Marjorie Vail was browsing the internet one day, when she learned of the Mrs. Brooklyn International pageant. She had always wanted to be part of a pageant that wasn’t too artificial, and this one, focusing on a wide variety of elements—beauty, fashion, poise, and so on—and more importantly having a socially conscious component—definitely fit the bill.

Born in New York into a Haitian family, Vail is the delegate-elect who will represent her borough at the state pageant in October. Blessed with beauty and brains, and extremely outspoken, Mrs. Vail had something to say just about everything, from her childhood in Brooklyn, to gender roles, and identity. Listen in…

Q & A

What does it mean to you to have been named Mrs. Brooklyn International?
Recently, Brooklyn has undergone a renaissance, with many people coming to represent the borough. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, so it’s not a place I have just come to because it’s trendy. Brooklyn has a strong Caribbean presence. Anyone who knows me knows that I’m Haitian first and a Brooklynite through and through. When you are in Brooklyn, it’s all about love, family, and traditions. I remember the lyric: “Spread love it’s the Brooklyn way.” That’s what I aim to do. I am excited that I get to share that love at the New York State pageant.

What are some of the memories that you have of growing up Haitian?
When I was growing up, it was tough being a Haitian; it wasn’t socially acceptable. We were disliked, despised, and were constantly being attacked. It was actually unsafe to say you were Haitian in school. I never denied I was Haitian, but I certainly did not volunteer the information. Of course all that changed when I went to high school where all of a sudden it was the coolest thing to be Haitian. At home was a different story. I remember speaking Kreyòl to my mom and her making fun of the way I said certain Kreyòl words with an American accent. Having a Haitian proverb explained to me because I just didn’t get it. Conversations that sounded like arguments. Finding any reason to have a party. What ten year old’s party starts at midnight? I remember celebrating christenings, communions and birthday parties where I wore puffy dresses, stockings, leather shoes with ribbons and barrettes in my hair. I remember the aroma of a big pot of New Year’s soup joumou-–pumpkin and butternut squash soup—griyo—fried pork—diri ak djon djon—lack mushroom rice—lanbi—conch—and all the other excellent Haitian cuisine. I remember the lectures about how education is the key to success. Most of all, we laughed! Oh, how we laughed!

When did you first perceive the whole idea of gender roles?
I don’t think anyone can grow up in a Haitian household and not be aware of gender roles. You constantly hear, “Young ladies don’t whistle, or young ladies should know how to cook… etc.” I didn’t hear it so much from my mom—well maybe the cooking part—but definitely from other family members. I felt it when I had to wake up every Saturday morning to clean the house with my sister while my cousin slept in. Of course, I felt like it wasn’t fair, but there was nothing I could do at the time, it is part of the culture. As I got older, I kept hearing those sayings but I did my own thing. I always had a bit of a rebellious streak and pretty much marched to the tune of my own drum. I let people talk about what they perceived as my “unlady-like” ways and all the while I worked hard to shine brightly.

How do you define beauty?
My mom is a classic example of beauty because although someone who doesn’t know her would see an older lady, but because her heart and character are good, honest, and altruistic anyone who gets to know her would know she is a beautiful person. She is the best example of beauty I feel I would ever need. Beauty is approachable, has a beautiful smile, is concerned for others, is not rude, a constant friend, and always ready to serve. Beauty is “Innocent as a dove, shrewd as a snake.”

Did your parents play a role in your teenage years, in terms of giving you the confidence to eventually participate in a pageant?
Since my youth, my mama has been my biggest fan. I would go as far as to say she put confidence into me. She would tell me, “You’re smart, and beautiful! You can do anything!” When she was with other people, she would speak about me in a good light which is so important to do as a parent. So I grew up having confidence in myself. My confidence would wane when I would immaturely compare myself to others. As I get older, my self-confidence gets stronger. If I truly want something, I go after it full force with bridles on.

Any pointers for those who wish to participate in a pageant of that sort?
My advice for those who wish to participate in a pageant is to do your homework. All pageants are not created equal. You have to find the one that’s right for you, the one that speaks to your values—and the one you know you can truly represent—should you win the title.

Mrs. Brooklyn International Marjorie Vail packing supplies in boxes to be shipped to Haiti.

