Oswald Durand was born in Cap-Haitian on September 17, 1840, he was a poet and a politician. He was a writer of French and Creole expression, considered as the national poet of Haiti. In 1842 an earthquake devastated the city, which made him an orphan when he was nearly two years old. Oswald Durand and her sister were raised by their maternal grandmother. His most famous works are Choucoune, a lyrical poem praising the beauty of a Haitian woman, and Chant National, a lyrical historic poem which became as popular as the presidential hymn. He died on April 22, 1906. More facts to come, stay tuned!
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Oswald Durand est né au Cap-Haïtien le 17 septembre 1840. Il était un poète, un homme politique et un écrivain d’expression française et créole, considéré comme le poète national d’Haïti. En 1842, un tremblement de terre a dévasté la ville, ce qui a fait de lui un orphelin alors qu’il avait presque deux ans. Oswald Durand et sa soeur ont été élevés par leur grand-mère maternelle. Ses œuvres les plus célèbres sont “Choucoune”, un poème lyrique vantant la beauté d’une femme haïtienne, et “Chant National”, un poème historique lyrique devenu aussi populaire que l’hymne présidentiel. Il est mort le 22 avril 1906. Plus de faits à venir, suivez-nous et activez vos alertes!
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Oswald Durand te fèt Okap, 17 septanm 1840, li te yon powèt ak yon politisyen. Li te yon ekriven ki te eksprime li an franse ak kreyòl, konsidere kòm powèt nasyonal Ayiti. Nan 1842 yon tranbleman tè devaste vil la, ki te fè li vinn yon òfelen lè li te prèske gen 2 lane de ane. Oswald Durand ak sè li te leve nan men grann matènèl yo. Pwojè ki pi popilè li yo se Choucoune, yon powèm lirik ki louwanje bote yon fanm ayisyen, ak Chant Nasyonal, yon powèm lirik istorik ki te vin popilè tankou kantik prezidansyèl la. Li te mouri 22 avril, 1906. Swiv nou pou lòt enfamasyon nap ba nou!
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#2)Choucoune by/par Celia Cruz
#3)Choucoune par Issa El Saieh
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#istwa1804 #istwa #1804 #ayiti #haiti #hayti #oswalddurand #durand #haitians #okap #caphaitien #caphaitian #haitiens #choucoune #chantnational #poets #poetes #artiste #haitianartist #atis #orphans #francais #french #creole #kreyol #talent #issaelsaieh #celiacru

Could publishing a magazine for Haitians living in the United States—with mass appeal to other Caribbeans in the middle of a much-publicized decline of print—be a success? Esther Lafontant thought so.

The former model and fashion industry employee put her mind to work, formulating a publication she named Amour Creole. With an ever-growing subscriber base, as well as an online version, the magazine which recently celebrated its first year, has had cover stories featuring a host of luminaries: singer Dawn Richard, actor Jimmy Jean-Louis, celebrity chef Manoushka Guerrier, and teen heartthrobs Olivier Duret and Jason Derulo. The efforts of Lafontant and her staff have paid off; this year Amour Creole joined other major magazines on the racks of national newsstands as one of the content-heavy publications targeting black and Caribbean readers. It’s been quite a journey for Lafontant, a single mother who immigrated to the United States and is now based out of Boston.

Q&A

At which point did you get the concept for Amour Creole?
I always wanted to do something that would uplift the Haitian community in the U.S. and show the beauty of my people and culture. I had the idea for a magazine for a long time – I felt like it was the best medium to display the beauty of my people and culture.

There’s this impression that it’s doomsday for the magazine and print industry in general.
Yes, the last couple of years have been very difficult for print because of the other media outlets. The numbers for print seem to be rising again and there is still an impressive demand for print. People like to curl up with a magazine, feel the pages. Experts say print will be around for a long time. Amour Creole is such a new niche, our target market loves the direction of Amour Creole. There’s clearly a big need for it in our community.

What do you feel sets apart Amour Creole from other Caribbean lifestyle and entertainment publications?
Amour Creole covers a range of topics. We are very diverse in our writing. We don’t focus on just one aspect like most other magazines. We cover so much: beauty, fashion, entertainment, culture, etc. I think our in-depth, well researched features are a huge part of capturing readers attention. And we cater to a bigger audience. We are not just a women or men’s magazine. We are the people’s magazine.

