The Massachusetts Haitian community gathered in Randolph this week to honor Haitian national team striker Frantzdy Pierrot, in a community ceremony organized by Radio Concorde Boston that drew local officials, elected representatives, former national team players, and members of the player’s family.
The event, held in an atmosphere of pride and recognition, brought together several dozen attendees who came to celebrate the rise of the Grenadier, regarded by many as a symbol of success for young people across the Haitian diaspora.
Shortly before 6 p.m., Pierrot arrived at the venue in a black SUV, accompanied by an escort and met by municipal officials. Police vehicles were visible outside the building, while several members of the local police force and city representatives awaited his arrival.
The player was welcomed by Randolph officials, including Town Councilor Natacha Clerger, the Randolph chief of police, and other municipal leaders.
The ceremony took place in a hall decorated in the colors of Radio Concorde Boston and the Haitian community — red and white balloons, Haitian flags, and a dedicated banner honoring Pierrot. On stage, organizers presented the event as a special moment to recognize the striker for his career trajectory, his ties to the community, and his role as a model for young people.
Officials and Community Leaders in Attendance
Among the notable attendees were Boston City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune, Tamisha Civil, a member of the Massachusetts Governor’s Council, Brockton City Councilor Jeff Charnel, former Brockton City Councilor Jean Bradley Derenoncourt, and other prominent figures from the Massachusetts Haitian community.
Roosevelet Jean and Reynald Dévilmé, two former players of the Haitian National Soccer team, also participated in the event.
The presence of these officials gave the gathering a dimension that was at once communal, athletic, and civic.
Pierrot’s parents, Sonia Saint-Surin and Destiné Pierrot, were also in attendance. Their presence carried particular weight throughout the evening, as the player would later emphasize the central role they have played in his personal and professional journey.
A Story Rooted in Immigration and Family
Born in Limbé, in Haiti’s Northern Department, Pierrot grew up in Massachusetts after arriving in the United States at age 11. His story — shaped by immigration, family sacrifice, discipline, and perseverance — sat at the heart of the testimonies and tributes delivered throughout the evening.
As is customary, the player took time to address the media and the audience.
In his remarks, Pierrot reflected on the difficulties he faced before reaching the professional level. He stressed that his path was not easy and that his success is the product of hard work, exacting family guidance, and steady determination.
He paid particular tribute to his mother, Sonia Saint-Surin, and his father, Destiné Pierrot, noting that their support, sacrifices, and discipline were decisive in his development. Before fully committing to soccer, Pierrot first tried his hand at basketball with his father’s support — describing him as a demanding figure, at times tough, but profoundly invested in his son’s success.
A Message to the Next Generation
Beyond his words of thanks, the Grenadier used the occasion to deliver a message to young people. He encouraged them to stay focused on their goals, to avoid activities that could compromise their future, and to believe in their ability to succeed despite obstacles. His message was directed in particular at young Haitians and young immigrants seeking to build futures in sports, education, or professional life.
Pierrot also highlighted his academy and his foundation — two initiatives aimed at supporting young Haitian talent, particularly in Haiti, in order to offer them broader opportunities on the international stage. Through these projects, the striker said he hopes to contribute to the development of Haitian soccer and to open doors for a new generation of athletes.
The evening was also marked by musical and cultural performances and enthusiastic audience participation. The atmosphere in the hall reflected the deep attachment of the Massachusetts Haitian community to its figures of achievement and its commitment to celebrating those who continue to carry Haiti’s colors abroad.
For Radio Concorde Boston, the event carried symbolic weight.
In honoring Pierrot in Randolph, the organizers sought to underscore the connection between the Haitian diaspora, sport, youth, and community success, as Jean Claude Sanon, a member of the Radio Concord board who also served as MC for this special event, reminded.
The tribute paid to the player extended beyond his athletic achievements: it also celebrated his journey as a Haitian child who became an international athlete, his roots in Massachusetts, and his commitment to the next generation.
The ceremony arrives at a moment of pride for Haitians, as soccer continues to bring the diaspora together around the national team. For many in attendance, Pierrot embodies perseverance, discipline, and fidelity to his origins.
In Randolph, the tribute to the Grenadier took the form of a collective celebration: of a player who grew up in Massachusetts, who has carried Haiti’s colors on the world stage, and who continues to remind young people that with work, guidance, and determination, hardship can be transformed into success.
The evening closed with a performance by Freda de Boston, a Haitian rara band.
https://ctninfo.com/?p=42987&preview=true
https://www.facebook.com/CaribbeanNewsMedia
