Mathieu Eugene: The Man, The Mystery

It's was a simple question "Mathieu Eugene, do you know who this man is?" I asked several residents of Crown heights this question almost in survey fashion as I walked down Norstrand ave, a busy West Indian hub in the neighborhood. The man in question was none other than their very own city councilman.

Coming across a man in a black puff jacket, with matching black silky perm, and what appeared to be genuine diamond-stud earrings, the best answer he could give is “who dat?” giggling amusingly in a low tone. He requested anonymity for personal reasons made all to clear as he stepped into his silver range rover and sped abruptly to the red traffic light at the end of the block. A woman named Martha Vernun was walking into a neighborhood bakery La Baguette. Its Haitian owned and operated though still green behind the ears having just been opened last fall. “That’s our councilman, I voted for him cause he’s one of us” Martha said going on to elaborate that he’s Haitian and he’s there for West Indians who make up a large portion of the districts inhabitants.

Martha was slightly more informed about who ran the city, and who personally affects her life, even having the audacity to vote of all things. Mathieu is a marvel himself being the sole Haitian elected official in New York. His victory can’t be attributed to Haitians coming out in droves as many came here illegally before the earthquake of course, leading to a sizeable community ducking from the INS and working under the table. Seeking Haitians out specifically I talked to several. Most immediately shied away upon the declaration of my journalistic endeavors, others had few words to say beyond total ignorance.

Calling Councilman Eugene’s office for info as to why this is turned out to be a trivial process. Dealing with countless secretaries with various West Indian accents, indistinguishable to anyone without a keen ear was a hassle anyone but the most devoutly determined could stand. Ultimately I was informed that the councilmen wouldn’t be available for at least a week, unable to take a moment to speak to a resident of his district despite my ulterior motives. If you were to ask why people have never heard of Mathieu Eugene it would because Mathieu Eugene saw too it through his personnel that the people cannot find him. A political Foley or a master strategy as you can’t dislike someone you can’t get a hold.