Any aspect of your background that made starting and operating Amour Creole a little smoother?
Not necessarily. I modeled for a while and was always part of the fashion industry, but nothing related to publishing.

The arrival of the internet killed a lot of other mediums. What do you think will kill it?
I maintain the position – every avenue has an end. Where? No one knows.

As the Founder of Amour Creole, and its publisher, what is a typical day like for you?
Very stressful. Even though Amour Creole is quarterly it feels like a weekly publication. Our editorial schedule is very tight and we have to get to the next issue before we even close the current one! There are days that my staff and I are in the office until 1 or 2 AM. I am just so grateful that I work with a group of amazing people.

You probably have some counsel for someone delving into the publishing world.
Know what you are getting into. Educate yourself as much as you can – go to as many publishing conferences, trade shows and network events that you can. Publishing is a very hard business to get into especially if it’s print publication because they are so many regulations. If you are not prepared, you will fail. When someone sees a finished product, they just see the glamour of it, not the work that goes into putting it together.

What’s in the plans for Amour Creole?
The plan for Amour Creole is to become a household name in the Haitian/Caribbean community. I want it to be a name that all Haitians everywhere can be proud of and that will last for many generations.

For information on how to subscribe, go here.

Kreyolicious Music Video…in which…in which I watch and share my thoughts as I watch a music video by a Haitian artist.
Artist: Sasky Sky
Cellist: Guy Michel
Director: Garnel Ambroise Production: GA StudiosBefore you even watch this music video, you are intrigued. First and foremost, this is a remake…a Creole version of one of the most explosive songs of the year by the British singer Adele.

What can singer Saskya Sky bring to it? Well, turns out…an abundance…

The opening is a close-up on the singer dressed as a bride. Already, from the anxiety in her eyes, you can tell that something isn’t quite kosher. She’s on the phone, and her platinum and light auburn ringlets tumble in disarray. Nothing on her face indicates that it’s one of the happiest days of her life.

The video ends with the disillusioned woman tossing her bouquet and resigning herself to the truth.

Director Garnel Ambroise uses just a few locations for the video. The singer is on a bridge. The bridge symbolizes the overpass between the ugly present and the past she refuses to let go of.

This scene is interesting…it looks like a surrealist painting. She’s in the middle of some forest or arboretum, and yet we can see a skyline. Yet another illusion of her mind?

Ooh, she’s got a handsome guy by her side now. Ooh, he even plays an instrument. How romantic.

So who is this dude? It can’t be the guy that she’s trying to get on the phone. He never comes to the phone. He never makes himself accessible to her. This dude must be a new love interest she’s ignoring. Or a concerned friend who’s worried about her well-being.

Ooh, he snatches the ring off her finger. It’s his way of telling her to get over it. And if you look closely—if you look very closely, like you’ve got bifocals, or trifocals on—you’ll see that it isn’t a wedding band, but an engagement ring. Poor baby, she’s been keeping it on her finger even though her relationship clearly has disintegrated. Bet she bought it for herself.

And then there’s the scene in the forest where the singer is sprawled on the grass, and she’s singing her agony out.

Now ladies, a forest is better than a therapist’s chair. She gets to scream, yell, and cry all she wants, and no one but the birds hovering over her head, and the rodents and bugs sleeping inside the tree trunks can hear.

Saskya stretches out her range really well for this song. Although this is a “foreign language” remake of the song, you hear the same anguish as the original. And you’ve got to admit that she looks good in that dress. Girl, store that thing in the closet somewhere so that the Prince Charming you don’t have to call a million times will walk you down the aisle.

This isn’t a song about a typical jilted bride. Rather, it’s a story of a woman who had been nurturing illusions about a relationship. She wanted to be wed, but instead she got discarded. She wanted her Happily Ever After, but instead got emotionally assaulted with a Chosen Never Never.

Alo? Can I get a Podyab?

Be sure to watch the Kreyolicious music video below!

CLICK HERE TO READ OTHER ARTICLES ABOUT SASKYA SKY. CLICK HERE TO CHECK HER OUT ON INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER.

App developer and techie Josny Severe favors a technology-friendly Haiti, and he want to make sure that Haitian Creole speakers are not left out of the equation. To that end, he’s started a Haitian Creole hashtag #TiKozeSouTeknoloji to encourage Haitian Creole speakers around the world to take part in native language-centered discussions about tech, apps, and emerging technology.

