The ISTWA1804 team would like to wish each and everyone a Happy New Year and a prosperous year 2020. We promise to create more informational and original content to contribute to the ISTWA1804 community.
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Ekip ISTWA1804 la ta renmen swete nou yon Bon Ane 2020 chaje ak pwosperite. Nou pwomèt ou nap kreye anpil kontni orijinal ak enfomatif pou kontribye ak fè kominote a pi bèl!
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L’équipe de ISTWA1804, vous souhaite une Bonne et Heureuse année 2020 pleine de prospérité. Nous nous engageons à créer plus de contenu original et informatif pour notre belle communauté. –
#istwa1804 #istwa #1804 #2020 #newyear #new #year #bonneannee #content #ny #community #haiti #ayiti #histoire #history #prosper #prosperity

The performer known as Black Alex died on Friday, November 13 in Port-au-Prince, ending a career that started in the mid-1990s–Kreyolicious has learned. According to Haiti Press Network, the performer was born Jamecy Black Alex on October 16, 1976 and passed away at a hospital in Haiti’s capital. He was member of a band called King Posse and later branched out on his own as a solo artist, and in the past few years had done features on songs of various artists.

Almost immediately after his death at age 39 was announced, fans took to social media to express their appreciation for the artist’s work, while his contemporaries gushed about his musical talent and legacy.

Media personality Carel Pedre posted a collage of photos of Black Alex, chronicling a visit on his show “Chokarella”.

The band Carimi posted a photo of the performer on their Instagram, and gave their condolences.

Hip-hop legend Wyclef, a long-time supporter of the artist according to reports, expressed his sympathies.

Black Alex’s death also hit hip-hop activist and motivational speaker/author MECCA aka GRIMO, who posted this on his Instagram page:

According to media reports, the Black Alex is survived by a daughter.

Kreyolicious wishes to send out condolences to the performer’s family and friends.

The day she learned she had breast cancer will always go down as the worst day of Michelle Duverneau Carries. To use words like “shock” and “disbelief”, would be understating her reaction. Questions flew in her mind. How was she going to tell her son? Her brothers and sisters? And most alarmingly of all, how was she going to take care of herself financially?

Duverneau Carries was born in Haiti and immigrated to New York during her early teens. She moved to Florida in the late 1970s and worked in the advertising departments of several retail stores including JCPenney, before working for a series of major ad agencies.

In the late 1990s, she started investigating possibilities in entertainment production and started her video production company, Lacaye Production Incorporated, which eventually produced her television show, “Weekend à L’Haitienne”, an English-language entertainment show, that featured Haitian music, artists, and culture. The show, she says, was timely, and was used to counteract negative and mediocre images of Haitians in the media. It had the distinction of being the only Haitian TV show that figured in the Nielsen Rating system while airing on PBS affiliate WLRN. The entertainment mogul also had a hand in creating and producing commercials, music videos, and promotional segments.

She was high on her success. And then the news came. The awful, hard-to-take news that she had breast cancer.

Since her diagnosis, Duverneau Carries has not only made it her duty to take care of herself but to reach out in the Haitian community to other women with breast cancer diagnosis, as well as those who may be at risk for the disease. The cancer surgery left the TV host with Lymph Edema in the right arm, which reduced her ability to do one of my favorite things: camera work. Thankfully, she was still able to edit, produce and direct. The first option was to sit there and look woeful, but she chose another option. Upon her recovery, she went back to school to study multimedia design. Duverneau Carries hopes to bring back her show. Meanwhile, reruns still air on Miami’s Island TV. A true crusader, she’s chosen to share her story in the book Twenty-One Months: My Journey Fighting Breast Cancer.

Q & A

Was it especially trying for you to sit down and write about dealing with a disease that has changed your life? Writing personal things aren’t easy, let alone about one’s illness. How did you find the courage to come forward?
It wasn’t too difficult to sit down and write about my journey fighting breast cancer. From when I started going to the hospital for my treatments, I decided then and there to start creating a journal about what I was going through. Being a well-known TV show host in my community, it was important for me to share my story to help other families who are going or will be going through this same journey to know that they are not alone and that they will get through it. I also wanted others in our community with misconceptions of the disease to understand what having breast cancer and going through the treatments was about. The difficult part was to share some of my personal life with all my readers, but it was important to share it because my perseverance, strong will, and my personality played an important part in fighting the disease.

What response have you gotten about your book?
I’ve gotten very good and positive responses form the book. Thanks to the Haitian media: radio, TV, as well as the web, such as your site, the book is getting a lot of exposure.

Do you have any plans to make your book available in French or Creole?
I do plan on doing a French version to make it available to the French speaking readers in the near future as well as an audio version. It will take time.

“To some Haitians sickness is never natural.” I’ve heard that thrown about a lot. Sometimes when some in the Haitian community are ill, whether with heart disease or diabetes or cancer, they tend to think that someone is out to get them. I’ve heard all types of stories from different people, whose family members are sick, or who are sick. What do you think can be done to change that mentality, especially in the older folks?
Too often in our culture, having diseases like cancer, heart disease, AIDS, are diagnosed too late because our fellows Haitians are too afraid to visit a doctor and discus their discomforts because they are ashamed of being shunned by the community or even by their own family members. Some just don’t want to find out the truth about these diseases…Sometimes we tend to rely on religion and remèd fèy to heal the disease – not that there is anything wrong with them, but there is a question of dosage and if it will clash with the medication given by the doctors. The other big issue is the beliefs that maybe someone had made a Vodun curse; therefore, looking for a Vodun priest to counter attack. I can tell you about stories I heard at the hospital from some of the Haitian women while waiting to get my treatments. It was very sad to hear some of these beliefs even though they were there getting the treatments, they still drinking some other potions to ward the evils that was done tot hem. I once attempted to explain that Vodun curse would not have given them breast cancer, but was snapped at and was told that I didn’t know what I was talking about because I was too Americanized. All these issues definitely were my main reason for sitting down and writing the book. Changing that mentality will be a monumental task. We are talking about centuries of misconceptions, intentionally misinforming, and instilling the fear of religion, whether Catholicism, and or Vodun upon us, in order to keep a small group in power.

