Two weeks ago, the New York City Planning Department of City Planning released its figures showing that Haitians make up roughly 7 percent of Brooklyn’s 2 million residents.

That’s a significant number, and if you also count those who live under official radar, then the number could easily be estimated at 10 percent. We have a foundation and the number to build a solid community. Our mean income in the city at large is $30,000 a year, well above many other groups.

Now what we need to figure out is how to turn these figures into real community strength. In light of these revelations, we are calling on community leaders to organize town-hall meetings to discuss the new figures and set an agenda.

This is not the first time The Haitian Times has called for such action. We’re urging that leaders do so because if they fail yet another test, the community will continue to grow somewhat rudderless. There are several pillars that need to be put in place for us to command the kind of respect and action, considering our numbers in the city.

We need to set an economic agenda by setting up or building institutions capable of moving us forward. It is through this agenda that we can go to elected officials and the private sector to ask them for assistance. We’re not talking about handouts. Rather, a partnership that is mutually beneficial. The election session will be upon us soon, and many will be courting our votes. Without a strategic plan, we will once again be taken for granted.

Companies are always looking for new markets, and by every definition Haitians make up a solid market segment. Corporate America must be made aware of it. This is our duty and we should not fall on the job.