Kreyolicious: I think it’s cool that you started a technology hashtag, and one in Creole at that! Please explain why? And also how you came up with it!
First of all, I want to thank you for this opportunity given to me to talk about #TiKozeSouTeknoloji, which I started on Twitter not too long ago. It[‘s turned out to be] so important for many that I had to change it [from mere hashtag to an actual] vlog this February. We all know that in Haiti we have two languages French and Creole. But at the same time, it’s crystal-clear that Creole is the most spoken language in the country at every level of daily activities. And as we all know, people learn better when they are being taught in a language that they’ve mastered. Tech terms are being mystified in Haiti, which lead [some] people to be afraid of anything related to this field. So one day, while I was tweeting about a technology [topic], I told myself why not come [up] with something that would help people understand technology [better]. [This way,] these concepts can be demystified, and help them have a better use of it, therefore it is actually everywhere in their entire life.

Kreyolicious: What has the feedback been for the chats?
So far, so good! Since we’ve just started, we are identifying our audience and manage to reach as many people possible. It is important that a great majority get access to the content so the purpose which is educating our people about technology can be reached.

Kreyolicious: And how do you determine what to discuss during the weekly segments?
As for the choice of the weekly [topics], it is like math. We can not talk about multiplication without understanding the basics which are addition and subtraction. So, we start with a series of the basic terminology before we land in more complicated subjects like artificial intelligence, internet of things, to name only these two.

Kreyolicious: Why do you think it’s important to get the youths of Haiti and others engaged in technology?
From simply chatting, sharing media on social networks, banking, and easing [the] process at work, to study, technology is involved in every single aspect of our life in this century. There is no way you can escape the use of technological tools in 2017. But, here in Haiti, we have this issue of invading new stuff coming abroad without really understanding them. On one hand, we [either] misunderstand and misuse them. Or, we just stay away from them. [Meanwhile,] in terms of geopolitics, everyone around us are moving with the era—the Information Era. A simple example: I went to study software engineering in Dominican Republic in 2005. At [that point,] an automated teller machine—ATM—was not a big deal for the Dominican people. So, how can it still be a big deal here in Haiti for clients to use them properly? [And why do] the banks [tend] to advertise them like they’re [the most] high-tech stuff ever to be available to the clients, when we know ATM has been around since the 80s? So, it’s important that we shake [things] up a little bit, get to learn and share the knowledge in the easiest way possible so [that] everyone can understand—no matter his or her background.

This concludes Part I of the interview…Be sure to watch out for PART II.

[Main photo credit: Samuel Dameus]

CLICK HERE to keep up with Josny Severe and his discussions regarding #Yontikozesouteknoloji!

Haiti techie Josny Severe is the founder of an app Lenkop. Last year, he created the hashtag #yontikozesouteknoloji to encourage techies in Haiti and Creole-speaking tech enthusiasts around the world to discuss technological concerns, news and issues in Haitian Creole. In Part I of the interview, he discussed how he got the idea for the hashtags. In this segment, he talks about broader topics in Haiti’s technology sector.

Kreyolicious: When we compare our part of the century to that of others who lived before us, we note that social media has changed, has revolutionized a lot of things over the world. What do you think social media has changed in Haiti?
Here in Haiti, we tend to follow a trend without really understanding its purpose. Social media started back in the days when the web turned from web 1.0 to 2.0…which means before today’s era of the popular social networks, websites were all about serving content for the consumer to just consume. When the web 2.0 hit with possibility for the consumer to participate in the game, we started with the blogs then social networks. Nowadays, in other countries social media goes further then just post[ing] media, interact[ing] [with] media posted by friends and family. We are at a point where employers, before hiring you, go on your social media profiles and check your background. Traditional media uses social networks as sources and publish scoops, and governments identify potential threats to the security of their nation and so on. But in Haiti, [even as we speak] some traditional media don’t use social networks. When news is being spread, there are a few and limited sources you can refer to [verify for] authenticity. Others take advantage [of social media to] create [and amass] popularity…[and do so] by using it [to spread malicious gossip]. Nonetheless, we need to highlight that social media in university is added as a subject in mass communication curriculum and people are being hired as social media specialists in those other countries. Talking about Haiti, there is not too much to say. We use social media on a daily basis for sure, but I don’t think we could say it has changed [anything much]. There [aren’t any] laws [that govern] behavior—good or bad in the country on the internet. We are one of the countries on the planet [who aren’t governed by any established internet laws] which leads people to do whatever they want, whenever they want on social media.

