about the performing on stage, “that was amazing. It was life changing. When you work hard for something and you see the outcome, it’s great.” Ricardo also explained, “getting compliments from other people makes you feel good.” He, Claudjena, and Marline all plan to continue with the program.
Amidou & Toya reflected in its story the struggles of FHLP students to assimilate into American culture and maintain a connection to their origins. It ends with a triumphant elimination of cultural boundaries, which powerfully symbolizes the goals of the FHLP. The musical as well as the whole Color My French event show how the initiative is doing more than providing free French classes. FHLP is empowering new immigrants to make their bilingualism an asset in American society.
Take a look at some of the event photographs on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.548053285303987.1073741859.117834618325858&type=
Photo credits: © Cassandra Giraldo Photography
The French Heritage Language Program is an initiative of FACE (French American Cultural Exchange), a 501c3 non-profit organization based in New York, NY. For more information visit: http://www.facecouncil.org/fhlp/index.html
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