What more do you think can be done to bring awareness about breast cancer in the Haitian community?
There are many Haitian breast cancer survivors who are doing a great job at spreading the word in the community from West Palm Beach, to Miami through their radio programs. I had been invited to many of them to talk about prevention. But, we don’t have enough funds to create good video programs in Kreyòl. I truly believe if we can bring the visual to them, it would be a much better venue. As they say: “Seeing is believing”. I would gladly step forward to head that project. The other issue is that—I am sad to say—we Haitians don’t like working together for a common cause. Instead of pulling of the resources in one place and get the funding to create a statewide, nationwide, or even a worldwide Haitian non-for-profit organization like Suzan G Komen, that would help educate, and assist Haitians all over the world, we go behind each other’s back to discredit each other, therefore, keeping the funding to a minimum. Don’t even get me going with that.

Michelle Duverneau Carries promoting her book on NBC.

Sometimes when someone is diagnosed, we can be at a loss in terms of what to say. How can we best help someone who has breast cancer?
It is always difficult to find the right word. The best thing is to be sincere and say you’re sorry about the news. If you want to give some help by bringing food, or help with some house chores, ask the person first if they want the help and when you can come by. Sometimes you just want to be alone dealing with the pain, some other times you want some company. Always ask first. Let the person know that you will be there for him or her. The worst thing to do is distant yourself form the person because you’re don’t now what to say or do. Another thing is not to lecture the person. The other bad thing is to suggest praying God for forgiveness; that, to me, is the most insensitive thing a person can say to someone fearing the worst.

You are a fighter. What lifestyle measures did you take to fight the disease?
Beside a family history, science has not pinpointed what causes breast cancer, but there are certain types of food that have been linked to preventing it. So, I decided to change my diet, stay away from anything with saturated fat and other unnecessary food additives, most canned food; instead, eat fresh vegetables—lots of greens—lean meats, etc. As much as I love griyo, I only eat it three to four times a year, instead of every weekend, and I exercise. I continue my breast self-exam every monthly, and do my yearly mammograms. Prevention is the key.

What have you learned about prevention?
As I mentioned earlier, I never thought I would have breast cancer. I ate the right food, exercised every day. I was in great shape, had a mammogram two years earlier, but I disregarded the small lump that was growing under my arm. Even though it was hurting and gave me great discomfort when lying down, I totally dismissed it as just a swollen gland from lifting too much weight. I didn’t know you could have breast cancer under your arm. Had I gone to a doctor much earlier, maybe I would have to do one year of grueling chemo treatments. The moral of the story is: it is your body, if something doesn’t look or feel right, go see your doctor right away. Better be safe than sorry!

Duverneau Carries on her crusade against breast cancer in the Haitian community. Here she is being interviewed for a Creole language radio show.

What are you most grateful for?
I am most grateful for my family who was there every step of the way with me during my 21 months of fighting breast cancer. I am also grateful to some of the member of the media who have kept in touch to follow up with my progress. I am also grateful for being alive and able to spread the word about breast cancer prevention.

You can check out Michelle Duverneau Carries’ book HERE.

The Haitian community in the state of Minnesota is vibrant and growing. One of the leaders in that community is Haiti-born Beaudelaine Pierre, an active key member of Haitians InCommon, an organization that brings together students and professionals of Haitian descent.

Tell us about yourself.
My father and mother are retired school teachers; they have devoted their life to serving their community in St Michel ; I would see my father riding his horses from places to places to bring education to people. He was at that time, what we call today, a community organizer. Because of that, the first years of my life are so significant for me and shaped the woman I am today. I am myself a community organizer. I believe in the ability of people to control their own lives and love working with them on personal, cultural and community issues.

Over the last 10 years, I have focused my career on promoting gender equality in different projects I have been involved in in Haiti, as well as in Minnesota with the objectives of promoting the roles of women and girls for the creation of vibrant community. These last four years, I was able to expand my work and, as community organizer, to accompany groups, organizations, women and men to be the artisan of their own destiny. Last year, I served as program director of the Refugee and Immigrant Women for Change Coalition, a multi-ethnic coalition of seven nonprofit members, addressing systemic issues facing all refugee and immigrant women and girls in the Twin Cities; I am now working at the Women’s Initiative for self-Empowerment where, I have been hired to design a women’s program for immigrant women. One thing I am also very passionate about is books. I particularly enjoy discovering new writers who are able to use descriptions to open doors to other worlds. At a personal level, I do creative writing as a way to listen to my inner voice, and to connect with the universal nature of life. Caribbean writers hold particular interest.

How did you end up in Minnesota?
I entered at the University of Minnesota in 2009, as a Humphrey Fellow from the Humphrey Fellowship program, a program of the State Department for leaders and emerging leaders of developing countries; My two kids were visiting me a couple of days before the earthquake happened in Haiti. Due to the situation in Haiti, we have made the choice to stay temporarily in Minnesota.

Haitians InCommon brings Haitians and Haitian-Americans together in Minnesota.
The Haitians Incommon project is a program of the National Haitian Institute of Leadership, initiated by a group of Haitians living in the United States. The mission of the Institute is to accompany long-term progress in Haiti by bringing together Haitian government and its citizens in courageous dialogues and meaningful partnerships to solve community problems. This project started in 2010, when I began working with a small group of Haitians to establish a network of community leaders to support Haiti’s effort in the political, social and economic sectors. At that time the focus was in the Haitian government, with the idea to equip local leaders with skills and knowledge to manage and direct changes in their community. Three years later, that focus has not changed. We believe that good governance is a fundamental requirement for reducing poverty and achieving sustainable human development. And good governance is supported by the involvement and the commitment of various sectors of a nation. The Haitians Incommon bring to Haitians communities tools, principles and methodologies that allow people to have true conversation and build real collaboration. Our approach is based on the use of the Art of Hosting principles and methodologies focused on integrated participative change processes, methods, maps, and planning tools to engage groups and teams in meaningful conversation, and group-supported action for the common good.

