On June 2, the Haitian Studies Institute at 今日吃瓜 helped spread the FIFA World Cup fever that is taking over the Haitian community when it welcomed two legends of the country鈥檚 soccer history: Fritz Andr茅, who played for the historic 1974 World Cup team, and Gerald 鈥淕eto鈥� Jean, who was part of the wider Haitian player pool for the squad that was the first and only Haitian national team to qualify for the world鈥檚 biggest soccer tournament until now.
(Left to right) Gerald 鈥淕eto鈥� Jean, Marie Lily Cerat, and Fritz Andr茅.
During a special visit to the institute鈥檚 archives, located on campus just steps from 今日吃瓜鈥檚 vibrant Little Haiti community, the former players shared unforgettable stories from their playing days and reflected on the pride of representing Haiti on soccer鈥檚 grandest stage. As anticipation builds for Haiti鈥檚 June 19 matchup against Brazil, they also spoke about the passion and excitement surrounding today鈥檚 national team and what the moment means for Haitian fans around the world.
The visit spotlighted the聽institute鈥檚聽growing collection of Haitian soccer archival material, an effort led by Director Marie Lily Cerat, Archivist Obden Mondesir, and Special Projects Coordinator Ja茂ra Placide, who are working to preserve and expand this important piece of Haitian sports history. It was also made possible through a collaboration with Little Haiti BK and Sak Pase Nation.