Participating in a pageant takes a great deal of guts. Some feel intimidated by the very idea. Was it taxing finding the gumption to participate?
It was taxing. Being in a pageant can be intimidating. You are trying to win a title that other beautiful women are going for. You have to stand out. You must prove you are the best person to represent their system. I told myself that I am not becoming something I am not to prove this, I just need to be the best me. Thank God I have a great support team that encouraged my dream. So one day, I filled out the application and sent it out before I could talk myself out of it.

When you were in middle school and elementary school, how did you view yourself?
When I was in elementary school, I can’t really say I viewed myself in any particular way. I do feel like my whole outlook on life changed in the 6th grade. That school year, I and other neighborhood kids were bussed to a school in Bensonhurst-Bayridge which was predominately white. That was the first time in my life that I was aware of my blackness. Suddenly, I was in the minority—I was one of two black kids in my class. For a while, I tried to fit in but no matter what I did, I just couldn’t. My skin, hair, and style was just way too different. That school year was one of the toughest times of my youth. One of the white girls in my class befriended me. She too was struggling. Her struggle was different than mine, she didn’t fit in because of her weight. It hit me at some point that she and I were going through the same social struggle, the desire to be accepted. This wasn’t simply about color, but a lot to do with self-confidence. Self-confidence is crucial for survival in this life no matter what who you are.

How can a woman develop self-confidence?
Wow! There are many factors that go into finding self-confidence. Everyone is different. For me, I grew up with a mom who told me that I am smart, beautiful and can do anything. As a believer, I had to embrace that I am who God says I am, meaning I was made in His image. Since I am made in His image, I can’t fail. When I fail, it’s not because I am a failure, but because I need to work harder or take an entirely different direction. Failure is not a reason to quit; it’s a stepping stone.

When was the last time you went to Haiti?
The last time I went to Haiti was July 2010, six months after the earthquake. Several young professionals at my church yearned to go and help. We prayed about it, sought out whom needed our help, got donations and went to work. We went to a little town called Bognotte, Haiti just outside of Leogane. It’s a very remote little town. Had it not been for the pastor of the church working there this town would surely have been overlooked. We fed the people daily, held classes for the kids, did art therapy, held discussions, gave out clothes, held a health clinic and planted trees all in nine days. Those were the toughest yet fulfilling nine days of my life. When we returned, our not-for-profit organization Out To Reach was born. Since that time we have been supporting the school, created literacy and vocational classes for the adults in Bognotte. This is why Out To Reach is my platform. We aim to help the Haitian people not just with monetary donations, but we’re teaching them to be educated and self-supporting. We aim to do this one town at a time.

Most beauty pageant winners have a whole path carved out for them. What are your career plans?
Well first, the state pageant is coming up in October. I need to have the time of my life there and God willing bring that title home to the BK. From there, I would need to compete in the nationals and go on from there. Regardless of how things turn out, my life has always been about serving others. I will continue to work with Out To Reach. We promised the school in Bognotte backpacks, uniforms and a library and we aim to come through on those promises. I also plan to work with other organizations that not only help Haitians, but help those in the States as well. My heart’s desire is to leave a legacy for my son that instills in him that you are never truly fulfilled in this life unless you are helping others.

When most people meet Francie Latour, they’re probably surprised to learn that she only has two hands. After all, she is a journalist, a writer, a blogger, a mom and a wife who is raising three biracial children in New England. Latour has also worked as an editor for various colleges and universities. Her writing career has included bylines in magazines like Essence, Ebony, The Washington Post’s The Root, and to newspapers like the Boston Globe, where she’s written about everything from race, to ethnicity, multicultural identity, parenting and education. She’s recently added diversity programming in higher education to her list of activities. It’s certainly different from everything else on her resume, but it is something she absolutely loves.

Are you curious already about what she might have to say about Haitian-American identity, Haiti, and other assorted matters? Indulge your curiosity a bit and read her thoughts.