We’ve started this work with the Haitian community in Minnesota. Like in many other immigrant communities, the Haitian community in Minnesota faces serious issues of conflicts. They are working alone and are disconnected from one another. The institutes have led several conversations among community members, and it is amazing to see true collaboration happening right now in the community. The thing is we all have wisdom and knowledge; no matter where we come from, we are all gifted; now it’s about how we allow co-creation, how do we open doors so people can feel they are part of the solution. When we call community member to be part of something they care about, true collaboration happen.

Do you ever think about returning to live in Haiti?
Of course, yes. The ultimate goal of the institute is to see how this model can work in Haiti; the results are very positive in Minnesota; we are trying to bring our expertise in different diaspora communities, as well as in Haiti, in a near future. Development, or progress, is about people, first. And talking about people relates to relationship, trust, and how we create spaces that allow everyone to feel part of the process. The things is, the world is facing great challenges today; no one can pretend have the solution. It has to be a collective effort.

Is the Haitian community in Minnesota pretty big?
The good thing about starting this work in Minnesota is that the community is very small, compare to diaspora in Florida or New York. It was important for us to start this project at very small level and create ways to expend it on a large scale. The Haitian community in Minnesota holds an approximate of 5,000 members.

What are some of the activities that the club is undertaking?
The institute organizes forums and conversations to bring people and community leaders together. We are now planning to integrate Haitian leaders in the US Midwest—Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, etc—into this work. We conduct training on art of hosting methodologies and principles, like Circle, World Café, Open Space Technology, Appreciative Inquiry. We also conduct trainings on organizational leadership, program evaluation, and Community Building for other immigrant communities.

What have you noted about the Haitians living in Minnesota?
It is an extremely rich community, with very skilled and talented people. I am very grateful to be part of this community and to learn every day from the members.

Be sure to keep connected with the Haitian community in Minnesota, by visiting the Haitians InCommon page HERE.

[Beaudelaine Pierre photo credit: Twin Cities Daily]

Ralf Rho hails from Les Cayes, Haiti and came to the United States when he was sixteen. Following his graduation from high school, the Catholic school system-educated young man attended the University of Massaschussetts Dartmouth, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Following graduation, Rho begun a lustrous career as a public servant.

Two years ago, he founded the Kanari Foundation and in addition to sitting on that foundation’s board of directors, he is also active in many local charitable organizations throughout the City of New Bedford, Massachussetts. The married father of two says he ran for a municipal post and lost by one vote, and currently works as an analyst at the Office of New Bedford Mayor, William Flanagan.

So, you attended the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and selected Political Science as your major. Most students who major in Political Science usually do so with the intention of becoming attorneys. Was that the case with you?

Yes, conventional wisdom commands Political Science majors to attend law school. Yet, I have personally learned with such degree one becomes the architect of his destiny. Though I do cultivate the aspiration of being an attorney, I also contemplate being a physician assistant serving humanity in a meaningful way.

If you were the motivational speaker for the day at an event where it was half high school seniors and half college new graduates, but you had to make a speech that had to appeal to both groups, what would you say?

At this point in life you all have one thing in common: the future. Each one of you reserves the power to mold it to precision. No matter what path you choose there are three things that will guarantee your success: purpose, planning and persistence.

At this point, you are an Analyst at the office of Mayor William Flanagan. What steps did you take to go from college graduate to such a career?

I first joined the City of Fall River as an intern in the Office of Mayor William A. Flanagan. Shortly after, I was promoted to oversee the Building Blocks Initiative, which focused on neighborhood revitalization projects, involving aspects of public administration and law. Currently, I am an Analyst serving in a liaison capacity between the Office of Mayor William A. Flanagan, the Community Development Agency, City Departments, the Attorney General’s office and various neighborhood organizations.

Do you think that there’s going to be a time when formal post-secondary education is going to be obsolete?

Though it’s difficult for us to realize, I think the design of traditional post-secondary education is already being obsolete. This emerging era of science and technology has revolutionized learning. We just don’t learn the same ways anymore. Our generation is responding more to online resources outside of physical boundaries once imposed by post-secondary institutions. This alone is a huge disruption of education that warrants a complete remodeling of post-secondary teaching.

What would you say is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned about leadership?

Very early in my career I have learned that leadership is collaboration. It is all about creating the conditions of service that inspire others to be a productive member of the team, to move outside comfort zones, to grow beyond present limitations, circumstances and hurdles of any current position.

You’re the founder of the Kanari Foundation. Tell us more about this initiative.

I founded the Kanari Foundation, Inc with a mission to target students from disadvantaged backgrounds in Haiti to foster their literacy skills, leadership and university readiness. The aim is to achieve lasting improvements in the quality of education through a commitment to scholarships, mentoring programs, academic decathlon, study groups and other learning activities. Through the organization we have been able to provide a significant number of critical educational services to Haitian youths in response to the needs of extreme poverty.

Anything in particular that sparked the idea?

I truly believe that our generation bears the obligation to elevate the unfortunate, not only in Haiti, but all around the world to a comfortable degree of self-reliance. And to build that shift from poverty to sustainable existence one must begin with a first-class education. It is for these reasons I strongly endorse Kanari Foundation’s mission to help students attend schools only in the best network of educators.

When was the last time you took a trip to Haiti?

I visit Haiti every year. Sometimes twice a year… I last traveled there in September 2013.

Before you make an important decision, what factors do you usually consider?

I evaluate the impacts associated with each alternative. I revisit my own experiences to find potential answers. Then I involve many stakeholders to generate more solutions.

And what’s the one thing you’ve learned about taking risks?

The greater our calculated risks are, the larger their dividends.

Time is money. Money is time. Or so, we have all heard! How do you make the most productive use of your time?

Yes, this tenet holds true in the financial sphere. But I find that time I spend in public service carries more of moral rewards. Hence, to make the most productive use of my time I set daily goals, prioritize what needs to be done, stick to the plan and manage the interruptions. This stability helps me stay on top of my game!

