By Sherri Cajuste
Special to the Reporter
The Toussaint Louverture Cultural Center (TLCC) of Massachusetts, a new hub for Haitian culture in Boston next to TD Garden, is planning to open to the public for the first time on Thurs., Feb. 13.
An initiative of Haitian Americans United, Inc. (H.A.U.) and partners meant to promote and preserve the rich and vibrant Haitian heritage, offer educational programming, and serve as a welcome center for visitors to the city, the 2,000-square-foot ground-level space, located on Lovejoy Wharf, will also include exhibition and retail space.
Organizers say the multipurpose center will give the larger community a place to gather and foster collaboration, cultural exchange, community services, and entrepreneurship.
Nancy Accime, vice chairperson of Haitian Americans United, said in an interview that the opening will be followed by a series of events in the spring and summer. A larger, grand opening celebration is in the works for May.
“We've raised over $300,000 and are less than halfway to our goal, but the incredible support from our community gives us confidence that we’ll continue to make great strides toward reaching our target and bringing this vision to life,” said Accime.
Marvin Mathelier, who will serve as the center’s executive director, is focused on expanding outreach programs, fostering community engagement, and preserving the history of Haitian culture through art and education.
Mathelier told The Reporter that the hope is to “to be right in the center of Boston right across from TD Garden and continuously being that cultural ambassador for Haiti to the rest of the world. We would also like to see if there could be a chance for expansion. With the place being only 2,000 square feet, we would love to eventually have more space to facilitate more programs and activities.”
Mathelier said one element that is underway is an art gallery with most of the works from independent artists in partnership with the Haitian Assembly of Massachusetts. The TLCC website notes that the center will also have a library that “will feature materials related to Haiti and the United States, Haitian literature, music, arts, and cultural aesthetics.” A gift shop is also planned.
The Haitian-themed storefront space was secured through a competitive bid process offered through the Boston Planning and Development Agency in September 2023. The lease agreement includes free rent for 25 years, with programming and other operations being maintained by the center.
Raising operational funds remains a pressing challenge, said Mathelier, who co-owns and runs a Jamaica Plain business, Ula Cafe.
“We're doing great as we just finished a campaign and raised a ton of money for the TLCC and we’re about to continue the campaign where it will lead to the opening of the center,” he said. “But just like with any business or organization, money comes and goes out quickly. After paying staff and other expenses, there isn't much left. We're trying to figure out a momentum on how to continuously generate income.”
City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, who has championed the center’s launch, said that its presence will offer an unprecedented platform for the “Haitian diaspora [that] has been here in Boston since the early 1950s.” She envisions the space hosting social events and panels on discussions that help more people learn about a city that has the second largest per capita Haitian population in the United States.
“It’s about time we have a community center for us and open to visitors to learn more about the Haitian community,” she said.
The center is named for Toussaint Louverture, considered one of the greatest Haitian leaders in history for his role in leading Haitian armed forces against French colonial forces during the revolution that secured Haiti’s independence.
Sherri Cajuste is the founder of Haitians of Boston, which partners with BostonHaitian.com and BNN, Inc. Follow Haitians of Boston on Instagram.