Q & A

What was it like growing up in a Haitian-American household?
For me, growing up in a Haitian-American household meant having a very early awareness of hyphens, and early experiences navigating hyphenated identity. “Francie” is actually a nickname. My given name is Marie-France — a name that expressed my parents’ love for French culture, but also deeply personal hopes (“Marie” comes from my mother, Marie-Gilberte, “France” comes my father, Frantz). From early on, I felt that hyphen as both a bridge and a tightrope between very different cultures and very different parents. As a kid everyone called me Chou-Chou, which seemed like the best thing in the world –until I got to school in suburban Philadelphia, and then it was the worst thing in the world. As a child, there is often nothing more powerful than the feeling of wanting to belong. In the 7th grade, when I changed schools, I changed my name to Francie (and asked my family to please never call me Chou-Chou in public!). It took me a while to come back to embracing the Haitian half of my Haitian-American identity. Now, when I take my kids to their favorite Haitian restaurant and watch them wolf down the food, I take a huge breath and smile. But I also wonder how much more they might identify as Haitian themselves if I hadn’t spent so much time trying to be as American as possible for so long. Politics was a big thing growing up in my house. I can remember friends of my parents coming over late at night, settling into the couches in our basement with some acra and a glass of wine, and shouting at the top of their lungs about Duvalier and Manigat and Namphy. Really, really loud. It was amazing. Even when I was too young to understand who or what they were talking about, I could sense their raw passion and the incredibly high stakes involved, because politics and basic human rights were always completely intertwined. The other big thing in my house was excellence. “If you’re going to be a street sweeper, be the absolute best street sweeper. That’s all I care about,” my mother used to say. It was expected that we would study hard and do really well in school. A love of learning and a desire to achieve are the biggest gifts my parents have given me in life.

Writing is definitely your first love. How did this love for writing and journalism develop?
I used to go to my father’s office and write on his manual typewriter. The keys were incredibly shiny and rounded, and I loved the sound and the feel of pushing the carriage-return lever. But I didn’t think seriously about writing as a career until college, when I got a “D” in calculus and realized I would never become a doctor. I think, too, I was aware of the impact of journalism in both the American and Haitian contexts. Even though I was not born in Haiti and didn’t grow up there, the awareness that people have died for the things they have written colors how I feel about what I do, and has helped me not to lose focus in the choices I’ve made in my career as an American journalist.

With technology, it would seem that everyone, and anyone can be a journalist.
Yes, that’s true. I think that’s both a good and bad thing. There’s a lot that the American media doesn’t get, doesn’t get right or completely ignores. I think those flaws are more obvious now, because there is so much more access for people who are not in the media to have their voices heard and even be extremely influential. At the same time, there’s a way that viral-driven media shapes conversations or walls out other conversations that I find troubling. A couple of bloggers start commenting on Olympic champion Gabrielle Douglass’s hair, and then another blogger who’s more established than blogs about what they said, and then someone from the Huffington Post gets it on their radar, and before you know it the issue of Gabby Douglass’s hair has become a thing. Was it ever a real cultural phenomenon? Was it manufactured? How can we know what’s really important or what’s really relevant?

You seem the type of person who might have a book in her.
I’ve been told this, although being the type of person to write a book and being an actual person who writes an actual book are very different things! I’m not terribly disciplined. And I fear failure. The fear of attempting to write a book and never finishing it or never having it be published or it not being excellent trumps the desire to attempt it.

The Boston Globe actually had you on staff at one point. What was the experience like, working for one of the biggest dailies in the world, and one of the most prestigious newspapers in the USA?
Working at the Globe shaped me in very formative ways. I learned more about things that mattered in the world, things that matter in a workplace, and things that matter to me than in any other job I ever had and probably will ever have. Newsrooms are exciting places to be. Because the environment is consuming and intense, the relationships are also. Many of my closest friends and mentors are people I met through the Globe.

What if you were in a room with aspiring writers? What advice would give to them?
Read read read read. The best way to become a better writer is to read, and to study the architecture of every good piece of writing you come across.

You are raising bicultural children? What have you learned so far in multicultural parenting?
My kids are still very young—7, 4, and 3—so their understanding of skin color, difference, culture and race is still limited. But I’m struck by how powerful messages about all of those things can take hold, even in kids so young. Like a lot of biracial siblings, my kids all have different complexions on the light-dark spectrum. I was in the car with my two oldest one morning when my daughter, who was 3 then, was trying to tease her older brother. Out of the blue she said, “And I’m lighter than you!” And my son, who was 6, said, “No you’re not! You’re medium and I’m medium!”. I could barely maintain my lane on the road. At 3, my daughter had already been exposed to and apparently digested the societal message that lighter is somehow better. It was an early taste of many things I’m sure are coming down the pike in figuring out how to help them understand themselves and embrace all of who they are.