A family member is often the first self-help guru we encounter, and sometimes without realizing it. What would you say is the most valuable lesson taught to you by either parent?
My father taught me the power of giving without expecting in return. He was a pastor, an advocate for social causes volunteering time and financial resources to make our neighborhood in Haiti a better place. Because of him helping people becomes more than an easy gift. It is a compulsion that inhabits my heart and in whatever sector of life I serve, I become distinguished by this willingness to invest my all for the good of those in need.

Some people’s lives have changed just from reading a book. If you could pinpoint a book that has helped guide your life, what would you say it was? What did you learn from it?

The Bible. It inspires me adhere to a more sound faith and an unwavering determination in life.

What should we expect from you in the future?

To be an elected official in New Bedford.

Learn more about Ralf Rho’s foundation by CLICKING HERE. Be sure to visit his website by CLICKING HERE.

Naturalistas all over Haiti look to one website to get the deets on maintaining their natural hair: Afro Alice. The site is less than four years old, and was founded by Annie-Christine “Afro Alice” Emilcar, who lives in Port-au-Prince. Its reach is tremendous. It has a thriving community of over 12,000 fans on Facebook, and during any given day, there is a high number of conversations on its Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages.

Emilcar credits the site’s phenomenal growth to her degree of engagement with Afro Alice readers, her proactive stance towards the natural hair movement and her resourcefulness.

In visiting the site, it’s easy to see why so many natural hair-wearers look to it for inspiration. The site’s founder has detailed videos and tutorials, and tips-filled articles in Creole as well as English for visitors.

Kreyolicious reached out to her to discuss the site and her work, and to get a view of how the natural hair movement is progressing in Haiti.

Kreyolicious: How long have you been natural?

I have been natural for four years…July 2010 to now.

Kreyolicious: What sort of reaction did you get when you started going natural?

When I chopped [off my hair], nobody at home was really surprised. I was very versatile with my hair so a drastic hair cut was expected anytime. People in my [immediate circle]–home, work, etc—started to make fun of me when my hair started to grow [out] and I decided I wouldn’t perm my hair anymore.

Kreyolicious: Did you ever consider going back to your permed style?

Never. I saw it as a challenge to prove to them and to the world that you can go anywhere with your fro and be beautiful. And it worked. More than 30 people in my [immediate circle] went natural after my experience.

Kreyolicious: And what made you launch Afro Alice?

I was always passionate about fashion, makeovers, hair and writing. As I started to blog about my natural hair journey on my personal blog, my friends encouraged me to create a page to share my findings, experience, knowledge with a wider audience than my work and network folks, I created a hair blog and a Facebook page. I called it “Afro” as a [tribute to] this unique heritage from Africa: our hair. And [I added] “Alice”—which means worthy and noble in Celtic.

Above: The blogger behind Afro Alice shows off a natural do to inspire her readers.

Kreyolicious: What challenges did you meet as you launched the site?

I didn’t have any challenges as it was casual and informal at the time. I was doing it for fun…for the fun of writing and for the fun in talking about hair.

Kreyolicious: What sort of reaction did you get when you launched the site?

Everybody welcomed Afro Alice as there was a big need for online natural hair care resource. We are very satisfied with what it’s become. We are the second Facebook page about natural hair [based in Haiti] and are the most-followed natural hair page [based in Haiti].

Kreyolicious: What sort of effect have you seen as a result of the natural hair movement in Haiti?

The natural hair movement is empowering women in Haiti. It’s giving them an opportunity to get to know their true selves and fall in love with it. A lot of women are [going back] to natural and society is slowly starting to accept kinks, coils and curls.

Kreyolicious: Do you think it’s something that’s going to last, or…

​Only time will tell whether it’s a trend or a real change. Too many Haitians remove perm from their hair but keep [the concept of perming engraved] in their minds. ​​It took ages for the white masters during slavery to make us feel [inadequate] with our hair and features. It will take as much time, if not more, for us to see our God-given hair as a heritage that we should nurture and cherish.​

[All photos published here with permission of subject. ]

CLICK HERE TO VISIT AFRO ALICE’S PAGE ON FACEBOOK | CLICK HERE TO READ HER BLOG | CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW HER ON TWITTER | CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM |

Charlene Bathelus is a fighter, though you won’t find a gun in her drawer, nor a sword hanging on a rack behind her at her office in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Her foes Obstacles and Discouragement couldn’t be fought with traditional weapons but with drive, determination, and an unrelenting spirit. A graduate of Kean University, and an adjunct college professor, Bathelus is the youngest American of Haitian descent to be elected for public office in Elizabeth (she is an elected official on the Elizabeth School Board). Bathelus never hides the pride she feels in being a community advocate and leader in the city she was born and raised. She works with teens and college students in the community, and works with organizations involved in substance abuse prevention.

So, you were the oldest of three children growing up. Do you think that helped you built character?

Absolutely! I believe that being the oldest of three children is one of the reasons I have been so successful thus far. Every parent has a preconceived notion of what their child will be when they grow up. First-time parents usually set high expectations, and fortunately for me, I was their “first trial.” Not only did they have high expectations for me, but they were strict and extremely over-protective of their first-born and only daughter. It was difficult growing up and having to follow what I felt were ridiculous rules and regulations, but as I grew older I began to appreciate them. I now appreciate the fact that my parents remained focused on those very high expectations that were set for me as well as my two siblings. They were consistent in their discipline and persistent in exposing me to the right things that would help mold and shape my character into what it is today.

What are some memories you have of growing up Haitian?

