Celebrating 50 Years of CitizensNYC: A Partner Spotlight on Flanbwayan Haitian Literacy Project
This year marks CitizensNYC’s 50th anniversary—a milestone that honors five decades of grassroots problem-solving powered by New Yorkers who know their neighborhoods best. Since our founding, we’ve helped tens of thousands of everyday leaders bring their ideas to life with small grants and hands-on support. Whether it’s turning vacant lots into community gardens or creating youth leadership programs in local schools, our history is filled with bold ideas made possible by trust and investment in local leadership. As we look back on 50 years of impact, we’re also lifting up the stories of longtime grantee partners whose work has shaped—and been shaped by—this shared journey.
One of those stories is the Flanbwayan Haitian Literacy Project, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Founded by Darnell Benoit in 2004, Flanbwayan (which means “lantern” in Haitian Creole) was born out of a need that Darnell saw firsthand: newly arrived Haitian youth were entering New York City schools with limited English proficiency and little support to help them succeed. As a teacher, she knew her students were brilliant and full of potential—but the system wasn’t built for them. So she decided to build something that was.
With a $4,500 grant from CitizensNYC, Darnell got her start. “I was just a teacher with an idea—I had no idea how to create and run a nonprofit,” she told us. “So it was more than money. The staff was helpful and supported me in so many different ways. All of our firsts came from that first check. Our first space, hiring our first intern, buying our first computer.”
From that humble beginning, Flanbwayan has grown into a thriving organization that provides culturally responsive support, education advocacy, and community for immigrant youth navigating New York’s complex school system.
Today, Flanbwayan has helped hundreds of young people not only learn English but find confidence, connection, and voice. The organization has also become a trusted hub for families and a vital part of the Haitian community in Brooklyn and beyond. As Darnell reflected on the journey, she emphasized the value of early support: “That seed funding made all the difference. It allowed me to dream bigger.”
We’re proud to celebrate 20 years of Flanbwayan’s impact—and 50 years of being there at the start of stories like this one. As we honor our shared history, we also see Darnell as a resource and inspiration for the next generation of grantee partners charting their own path forward.