Kreyolicious: Besides taking internet abuse measures, what else would you like to see the tech sector in Haiti do?
Actually, I [think] that we [have this great urgency to] educate our nation about computer science, the use of the internet, and so on. Cause, what we actually know about internet in Haiti is just the edge of the iceberg. Then the community of computer scientist, software developer needs to get together and propose real laws that reflect our culture and morals as a nation in other to move side by side upon the arrival of new technologies. At the end, I think it is very important that the tech sector becomes a real entity as it is for the medical and accounting sector, to name these, where a license is delivered in order for engineers in the field to be recognized accordingly.

Kreyolicious: You created an app as well. How does it fit into everything?
Two years ago, I released Lenkop with the purpose of having a platform for events promotion and helping people interested in events, specially the night life. One year later, I realized I was doing it all wrong since it relies all on me to do everything. So I decided to shut it down for a while, learn some new technologies and actually developing what should be the version 2.0 of Lenkop. In other words, I’ve learned from the mistakes, step back and flexing to make a great and strong come back. Hopefully by this March or early April, I’ll be able to share what the second version of Lenkop looks like in terms of features, and [will be able to expand its] international reach.

Kreyolicious: You said you’ll be concentrating on Lenkop…do you see it tying in somehow with your plans for the hashtag?
They are obviously two different projects with different focus. With TiKozeSouTeknoloji, the purpose is to educate, debate and propose solutions, while Lenkop is here to connect party-goers, assist event planners and create a community for those people where they can really relate. That being said, educating people about technology is the main gate that will empower them to make a proper use of any app or other tools they are interested in.

You can watch a video of Haiti techie Josny Severe having a tech discussion in Haitian Creole below.

CLICK HERE to keep up with the Haiti Techie and his discussions about #Yontikozesouteknoloji!

How competent are you when it comes to speaking Haitian Creole language? Bonjou from Lulu, a start-up founded by entrepreneur Lucy Dorlus, will have you speaking little touching phrases in the form of greeting cards! The Florida-based Haitian Creole greeting cards collection not only fills a gap in the market, but also has a philanthropic aspect. A portion of the profits from sales goes towards domestic violence and education causes. Now, let’s talk to the shepreneur about her venture!

Kreyolicious: What are your memories of growing up Haitian-American?
I grew up in a very religious home where the principles of hard work, education and pride in my culture were instilled in me at an early age. Church was at the center of my life growing up and it is where I became more aware of my cultural identity. I have fond memories of going to church, worshiping in Creole, participating in cultural activities, learning Haiti’s national anthem and about Haiti’s rich history. I grew up in a household where we spoke Creole, English was my second language. My parents made sure that my siblings and I had knowledge of our Haitian roots. We were encouraged to speak Creole. My mother also taught my sister and me how to prepare Haitian food.
Kreyolicious: What pushed you to launch this greeting card line?
I toyed with the idea of creating a Creole focused greeting card business for years and finally launched my business after a turning point in my life. Bonjou from Lulu creates a way for people to express their feelings through greetings cards written in their native language. The idea for BFL stems from the absence of greeting cards written in Creole. I felt that an entire culture was unable to express themselves for special life events like birthdays, communion, anniversaries, and graduations. Growing up, I loved giving greeting cards to my parents for different occasions. While the greeting cards I gave my father were easily read and understood, I had to translate the cards given to my mother because she did not read English well at the time. I remember seeing greeting cards in Spanish for Mother’s Day as a teenager and thought to myself, “It would be great to have Mother’s Day cards in Creole too.” Thus, the idea was born, but it would take me several years for me to launch my business. I believe timing is everything, and it’s my time to shine!

Kreyolicious: Who taught you how to write Creole?
Creole was my first language. Although, I speak and read it fluently, I learned how to write Creole as an adult. I used a Haitian Creole-to-English dictionary as a reference when creating my greeting cards and also receive assistance from my mother and best friend with grammar and punctuation.

Kreyolicious: What sort of response have you gotten thus far?
The response has been overwhelmingly receptive and positive. The general feedback I have received is that Bonjou from Lulu is a great concept and unique idea. I created a Mother’s day collection of greeting cards this year and so far sales have been satisfactory. I am looking forward to Haitian Mother’s Day and Father’s Day!