Some of the memories I have of growing up Haitian are the Haitian Wise Tales that my parents use to tell me—and of course the many, many spankings that I got as a child—more than my brothers combined. If there is one thing Haitian parents do well, it is discipline; they can get very creative with that. In all seriousness, the memories I have growing up Haitian in the safety of my home, versus growing up Haitian in society, were opposites. At home, aside from the Haitian Wise Tales, my parents informed me of Haiti’s great history and contribution to one of the greatest Revolutionary movements to take place. At home and among family, being Haitian was something to be proud of and respected. Society, however tried to convince me differently. I am proud to say that their efforts to do so were in vain; instead I grew fonder of my culture and my Haitian History. Was it difficult and at times challenging? Yes! But, nothing comes easy. I first educated myself about Haiti and my people and then began to educate those around me who had bought into this false facade of what Haiti represents. Overall, I have great memories of growing up as a proud Haitian young lady.

Charlene Bathelus poses with future leaders during a school event.

When you were attending Kean University for undergrad, did you already have your goals already clearly established?

About 80% of students who enter college as a freshmen are undecided. When attending Kean University, I knew that I loved helping people. I remember my friends calling me for all sorts of advice: academic, relationship, career, faith, etc. Quick, think fast…how many personality traits can you list just off the top of your head? Spontaneous, outgoing, crazy, friendly, self centered, kind, strong, cranky, lazy, mean. You can probably rattle off a lot of different descriptions that apply to personality, however does each of these really represent a specific personality trait? These are things that intrigue my psyche. Majoring in a BA in Psychology and an MA in Organizational Psychology allowed me to explore the mental function and behavior in human beings.

What does beauty mean to you?

When talking about the beauty of people, it is more than what can be seen with the human eye. When I think of that kind of beauty I think of something that stimulates the mind or heart of another. Beauty has a personality; it can be an action or simply the state of being. How many times have we seen a person who catches our attention because of their beautiful face but after approaching that very person we find their personality to be ugly, distasteful and unworthy of our presence. Does that ugly personality not cancel out their beauty? For me, it does—and so beauty is a package combined of the many things I listed. Your ability to care for others makes one beautiful. A person who is generous, thoughtful, loving, caring and selfless is beautiful!

After your graduation, you decided that you were going to go to grad school. But the year you went to grad school is marked in history as being part of the years where things were rather difficult economically in the entire country. How can an individual determine whether more education is the way to go, or whether gaining more experience is the more appropriate path?

I believe highly in education. Though education can be acquired outside of the classroom, I strongly believed that attending an educational institute was the right path for me. I decided early that not attending college no matter how difficult it was was not an option for me. My family also strongly believes in higher education and I cannot even imagine my parents supporting the idea of me not attending. During my years at Kean University I was able to balance education and experience very well. I believe that college years are more than just studying to begin and establish a career path. College is all about time management. It’s a place you learn to balance study time, work time and play time. This is where you get to meet and interact with people of all ethnicity and backgrounds throughout the world. During my time at Kean University, I met and am still in contact with a diverse group of individuals who I now have the privilege of calling my friends. Education within itself is an experience. You get what you put in. I could have easily attended for the task of simply obtaining a degree, but I did more than just that. I joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and became the Vice President of the Student Body. I saw it as an opportunity to really broaden my horizons all while strengthening and putting my leadership skills to use. I got involved and that is when I begin to realize just how deep my passion for working with others was. I learned about other cultures and their way of life. I learned that being different was something positive and that our differences are what make people unique. I learned that my way is not always the right way and that there are other ways to handle things. I learned to be more open-minded and to be able to separate personal experience from fact. While at Kean University, I grew to love its culture and what it stands for. In fact, I became so in tuned and connected with the university that I returned not only for Graduate program but to teach as an Adjunct Professor as well. So to answer your question, was it indeed a struggle and a frightening experience due to the economic state of the country? Yes, but it was well worth it and I have no regrets.

Bathelus gets her hands dirty at a community cleanup, following a Breast Cancer Walk.

I bet you were one of those girls whose self-esteem cup runneth over. Am I right?

I wish that was the case, but it was not at all. Growing up I suffered from acne and blemishes which affected my self-esteem tremendously. We all know that when you first see someone the first thing that you notice is their face, so you can only imagine the effects it had on me as a young girl. Living in a society where a “perfect” and attractive physical image (most times unrealistic) is praised, acne was not a good problem to have at all. As the years went by I decided to accept it but work on it. During that process I began to realize that beauty really is skin deep. I began to realize that people saw me how I saw myself. I began to realize that no matter what I looked like physically I was still a beautiful person. I do believe that there are things that we all dislike about ourselves and that is fine. The problem becomes when you hate the things about yourself that you cannot change. We should learn to accept and love those things. Now there are things that we dislike about ourselves that can be changed and that is what we should focus on. My skin for instance was one of those things and so I decided to attack and change that problem that caused me to think less of myself.

It’s often been said that over the course of every successful person’s journey, there’s always this moment when discouragement totally takes over. Have you had such moments in your life?

Most certainly! In 2012, I became the first newly elected person of Haitian descent to ever hold public office in the city of Elizabeth, NJ. I experienced discouragement full-blown during this time. Negative letters were written and posted against me; which were then spread amongst the Haitian churches and community. I felt hopeless, defeated and traumatized because my own community chose to take a stance against me. It was beyond hurtful, but that time in my life brought me closer than ever to God. I gave Him my all and in return He gave me the strength I needed to keep striving for success because that was one of the purposes He had for me!

Bathelus poses with guests at a community event.

How did you get the courage to keep striving forward?

After the election was over, I realized that Unity is essential in the Haitian community. Unity amongst all cultures is crucial because it shows how unbroken or undivided we are. For many years, I witnessed my community dividing to conquer and it has never worked to our benefit. I pray that one day, we will be able to come together and support our fellow Haitian counterparts in their endeavors. It saddens my heart when we continuously divide and prove other communities right. I want to be able to rely on my community through the struggle, whether through fire or cooling water. Haiti’s motto “L’Union Fait La Force” is used to signify the strength in uniting for the common good of the people. “Unity is Strength” has become my motto which has allowed me to bring together many of those who did not support me prior to being elected whereas now, we unite for the common good of our community! As a Haitian leader, that is exactly what I want all mankind to do, UNITE, by committing to support and encourage others to do well.