We live in a very small rural town, where most of my husband’s large Irish-American family is from. There is one stoplight in our town, and almost no people of color. When I’m with the kids, I don’t actually spend much time there. I get them in the car or on the commuter rail and we go to Boston or Cambridge. At first I got a little crazy trying to plan these structured outings, wanting to create these perfect, transforming capsules of experiencing diversity. Now I don’t do that. I often don’t know exactly where we’ll end up or if anything will be going on when we get there, but I focus on being in neighborhoods or spots where I know they are going to be interacting with kids who look different, speak different languages, etc. I also take them to NYC every chance that I get to spend time with family on my mom’s side, who all live there. It sounds obvious, but one thing I try to be mindful of is that neither my husband nor I can fully know our kids’ experience. I know what it’s like to grow up in America as a black person with two black parents. My husband knows what it’s like to grow up in America as white with two white parents. Our kids are experiencing something much more blended and layered. The most important thing I can do for them is to make sure that they feel at home in the world and that they never feel divided against themselves.

How have you seen Haitian and Haitian-American identity change over the years?
That’s a really interesting question. I think the emergence of some Haitian-Americans in pop culture, like Wyclef, for example, has been a great thing just in terms of people understanding the beauty and vibrancy of Haitian culture, and how it is deeply rooted but also expansive and feeds off of other cultural influences. Politically it’s been interesting to see the rise of Haitian-Americans winning elected office in the US. So much of the political conversation and investment and gaze in the diaspora has been focused on Haiti, and still is for obvious reasons. But it’s great to see Haitian-Americans staking their claim in solving problems for their communities and claiming leadership roles in districts and communities that are largely non-Haitian. I think the earthquake has had and continues to have powerful ripple effects in connecting Haitian-Americans back to Haiti – and in doing so, strengthening peoples’ sense of their Haitian-ness and pride in that. People want to rebuild and raise money and address problems and demand accountability in government, but that’s not all they want. They also want to tell Haiti’s story as a story that is not just defined by extreme poverty or corruption. That’s an amazing thing.

Do you see Haiti playing a big part in your life, and the life of your children as well as the lives of other Haitian-Americans in the near future?
I think one of my biggest regrets is never having had a chance to live there and grow up there for a significant period of time. I would love for it to play a role in my kids’ lives and I continue to explore it in my own life. About a year ago, my mother sat down and told me a story about the family of her godmother being targeted under Duvalier. Many members in this extended family were killed, including small children. I’m 41 years old; my mother is in her 70s. I couldn’t believe I had never heard this story before, and it made me want to stop everything and spend a week doing an oral history with her. There are a lot of things I want to know and need to ask if I want my life and my kids’ lives to have that connection.

It was supposed to have been like any other talent show. The lights were on, the audience was ready, and a little girl took the microphone and sung a rendition of “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King”, off The Lion King movie and musical soundtrack. Members of the audience who had thought that the only thing big about this young talent was the hair on her head, were blown away by her equally big voice. So no, it wasn’t like any other talent show. The little girl on the mic was a born star by the name Phyllisia Ross.

Ross is far from a little girl now. But the voice that stunned the talent show audience that pivotal night is as big as ever. With her instrument, Ross gives off echoes of divas like Angela Bofill and Phyllis Hyman.

But she isn’t only interested in showcasing her voice. In the video for her song “Money Clap”, the well-endowed Ms. Ross rumps around in body-hugging little get-ups with her entourage of girls, doing, well, the money clap. The song has an anti-pushover message for women who are getting used by men for their stash. Not much is made of her voice on that track—as if she’s just another singing-dancing starlet with sex appeal.

When she belts out a song like “L’union Fait la Force”, her Creole-language composition, she sounds so soulful and so sincere, it might be a wonder to some as to whether the girl in the “Money Clap” video and the one sitting solemnly at her piano singing lyrics like “Priye, di Bondye pa kite Ayiti peri konsa” (Pray, tell God not to let Haiti die off that way) are one and the same. But that’s versatility for you.

And then there are the covers. Sade ranks among one of her best choices. Her version of “By Your Side”, featuring C.J. Hilton from the Sade classic album Lover’s Rock is spine-tingling, while renditions of “Love Love is King” and “Cherish the Day” are exceptionally memorable. Surely, those would have gotten a shy, approving smile from Helen Folasade herself. Ms. Ross directed the music video for the song herself.