This concludes PART I of the interview with the Haitian greeting cards entrepreneur Lucy Dorlus. Watch out for PART II.

CLICK HERE to visit Lucy Dorlus’ Bonjou from Lulu page, and to order her Haitian Creole greeting cards!

Florida-based entrepreneur Lucy Dorlus has launched Bonjou from Lulu, a Haitian Creole greetings card company. Like many other entrepreneurial ventures, it has its challenges. If you missed PART I of the interview, CLICK HERE.

Kreyolicious: How has becoming an entrepreneur changed you?
I am a single mother, full-time school counselor, a part-time adjunct professor and a business owner. Becoming an entrepreneur has taught me a lot about balance. Juggling all four jobs is not easy but I make it work. I have learned that dedication, passion and hard work is key to running a business. I do not have prior business experience other than working as a Vice President for a nonprofit organization for five years, but what I do have is people skills. I love people and believe that my people skills along with networking and marketing will be the driving force of my business. I am still learning how to run a successful business and I embrace all the trial and errors.

Kreyolicious: Any pearls of wisdom for those wanting to start their own businesses?
Go for it! Just do it! Trust the process and surround yourself around people who support you. I am fortunate to have an incredible support team. They make better and continue to encourage to work harder. Most importantly, be diligent, work hard and be patient, trust the process.

Kreyolicious: You been to Haiti?
Yes. I have been fortunate to travel to Haiti twice. I love it there, and I encourage everyone to visit Haiti to experience its rich culture and history.

Kreyolicious: And are your cards available for sale there?
My cards are not sold in Haiti, yet. However, I am working with a contact in Haiti and I hope to sell my cards there in the near future.
Kreyolicious: Do you think that your educational background has helped you?
Absolutely! I believe my educational background has helped me develop a strong work ethic which is important when staring any entrepreneurial endeavor. It has helped me understand the value of creating goals and working hard in order to successful.

Kreyolicious: Your brand is thriving. What’s next for it?
I want Bonjou from Lulu to expand beyond South Florida. I hope to see my cards in my local supermarkets and drug stores where there is a high population of Haitian Creole speakers.

CLICK HERE to visit Lucy Dorlus’ Bonjou from Lulu page, and to order her Haitian Creole greeting cards!

Chapo ba pou Marechal Mimi ak ti Jan (Hats off to Marechal Mimi and Little John) is a Creole language motivational book Atlanta resident François Nau has written to show the importance of education in the lives of Haitians. In doing so, he’s also shown the effectiveness and the potential of Creole as a language tool to instill culture and awareness about Haiti’s past.

Growing up in La Vallée, a small town near the city of Jacmel as the oldest of nine siblings in the 1970s, Nau’s parents did not have the chance to go to school. And so did many of the kids his age, who by the time they were 17, had only two destinies awaiting them: working on their respective families’ farms, or head over to the Dominican Republic to cut cane for the big sugar firms. With that pattern in place, Nau says it took 484 years from the discovery of Haiti in 1492 to 1976, for one of the kids in that remote town to reach the university level. By the early 90’s, only six people have completed their secondary education and went to college. Nau was on the them. Thanks to the tireless efforts of his parents, he attended college and landed in law school in Haiti. He eventually left for the United States, and along with his wife Edith, he instills the values of education in his three children Joe, Chriss, and Belle.

Chapo ba pou Marechal Mimi is more than a motivational book. It’s Nau’s tribute to the people of his hometown, and has reminisces and glimpses of the Haiti of the past, when happiness was achieved out of the simplest pleasures. Nau plans to travel to Haiti to promote the book in his hometown and will be giving out a literary prize in honor of this mother.

Q&A

How did idea for Chapo ba pou Marechal Mimi ak ti Jan originate?
A few years ago, after a long and tough day at work, I came home and was helping my kids with their homework. I was so tired, that I became impatient and hit my son, who was not really into studying at that particular moment. I left him alone for a while, and then call him back so we could continue. He was not ready yet. I became more impatient and gave up on helping him. I went to bed that night with the thoughts that something was not right. It’s my responsibility to help him and missed a golden opportunity to show him that even if he doesn’t do well in school, I’m always going to be there for him.

