04/04/2026
A Moment of Gratitude
Let’s rewind back to March 27…
The Cazale Spring Gala, Blooming with Purpose. What a weekend it was.
I was there not only to receive an honor, but to take a pledge… to ensure that your mission continues to reach those who have yet to discover it.
I want to sincerely thank the Cazale Community Cultural Center for this incredible recognition.
To be acknowledged in a room filled with leaders, culture shapers, and visionaries… meant more than words can express.
A special thank you to Soledad Desruisseaux for seeing me, for acknowledging my journey, and for the meaningful work you continue to do within our community. Your commitment to culture, youth, and legacy does not go unnoticed.
And to my dear friend, Councilwoman CM Mercedes Narcisse… from the day we met over 20 years ago, you believed in me. I still remember your words, “I’m going to support you and push you,” and you did.
That kind of support is rare.
The way you continue to speak my name in rooms I’m not even in… that is love, that is respect, and that is power.
Both you and Dr. Charles have never stopped believing in me, and that is something I will never take lightly.
I still remember the moment I discovered the email…
It had been sitting in my inbox for a week.
At 4:00 in the morning, I opened it… and I was in complete shock.
I have always worked as if no one was watching me.
Pouring into every event. Taking each one personally.
Pushing myself to outgrow the last… every single time.
And now… here we are.
A year ago, I attended this gala for the first time. I fell in love with the mission, the purpose, and the work being done for our youth and our community. I was watching… not knowing that you were watching me too.
And that right there is alignment.
I do what I do because I love it. Because culture matters. Because our stories deserve to be experienced, elevated, and celebrated.
This honor is something I will carry with me, always.
But more than that… this moment belongs to you.
To your mission.
To the seeds you continue to plant in our community, both here and back home.
Thank you for pouring into us.
With love and respect,
Kennia S. Lucien ✨
