SOUTH LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Haitian flags waving to the beat of Caribbean music performed by local Angelenos, it was the perfect setting in Leimert Park to celebrate Haitian Heritage Month. Jacquil Constant is a leader in the community and hopes to see more of these gatherings take place, beyond just the month of May.

“Haitian Heritage Month is about the community coming together especially in Los Angeles, we’re really spread out. Having these cultural events are really important to us,” Constant said.

As Constant ordered Haitian food from a local caterer, he said he loves the Caribbean cuisine but is still waiting to see a Haitian restaurant open to the public in Los Angeles.

As a leader for his community, he started the Haiti International Film Festival in L.A. to help educate others about the country and culture.

“It’s very important to be part of a community that you feel at home with, people that look like you and you share the same cultural values. I created the film festival because after the earthquake I wanted to show that we have a rich cultural history through arts and film making," he said.

When the 2010 earthquake struck in Haiti, immigration through asylum dramatically increased in the United States and Haitians who are living under temporary protected status visas currently, maintain their legal right to live here until 2020.

Constant said Angelenos have responded positively to the Haitian culture.

“At Leimert Park, it’s the Black area in Los Angeles, so it is already the African Diaspora. You have a Jamaican community, Nigerians here, and African Americans here. I think it’s an environment where they understand black culture. It’s very accepted here especially for a festival.”

Native creole speakers chatted with Constant about the next cultural gatherings taking place, including his film festival in August.

“I just want to show the humanity of Haitian culture and show the resilience of the culture. That’s the films that I select and I curate. I show the different side and people really appreciate it," he said.

And Constant appreciates the opportunity to bring people together.