I started to think of my mother, who every night would sit by the table where I was studying. She would make sure that the lamp was filled with kerosene and that I had enough light to study. When I finish studying, she would make me recite my lessons. For a number of years, I had no idea that she could not read. It took me six years to realize that. Once, she held the book up side down, I thought she was extremely smart to be able to read in it like that. I thought of all the calamities she endured to provide every one of us an education with love and patience. She never gave up on any of us. I cried and I asked myself: What kind of parent gives up on his son this quick? Have you thought of what your mother went thru with you? I started to deeply reflect on our community, our familial background and found out that this woman, my mother, was a hero. With all [due] respect for the other parents, I don’t think anyone has accomplished more than this woman in education. I gathered the information that I could remember and retraced how our family became what it is today. Chapo ba pou Marechal Mimi ak ti Jan is a salute to her vision, dedication and courage.

You’ve chosen to write this book in Creole.
Creole is the language of the Haitian people. It’s been made one of the official language of the land by the Constitution of 1987. But, creole has not been accepted in a lot of circles. The schools that I went to won’t let the students speak creole on the school yard even today in 2012. How absurd is that, they teach creole in the schools; but, its use is prohibited outside of the classroom? Most of the educated Haitians can read and write french, but do they really understand it? All the didactic materials of our educational system are basically in french. Most kids will go home with homework and neither papa nor manman would be able to help them, because they don’t know how to read or write. Even if the students read a text to their parents, that too won’t help because they don’t understand French. Teachers sometimes spend hours preparing courses, but in reality; they’re preparing their French skills; not the curriculum. Interaction is rare and difficult between teachers and students. Reading and writing are not part of our culture. Books are not easy to get or to buy and they are extremely expensive. Books written in French are usually very expensive. If by chance one has access to a book, a dictionary is needed in order to read and understand it. While creole writing is understood as it is read. Creativity is not part of the equation. Most Haitians are very quiet when it comes to write their creative ideas. We, very often, are hit by that French complex that it has to come out perfect. Substance doesn’t matter much, but style. Who wants to see people criticize with disdain their creation? One has to be very secure and strong to face these obstacles.

The main purpose of Chapo ba pou Marechal Mimi ak ti Jan is to thank the Marechal and all the other mothers who like her invested everything in the education of their children. I can’t say thank you to them in a language that they do not understand. I want the ones who can read to be conscientious and happy. I want them to know that they are appreciated and loved in their language as well as their work. Young Haitian children need motivation and confidence to move on and make an impact in that new millennium. If they can’t freely speak their mind, there will not be any tangible progress 50, 100 years from now. I want them to know that the creole language is a safe way to create, speak, communicate, read and write. I want to speak to the people; I have to speak their language, creole.
These are some of the most obvious reasons why Chapo ba pou Marechal Mimi ak ti Jan is written in Creole. Your readers may think that I’m discouraging the youth from learning other languages. Wrong! I, myself, am fluent in 5 languages. I’d like to see them learn as many languages as they can; but, I’d love creole to be recognized and counted amongst them.

Do you think it’s essential for this generation to teach their kids to write and read Creole?
Again, it’s not only creole; they have to be prepared for any circumstances that may arise in life. Communication is so important today, learning languages is essential for this generation. But, if you’re Haitian or have some Haitian background; it’s a plus to be able to use the Haitian language. Creole is now taught in a lot of US Universities. A Creole Academy surprisingly may be established outside of Haiti.

You live in Atlanta, Georgia. How is the Haitian Community there?
The Haitian community in Georgia lately has grown considerably. That may be the reason why Dela Airlines is flying non-stop Atlanta to Port-au-Prince on Saturdays. The area—Acworth—where I live doesn’t really have a unified Haitian community. We are lost in the middle of this huge forest and we are 1000 miles away from each other. Georgia reminds me so much of my village La Vallée that I truly have to keep it in my mind. From the southeast of Haiti to the southeast of the US, I love it.

What’s next step for you in terms of the book?
First, I’ll be in La Vallée in the middle of July for a private ceremony to honor my mother, the mothers and educators of La Vallée de Jacmel. This event will take place at the Auberge Mont Saint Jean in Ridoré. All the school principals and people engaged in education are invited to attend. The book will be presented to the public and the notables of the city. Chapo ba pou Marechal Mimi ak ti Jan is the first book published by a Valléean at this scale. I’ll have the official signing of the book a day later at the primary school Léonce Mégie where I received my first dose of education. I’ve offered the local radio station my first interview, the first book signing event will be in La Vallée as well. I didn’t want to give any interview or to do any signing until the people of La Vallée de Jacmel are served. JEBCA editions, who published the book, is working very hard to promote the book in Haiti and in the US.

