Orlande Fleury has dedicated much of her work to telling stories of Black people around the world, and now she’s being recognized by the United Nations for her contributions. Fleury, born in Haiti before immigrating to the United States, doubles as a government strategist in City Hall and a contributor to Caribbean Life and other publications. She told the AmNews that she decided to pursue journalism because she observed that more Black journalists were needed in the industry. Years later, this decision placed her in the African and Caribbean diaspora classification to win an award for her work in media.
Fleury recently received a certificate of achievement from the Commission on the Status of Women, presented by Dr. Monica Sanchez, founder of the Miss CARICOM International Foundation, a United Nations nongovernmental organization. Sanchez was ecstatic to meet Fleury and recognize her efforts in Black journalism.
During the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women Seventieth Year Anniversary, Fleury was recognized for her work with the Miss Caricom CSW 70 Honoree Award, along with the United Nations NGO Platinum Who’s Who Award and the Power of Dream Award. “The work that I do with journalism — my focus is to highlight the diaspora,” Fleury told the AmNews. “It is important that we get to tell our stories and our own narratives.” Her coverage of politics, elected officials, arts, and culture caught the attention of people looking to recognize work like hers. “Women’s History Month and the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women provide a powerful moment to recognize women who are shaping their communities through leadership, scholarship, and service,” said Sanchez. Sanchez met Fleury a few months ago at a convention and liked her work as a Haitian-American. “This year’s honorees represent excellence across many fields,” Sanchez added. “Leaders like Orlande Fleury continue to inspire others through their dedication to culture, community engagement, and empowerment.” In accepting her award, Fleury said she is committed through her journalism and government duties to support public institutions and leadership that resemble the diversity in New York City communities. She also said it was empowering and humbling to witness Sanchez’s work in the African and Caribbean diaspora. “The work is internal — you have to put in the work to succeed,” she said.