Local Fundraiser Served Up Traditional Soup For Haitian Independence Day

BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A special fundraiser at Rhythm ‘n Wraps in Allston on Friday served up traditional Haitian soup, warming up bowls and souls.

The Soup Joumou Fundraiser was organized by local emcee Kerveen Saint-Phard (Paranomsun), honoring Haitian Independence Day on Jan. 1.

“Soup joumou, [also know as] freedom soup, is actually the essential dish we have every first of January, and it pretty much symbolizes our freedom,” he told WBZ NewsRadio, adding that it was the dish enslaved Haitians ate to celebrate their liberation from France in 1804.

Saint-Phard, who used to work at Rhythm ‘m Wraps, is also the owner of Saintz Kitchen, a plant-based meal service based out of Lynn.

“I just wanted to do something that we usually do and have something positive attached to it,” he continued.

All the proceeds raised from Friday’s fundraise will go towards P4H (Pray for Haiti) Global, a non-profit that trains educators and leaders to help with sustainable development in communities in Haiti.

“I like connecting with my people and doing things that make me feel motivated,” Saint-Phard said.

WBZ NewsRadio’s Emma Friedman (@EmmaFriedmanWBZ) reports.