Do you have a bilingual version in the plans?
Chapo ba pou Marechal Mimi ak ti Jan is a motivational tool that should be translated in a 1000 languages. I don’t want to be snob; but, I feel that I’ve written a master piece of the caliber of Les gouverneurs de la Rosée.

How do you instill Haitian culture in your kids, and in your own life?
I’m a proud and conscientious Haitian citizen. The insult, calamities and humiliation that Haiti has faced have only increased my love for Her. “Pour le pays, mourir est beau”, I’ll always believe in it. I’m hoping for the renaissance, Haiti will someday reconquer her crown and flourish in the heart of America as she has in the 15th , 16th , and 17th century. I’ve been in the US now for 13 years, but my heart has not come in this voyage. I can’t wait to go back home and serve my Community. I owe a lot to Her. Most people think they can help only by giving; but my plan of action is to help by serving. Nothing has changed in my habits; we cook and eat Haitian food every day at home. Thanks to my wife who is an excellent cook. We speak, joke, read and write creole; the kids with some difficulties, but they are connected to their roots, music, konpa etc……And they go to Haiti once a year.

What was it like moving to a brand new country, and dealing with this new environment?
It was very difficult at the beginning to learn a new system and a new way of life when I came in September 1999. It was the Y2K era. What was I, a peasant from so faraway from civilization, doing in the middle of so much technological confusions? But, after 1/1/2000, it didn’t take me long to establish and reposition myself. Thanks to a great friend Jules Fresnel, who assisted me along the way.

You no doubt have observed Haitian parents with their first and second generation U.S.-born kids. What do you usually observe? What do you think can be done in terms of maintaining Haitian culture?
Unfortunately, we, in the diaspora are the ones apparently who care the most about our Haitian identity. The reason, maybe, is because we’re detached from our culture and we refuse to adapt to this new environment. These facts push us back to our roots to find refuge. The ones who live in Haiti are immersed into the things that we’re craving for every day: labapen, mango, kann, rapadou, pwason boukannen, griyo ak bannann peze, ti poul kreyòl ak pentad wousi, but social unrest, insecurity and political instability do not let them enjoy and appreciate them. It’s very tough for the first generation, because parents like me refuse to admit that we’re here. We expect our kids to be as obedient as we were to our parents. It takes a lot of time to recognize the differences. At first, most of our references to our kids are pulled from our situation back home. At time discontent is very high on both side; but, wisdom prevails in most cases. The second generation adapts more quickly and navigates the two worlds with more ease.

Unlike a lot of other foreigners, we tend to Americanized very fast. We, Haitian parents, are so eager to adapt that our kids mostly don’t have to be around to assist us. More and more people in Haiti are using the American culture and language in their daily activities. We need to reinvent ourselves with the youth and present a new image of the Haitian people and culture. This new image has to be created by Haitians and supported by Haitians every where. We, very often, are more sensitive to helping foreigner accomplish projects in Haiti than helping Haitians.

Joseph Davilmar Théodore (1847–1917) was President of Haïti from 7 November 1914 to 22 February 1915. Born in the town of Ennery in the northern half of the country, he began his career in the military, and organized the cacao farmers of the north in the revolt against President Oreste Zamor. His inability to pay the farmers as he had promised for participating in the rebellion soon led to his resignation in favor of Jean Vilbrun Guillaume Sam. Vilbrun who ousted him, was his delagate in the North, he was also previoulsy sentenced to 15 years of forced labour for his implication in the consolidated bonds affair. Théodore served as the President of the Senate of Haiti in 1910s.

It is under his governement that the US marines, “to prevent further raids”, came to Haiti aboard the USS Machias and took $500,000 in gold from the National Bank (franco-german) to the City Bank in New York. This all originated from a dispute between the government, the railroads and the National Bank, there were guarantees against leases of coaling or naval stations to any European country. When Davilmar Theodore ousted Zamor, he rejected those demands. Thats when he rejected those demands and his government printed large quantities of paper currency and seized 65,000$ of the bank’s gold supply.
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