Where do you get your overall drive and determination from?

My answer is rather simple; I get my drive and determination from God! There are days that I am physically tired and emotionally drained but God continuously fuels me and empowers me to move on and move forward. If it weren’t for Him, I am certain that I would not be where I am today. He is the best planner of life and I am grateful that I grew up in a household where I was taught to trust him to be faithful and just and to lean on his power. I also empower myself by constantly reading my “Prophecy to Myself” which states: “This is my year, hour and season to be abundantly blessed by God! It’s my time for a divine turn-around in every circumstance in my life! I cannot, and will not be denied!”

You are a Volunteer and Community Partnership Coordinator with Prevention Links and you oversee two community civic action groups in two cities in New Jersey…namely Plainfield and Rahway.

Yes, in this role, I am charged with enhancing positive characteristics in people, educating the masses about the importance of community involvement, instilling professional values and helping others commit to a healthy lifestyle, as well as provide information regarding substance abuse prevention.

How can a person know whether they’re on the right path in life, career-wise?

You’ll know if you are on the right path if you are extremely happy with your career. There are times when we find ourselves being unhappy at a place where we once experienced joy. It does not necessarily mean that you are on the wrong path but perhaps you have reached the point in time where you must reinvent yourself in order to revive that joy. I love pinwheels! They always bring me to a happy moment in life. So let’s imagine a pinwheel. Pinwheels for me signify happiness, carefree mindset, simple pleasures, not taking myself too seriously, and a reminder to inhale fully and gently exhale. When I think of the right career path it somewhat resembles the turning of a pinwheel. The whole journey is a cycle; it has its highs and its lows; it has its still and twirling moments. The wind causes the pinwheel to move! When speaking of the right career path, your wind is found in your innate passion and drive. That unavoidable Zeal should cause you to move.

A career is constant change and growth. No matter the job, there is always more to learn, more to do and higher levels to be reached. The right career path will bring you joy and pleasure. That joy isn’t based on a high income but the fulfillment you get while performing your duties. I know people who help others on a daily basis and receive no income and they seem more at peace than those I know who have a high salary. The difference is one group is fulfilling that deeply rooted passion and calling and that’s where the joy comes from; the other group work for a paycheck to pay their bills and maintain a lifestyle. I am not saying there is anything wrong with that at all. I simply want to make it clear that the right path will not always be glamorous, though it would be nice. However, it will always be beneficial and fulfilling! Simply put, the right career path somewhat resembles a journey on a pinwheel.

From what you’ve seen, what makes a great leader?

A great leader is one who is strong, steadfast, relatable, caring, trusting, responsible and accountable. A great leader is an individual who is knowledgeable about the field he/she leads. A great leader is someone who is able to facilitate and resist dictatorship. A great leader is one who is able to balance being a leader and a team player. He/she recognizes and acknowledges the strengths of those who follow. Based on those strengths he/she confidently delegates tasks and responsibilities to the appropriate people, fully trusting in them to complete them effectively. Overall, a great leader will have the ability and humbleness to not only lead but to also follow!

When was the last time you traveled to Haiti?

My first and only time that I traveled to Haiti was in June 2010 for my grandmother’s funeral. Exactly, five months after the tragic 7.0 magnitude earthquake. I prepared myself to see the worst. I thought there would be rubble, plywood structures and even dead bodies everywhere. To my surprise, I saw a beautiful country in need of some loving hands. Many of the places I traveled warmed my heart and others tore my heart apart and brought me to tears. The tenacity of the Haitian people quickly turned my pessimistic outlook into an optimistic vision for my country. My vision for Haiti is for it to be recovered and restored so that it can be known as the GEM of the Caribbean again.

What would you say to someone who wants to reach the same career heights as you?

What is stopping you? Go for it! When speaking to youth, I make it a point to let them know that I do not want them to achieve what I have achieved, I want them to surpass my accomplishments and strive for much more. We are all stars in our own way! So let your light shine on. A quote that I live by: “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m Possible’!”…Audrey Hepburn.

Canada’s natural hair community is as vibrant as anywhere else, thanks to bloggers like Nel G, who inspires naturalistas all over Canada—and beyond—with Racines Crepues.

Inspired by women and artists she admired like India.Irie, Janelle Monae, Lauryn Hill, who wore non-permed styles, Nel started to do research on natural hair in late 2009. Most of the sites and resources she came across were based in either France or the USA. It occurred to her to start one for the Quebec area to chronicle her transition to natural hair, and to help those who were thinking of doing the same. The then-20-year-old launched Racines Crepues, her natural hair community in late 2009, thereby combining her life-long hobbies of reading and writing with her growing passion for natural hair. Her site is in French, but she has a translation feature on it to assist non-French naturalistas who may stumble upon it.

Nel G’s presence on Facebook is impressive, with her current fan base at 9700 fans. Racines Crepues presence is especially felt on YouTube where Nel G has created over 50 videos and amassed more than 7,000 subscribers. On that platform, she tests and reviews products for her readers, and shows them how to twist and lock their own hair. She also offers fun videos about her natural hair transition journey.

The natural hair entrepreneur’s diligence has been recognized. Racines Crepues recently won an MiB Award—an honor given to Canada-based blogs changing the digital landscape—in the beauty category.

A resident of Montreal, Quebec, the kinks-and-coils-promoting naturalista has a Bachelor’s Degree in French Literature.

Kreyolicious: Our childhoods shape us a great deal. When you were little, what was your perception of hair?

I grew up in Haiti until I was 10, so pretty much everyone had the same kind of hair. Like a lot of black mothers in that time, my mother did not particularly know how to take proper care of my hair. It was very painful to detangle and to comb, so I hated it every time she washed it. I always thought that black hair was coarse and untamable, so I envied the long, straight hair of my friends when I came to live in Canada. I used to put on a skirt on my hair to mimic white people’s hair! [My hair] was permed at 12 like a lot of other little girls, and I thought that was the only thing a black girl could do with her hair.

Kreyolicious: The natural hair movement seems to be all over. What’s the natural hair community like in Canada?

