Hundreds gathered at the MFA for Haiti benefit

On Saturday evening, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston welcomed "a contemporary vision" of Haiti as Aksyon, a New York-based diaspora group, hosted a benefit gala featuring a performance by Haitian-American musician Wyclef Jean. Roughly 500 attendees enjoyed a showcase of cuisine from celebrity chef Todd English and fashions by prominent Haitian designers Prajje, Jeff Lahens and Dayanne Danier.

Proceeds from the event benefit Aksyon’s initiatives in tourism, permanent housing and educational programs. The group's goal is to promote economic development with a focus on art, design, and fashion.

“We wanted to ensure that we organized an event that showed a different side of Haitian culture," said Reggie Canal, gala chair and board member. “Aksyon is here to promote Haiti as a positive brand.”

Wyclef Jean agreed, saying that he was glad to support the group’s vision and that it stands for where he thinks Haiti can go.

“I believe in the flyness of Haiti, the beauty of Haiti,” said Jean. “This brand is perfect with what the future of Haiti is… and the diaspora has to play a major role in that.”