Sexual abuse is ugly. It’s no wonder no one wants to talk about the matter, and when it is talked about, codes are used, voices come down to a whisper. Growing up in a Haitian-American household, Vie Cine (Ciné) suffered sexual abuse. Years later, she’s written Memoirs of A Forgotten Child, an autobiography that she hopes will help others who have experienced sexual trauma know that there are better days ahead of them.

Kreyolicious: When you set out to write your book, were there times when you had qualms about the subject matter?
I had qualms before writing Memoirs of a Forgotten Child. I felt like most people; my life is private and that it’s no one’s business. Also, I didn’t want to offend my family, but as I committed to telling my truth, I didn’t focus so much on what anyone closely related to me had to say but more so on the impact that my story would have. It’s kind of a double edge sword. You want to be as authentic as you can, but you don’t want to delve into too much information were you reveal certain conversations, events, or stories that may not benefit the flow of the story or it’s not your story to tell. Having a set structure on what I wanted to share and how much I wanted to share kept the story grounded as to the purpose of Memoirs of a Forgotten Child. This book isn’t an exposé book to besmirch anyone or to be used as propaganda to disparage Black people.

Kreyolicious: Memoirs of a Forgotten Child is the title of your book. Rather interesting. How did you come up with it?
I was thinking of a name that accurately summed up my life from 0-13. At the time I discovered a YouTuber named Issa Rae and was trying to do a spin-off title of her webisode series Awkward Black Girl, but it didn’t form well. I felt forced and complicated. I told myself in due time I’ll figure it out. It’ll just come to me. Fast forward to roughly six months…I was talking to an associate who asked me about the synopsis of my book. I described Memoirs of a Forgotten Child as “a memoir based on my life”—because as a child—I was forgotten.” Then it came to me like a brightly-lit light bulb representing a brilliant idea. Memoirs of a Forgotten Child became the book’s title.

Kreyolicious: What reaction have you gotten thus far from readers?
From the excerpts I shared on Instagram and Facebook many readers felt empowered by Memoirs of a Forgotten Child because they could see themselves in my story regardless of gender and race. One woman commented on a post that I was telling her story. That’s what I wanted to get across that we all may have different backgrounds, but we all faced the same result, trauma. I didn’t want people to get wrapped up in the characters, conversations, and grammar but more so on the events that took place along with how it affected my upbringing as a survivor.

Above: Vie Ciné on her way on the road to healing…

This concludes PART ONE of the interview with the author…LOOK OUT for PART II! Meanwhile, if you know someone who grew up in the Haitian-American community (or any other community for that matter), can you please direct them to this article?

CLICK HERE to learn more about Vie Cine!| CLICK HERE to purchase her book | CLICK HERE to check out her videos on Youtube!

Born in Boston and raised by a single woman in a Haitian-American household, Vie Ciné suffered sexual abuse while still a little girl. After years of hurting inside, she decided to make her trauma public by writing Memoirs of A Forgotten Child. Through this autobiography, she’s not only allowing herself to heal, but is helping hundreds of readers through their own healing and awareness process. Ciné holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a credential whose helpfulness grows each day, as she participates in sexual trauma awareness in her community and beyond. She’s also a vlogger, and through her VieIsMe vlog, she discusses everything from pedophilia to recognizing psychopaths and stalkers.

This is the concluding part of the interview with the activist and sexual abuse speaker. CLICK HERE to read PART ONE.

Kreyolicious: What reaction have you gotten thus far from readers?
From the excerpts I shared on Instagram and Facebook, many readers felt empowered by Memoirs of A Forgotten Child because they could see themselves in my story regardless of gender and race. One woman commented on a post that I was telling her story. That’s what I wanted to get across that we all may have different backgrounds, but we all faced the same result, trauma. I didn’t want people to get wrapped up in the characters, conversations, and grammar but more so on the events that took place along with how it affected my upbringing as a survivor.

Kreyolicious: Will you be writing a follow-up to your book?
Yes! I plan to write a part two to Memoirs of A Forgotten Child—but from the ages of 14 to 23. In that book, there will be a lot more grittiness, rebellion, outspokenness, and a journey through healing. The book will add an additional 180-degree view to complete the scope of my story. I want the reader to understand that everyone has a story. We may do bad things as good people, but that doesn’t make us bad. You might interface with a person and have a horrible experience and write that person off as heartless but until you know that person’s journey through life you’re only speaking from a glimpse of that person. The human experience in itself has a whole lot of gray but from that gray, there are learning experiences that shape us into the people we are today. It helps us become more empathetic to this thing called life.

Kreyolicious: Knowing all you know now, what would you say to that little girl you used to be?
I would say to her everything will play out like it’s supposed to but you’ll conquer. You’ll end up being the person you always wanted to be. Trust in yourself first and foremost! Self-love is the best love, I promise. Get to know you, and then fall in love with you. Never let anyone make decisions for you or influence you. The journey will be so hard, but you have to keep on walking because kujichagulia won’t let you stop. That innate drive to want more, do more, and escape the reality that you live in won’t stop. There will be times where you think of ending your life, but you won’t. There will be times where you act out from emotions and rebellion you’ll find clarity and humility. Often you’ll be alone, but you’re not lonely. A few times you’ll feel out of control and crazy, you’ll eventually rein your destiny. That shock-to-the-heart-feeling that makes you feel like you have stomach pains in your heart—that’s called intuition…use it wisely especially with males. Stay focused on becoming a better you and not a better person for someone else’s perception of you. Live, I mean absolutely, positively live. Do things. Go places. Read books. Search things. Google is your friend. Speak your mind. It might be scary at first, but soon as the adrenaline rush evens out, you’ll be great at it. It’s okay not to be fine at times, but it’s not okay to say that you are fine when you’re not. Let your emotions be known. Friends come and go, let them—but use the gift of discernment the next time. Patience is a virtue, not just a saying. And whatever happens, know that it won’t be for long, and you’ll always get through it because you’re you, unbreakable, unshakable, undeniable Vie Ciné.

CLICK HERE to learn more about author Vie Cine!| CLICK HERE to purchase her book | CLICK HERE to check out author Vie Ciné on Youtube!