I will talk for Quebec—where I live—because the rest of Canada is big. The natural hair community is less huge than in other places. There are fewer black people in Canada than in the States or in Europe, and as a result, I feel like the black community is more scattered. It’s not always a bad thing, because there are less ghettos and more integration with the general society. I live in a very multicultural place. I feel like black people here in Montreal struggle less to stay connected with their roots because most of us are first and second-generation immigrants, so we feel less the need to make big events about our hair for example. Of course, there are more and more events, but not to the extent of the big hair shows held in the States. There are fewer blogs, few stores and natural hair salons, and almost all of them are concentrated in and around the city of Montreal—which can be very frustrating for people who live far from there.

Kreyolicious: When did you realize that you were a huge force in the natural hair community?

When people started to recognize me on the streets! I’m really shy in real life, so I don’t always know how to react and talk to people. But they’re always so nice to me, and I’m glad that I made such an impression online that people remember my face and name. Also, when I started to receive media invites to some events, and brands wanted me to give advice on their products.

Kreyolicious: What do you think has contributed to the growth of your brand?

I think that I’m genuine in what I do. I just want to help people take better care of their hair and break all the misconceptions we have had about black hair. I also take time to acknowledge and answer emails or comments I get and I try to have a professional, but friendly attitude with my readership.

Kreyolicious: Towards the beginning, did you ever have those moments when you wanted to give up?

In the beginning, I was only doing a kind of public journal or diary to share my own experience and maybe help people like me. I did not expect any kind of money or fame. The moments I wanted to give up came only after a few years, when I felt some people were trying to take advantage of the success I had. What started as a hobby was becoming a heavy workload and I didn’t feel happy anymore about it. I also didn’t like the curve the natural hair community was taking, with more and more fights, shady business, marketing and a lot of consumerism. I do want to grow as person or even as a brand, but not at any cost.

Kreyolicious: How did you keep your head above water?

By reminding myself why and how I started, and by remaining authentic and true to my values. I developed a [set] of ethics, so and now I’m more confident with what I do, and I know when I have to say no. But, the most important thing are the messages I get from my readers everyday, reminding me how I help them with my work. These messages are really encouraging and are the reason I continue the blog. I’m very grateful for that.

Kreyolicious: What advice would you give to those out there who’d like to go natural?

Do research—but don’t go crazy! There is so much online right now…so many websites, videos and hair gurus…so much lingo to learn! Don’t try to emulate someone else’s hair. Don’t be envious of other girls’ texture, curl patterns or length. Work with your own hair. Learn what works for it. It will take time, but be patient. And don’t spend all your money on the newest lines of products. So much of us go natural to save money, yet spend all of our money on every single product we come across. No product does miracles—and most of the time—less is more.

Kreyolicious: And what would you say to someone who’s trying to build an online community?

Each and every person has their own reason to start an online community, so I would say…write down that reason and try to stay focused. Chase opportunities, be quick when they show up, but don’t harass people and don’t be greedy. You have a lot to give before you receive something. Keep your fan base satisfied and they will be the one to bring you new members for your community to grow. Try to learn something, teach something and share as much as you can!

Kreyolicious: How do you stay connected to Haitian culture?

My family—and on another level—the Internet, help me stay connected to my roots. I still speak Creole, eat Haitian food, read the works of Haitian novel writers, and watch some Haitian movies. I will admit it is hard, as I have not gone back to Haiti since I left 15 years ago. I consider myself a “Citizen of the World” mostly. My memories as a child and what I learned in school in Haiti are also the best connection I have with my Haitian roots.

VISIT RACINES CREPUES HERE| RACINES CREPUES ON INSTAGRAM | RACINES CREPUES ON TWITTER

The athletic coach Larry Bird once said, “A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals.” The artist known as Mecca aka Grimo is such an individual. An actor, he has starred in films like Kidnappings, and acted in the stage morality tale “When Good Men Are Tempted”. With the artist’s participation in that theater production, he wants well-intentioned husbands and boyfriends everywhere to know that he sympathizes with their struggles to remain true to their spouses and significant others.

A life coach—Mecca aka Grimo motivates students living in the inner cities about self-esteem, character-building, and settling conflicts without having to resort to weapons or fists. A community leader, he devotes himself to Children’s Hope Chest of Dreams, a non-profit he created.

A spoken-word artist, he creates relatable and meaningful rhymes that promote pride and self-reliance. As a hip-hop artist, he bounces with natural swagger in the video “We Dem Zoes”, alongside fellow rappers Stichiz, Grimass, Jimmy Dade, and Billy Blue.

Ask around, and you’ll be told that Mecca aka Grimo is considered one of the pioneers of an earlier wave of the genre known as Hip-Hop Kreyol.

K. St. Fort: How is Mecca the artist different from Mecca the man? Or are they interchangeable?

They used to be different before I learned how to balance both. I am the same person on stage that I am when I am home. With the work that I feel I was sent to do, it would be a diservice to myself, my family and my community if my art and my personality were not merged. My art form is an extension of me and my vision.

K. St. Fort: What are you most proud of when it comes to your career?

I am most proud of embracing my culture at the early stages of my career when it wasn’t so popular to be Haitian. I also worked in the school system so again my art and what I did in the classroom fit together to send that message of positive identity and self esteem in young Haitian children that were ashamed to be called Haitian. I am proud to be Haitian and thrilled to leave a legacy for my family to look back at.

K. St. Fort: Were you really into music in high school?

I was into music since eight years young. My father played in a band with his four brothers. The frequency grabbed my attention at an early age. Since then, I’ve been involved in music and entertainment in one form or another.

K. St. Fort: Hip-hop plays a huge role in your community work. How come?

Well, it’s what I know how to do. I stay in my lane. The hip-hop culture has been an intricate part of who I am for most of my life. Actually, hip-hop saved my life, so I feel like it can do the same for others. It gave me identity and the reason I’m doing what I’m doing now, which is using entertainment to promote education. I look at the youth in my community and realize they gravitate to the hip-hop culture just as I do. Since I’ve been through trials and tribulations of my own I feel it’s necessary to use my experiences to warn, teach and give different direction to what may be harmful. Hip-Hop workshops help the youth to communicate and stay engaged, so I use it as a tool to promote confidence, communication and Knowledge.

