Atlanta’s Haitian Community Celebrates Historic World Cup Return

For the first time since 1974, Haiti has earned a place in the World Cup, and Atlanta’s Haitian community is using the moment to spotlight the country’s culture far beyond the soccer pitch.

Ahead of Haiti’s group-stage matchup against Morocco on Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, local leaders have transformed a downtown space into Haiti Haus, a cultural gathering place featuring food, music, community events and watch parties throughout the tournament.

Organizers say the goal is to use the international spotlight surrounding the World Cup to share a fuller picture of Haiti with visitors and residents alike.

“I want people to know that Haiti is a beautiful, resilient, colorful, deep, rich culture,” said Haitian Olympian and creative strategist Naomy Grand’Pierre. She said many people are only familiar with a limited view of Haiti and encouraged them to explore the country’s history, traditions and creativity more deeply.

That mission is echoed by Jacques Laurent of the Georgia Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce, who said Haiti Haus was created in part to push back against what he sees as years of inaccurate narratives about the nation.

“For too long, the narrative and story about Haiti has not been accurate about who we are,” Laurent said, noting Haiti’s history as the world’s first Black republic born from a successful slave revolt.

With Haiti competing in Atlanta and a growing Haitian population calling the city home, organizers say the timing and location made Atlanta the ideal place to celebrate the team’s long-awaited return to the world’s biggest soccer tournament.