At its September 19, 2024, meeting, the Council of Newton Highlands Congregational Church voted to support the building fund for the Toussaint Louverture Cultural Center, an initiative of Haitian Americans United, Inc., with a donation of $1,000.
During a time of anti-immigrant sentiment, the Reverend Ken Baily proposed a church donation as a show of support area neighbors. Massachusetts has a sizable Haitian population.
Once it is built, the center is expected to “serve as a focal point for the expression of Haitian culture through a variety of activities, events, and programs.” It will be used by educational organizations, non-profits, and community members.
The donation will be paid from money earmarked by the church for values-based capital projects at other institutions.