K. St. Fort: If you had a little brother who was graduating high school right now, and wanted a career similar to yours, what would you tell him?

I would tell him to learn a skill. I would advise him that the behind the scene people make all the money. That producers make more money than the artist. So don’t just be an artist but produce your own show. Don’t just rap for yourself but write and produce for other artist as well. Don’t just act—but direct and produce your own idea—then copyright it.

Surrounded by the actresses from the stage play, “When Good Men Are Tempted”…

K. St. Fort: What do you enjoy creating the most…music, poetry or motivational speeches?

I enjoy each in their own element. That is why I’ve submerged myself in all of it.

K. St. Fort: And what do you like about each?

I love music because lyrics and music working in harmony to promote a message is an enlightening experience. To be able to make people dance and move with material you created. I love poetry because there are no limitations or pace as to what I want to say or when I say it. I feel free when I recite my spoken word and poetry pieces. My motivational speeches come from my experiences, so it’s only right I share what I’ve been through so the youth of today have a brighter outlook on their direction in life.

K. St. Fort: When was the last time you took a trip to Haiti?

I went to Haiti in 2009 right before the earth quake. I haven’t made it back yet but I have a planned trip coming in Dec 2014 to be more involved in educational projects involving the youth. There is so much good happening in Haiti right now and I applaud all of what’s taking place for the betterment of the country.

K. St. Fort: Are you one of those people who make five-year plans?

I try to create short-term and long term goals for myself but my schedule fluctuates often. My goals get shifted to other plans. I have an acoustical engineering degree but I’ve been so involved in the school system I’ve been advised to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Education and minor in Mental Health. You’re probably saying both have nothing to do with music or acting, but I create music and theater curriculum that help in those areas. Art can be used as therapy if approached the right way.

Main Photo Credit: MeWe Photography; Costume photo: Johnny Louis Photography

Connect with Mecca aka Grimo on TWITTER| FACEBOOK| INSTAGRAM

God Loves Haiti author Dimitry Elias Leger is based in Switzerland—in that country’s capital Geneva to be precise. While getting all the deets on his novel, I decided to get some insight into the Haitian community in Europe. Feel free to eavedrop on our convo. You know you’re always welcome to eavesdropping, dear kreyolicious cheries.

Kreyolicious: How is Geneva looking right now? Is it awfully cold?

No. Geneva is consistently quite warmer than New York City. We’re six hours south of Paris by car. So, the weather’s like Virginia or North Carolina. Spring jumped off [two months ago]!

Kreyolicious: Oh.

Paris is on the same weather axis as New York, but no where is as cold as New York City in winter. Not even Stockholm.

Kreyolicious: I imagine the Haitian community there is huge, considering Paris isn’t too far away. Is that the case?

The Haitian community in Paris is decent. I wouldn’t call it huge. When [Haiti’s] President [Michel] Martelly held a public meeting a few months, I was told there were about 600 people. There’s about 400 in the Geneva area. I learned when I did a book signing in Stockholm [in February] that we were 500-deep in Sweden! I met the president and vice president of the Haitian community organization of Sweden.

Kreyolicious: Too cool! When you’re in Geneva, what do you miss about France?

I live on the French side of Lake Geneva, literally on the border of Switzerland and France. When I’m in Geneva, I like it’s big city glamour and German efficiency and neatness. When I cross the border back to France, I love the relaxing nature of the countryside. With the alps on one side and the lake on the other side, sometimes I feel like I’m in Haiti driving for Port-au-Prince to Carrefour—where I grew up.

Right: Author Dimitry Elias Leger at a book signing event in Switzerland.

Kreyolicious: When you’re in Haiti, what do you miss about Brooklyn?

I never miss Brooklyn! When I’m in Haiti, I just can’t believe I have to leave. Period. Seriously, New York made me. Brooklyn is in my DNA. But the American city I tend to miss is Miami. I lived there for two happy years when I was a reporter at the Miami Herald. Miami is the right mix of some of the best things about Haiti and the great things about America.

Kreyolicious: Those who live in Switzerland and Sweden…from what you’ve been able to tell—tend to move directly from France or directly from Haiti?

The Haitians I’ve met in Switzerland and Sweden came directly from Haiti. There are about 800 Haitians in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and 500 spread throughout Sweden. Some may have come after a brief stay in Canada or the US, but most seem to have come from Port-au-Prince directly.

Kreyolicious: As someone who’s also lived in the United States, how do you think the Haitian communities in North America and Europe compare?

In France, specifically in Paris, I find Haitians are about as assimilated as in the U.S. in the sense that they hold white collar jobs, culture-making jobs, and form a large percentage of the cab drivers. My guess is that there are probably more Haitian bankers and doctors and engineers in the U.S.A and Canada than in France. France may offer an easier transition from Haiti for Haitians, culturally, but the society is not as open to boot-strapping, social-climber like America is. Haitians routinely overachieve in America. France, like all European countries, likes to keep its immigrants on the periphery of its economic and political power centers. Americans, Haitian or not, who live well in France often come here with high-powered American educations and American income streams. There are as many sons and daughters of cab drivers now thriving in the French middle class as there are in, say, Brooklyn. For example, the Haitian middle class in America has grown so much in the past 15 year that now you can find high end and fast food Haitian restaurants in fashionable neighborhoods in Miami and Brooklyn. When I had a cab driver help me track down the sole Haitian restaurant in Paris once, he didn’t want to let me out of the car because he felt the neighborhood was too dangerous. Turned out the neighborhood wasn’t that bad, but the griyo was terrible.

Be sure to CLICK HERE to VISIT DIMITRY ELIAS LEGER’S WEBSITE | CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HIS BOOK GOD LOVES HAITI