Oh, and then there’s her cover of D’Angelo’s “How Does It Feel”, where at one point, it seems like the power of her voice will induce her to go into a seizure. Indeed, the singer is most impressive in instances where it’s just her and her piano, and that voice. The truth is she’s at her best when she’s not belittling her artistry.

Phyllisia Ross is on her way, folks. Only God can stop her.

How’d you start playing piano?

At the age of 3, after going to a neighbor’s house with my parents, they noticed that the piano really excited me. They decided to give me a chance—once-a-month lessons. I absolutely loved it, diligently practicing and enjoying classical piano studies. The rest is history. The piano is an extension of me. It brings me so much peace to play. I don’t know what I would do without it.

When you’re an artistic person, sometimes it’s really hard to put your education first above your creative urges. Yet, you managed to graduate from the University of Miami. Was it challenging to draw that balance between pursuing your career and pursuing your education?

It was extremely challenging, but unbelievably gratifying for me. Both dreams were just as important—pursuing music and a degree—so I knew I had to go after them both with the same intensity, purpose, and focus. I am always trying to push myself and always think I could have worked harder.

Were you part of your school’s chorus?

Absolutely. I went to arts school for seven years—Bak Middle School of the Arts and Dreyfoos School for Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida—being a member of multiple choruses. That is where I have gotten most of my technique and vocal experience. I am so thankful that I could learn from so many amazing musicians over the years.

As a native of Florida, born of a Jewish father and a Haitian mother, did you sometimes feel that you had to choose between the two identities?

Never. I have such a diverse, loving family. Both sides love the other, culture, food, customs. I have such a more liberated and free viewpoint of differences that exist in the world because of my family.

There’s been so many developments in the music industry, in terms of technology and marketing.

Yes. It has never been easier for artists of all popularities, location, expertise to get out there because of technology. As the artist you can have way more control and connectivity to your fans because of technology. I hope that through my posts, pictures, etc, my fans can really get to know me. The real Phyllisia. Not the image that anyone might want me to portray.

Who are your influences? It would seem to some observers that you are influenced by the likes of Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, and Beyonce?

I am influenced by so many different things. I just try to draw inspiration from anything that moves me. Can range from an experience, moment in life, artists, great work or piece, and so on.

Navigate us through your creative process. Do melodies come to you first, or do the lyrics?

It totally depends. I write many random thoughts down, record a small line of a melody that might pop into my head and come back to it. I might sit down and write and compose an entire song in one sitting.

Would you say that real life plays a huge part in the creation of a lot of your songs?

Real life is the number one factor in the creation of my songs. Every song I’ve ever written relates to a real life situation, experience or feeling.

You write your own songs. And you play the piano, the keyboards, in addition to the guitar. Do you think it’s vital for an artist to take part in every step of the creative process? Sometimes it seems like those who are just handed songs to sing into a microphone fare just as well or sometimes even better than those who are multifaceted?

As an artist, I want to be a part of as much as I can in my “package.” I play, write, sing, but I also am involved in the editing of music and music videos, marketing online, social media regulation, business, legalities, etc. If it’s a part of the Phyllisia career evolution, I am ready and willing to put in any work I need to to get the job done. This is my career. Why wouldn’t I want to be a part of every memory or moment? As much of the process that I can be a part of-creatively, business wise, etc—I will most definitely be.

When was the last time you went to Haiti?

This past [September]! Had such an amazing time. Lux Media and Marketing took me down there to work with some great writers and producers, Powersurge, MikaBen and we got in some studio time. I love experiencing Haiti—music, food, everything! It is so a part of me.

Let’s talk a little bit about image. How important do you think it is to the eventual success of a female artist? There seems to be different rules for males and females.

The double standards of men and women sometimes trouble me, with this one being at the top of the list. I don’t think that we should be judged on our looks in order to be considered the “musical chosen ones” as women. But, I definitely believe that no matter what social or political restrictions exist in the music industry—or any industry for that matter—only become career-ending or limiting if we allow them to be. No matter what your image, man or woman, if you provide people with great, honest music, it will be appreciated. I do not believe in feeding into other people’s limitations—image or whatever else. If you are big, small, “ugly”, “pretty”, whatever you are, if you love music and have something to contribute to music then just do it!

What advice do you have for up-and-coming female artists in that respect, and regarding other aspects of the music industry?

There will be many challenges that you would not anticipate. Disrespect, mental manipulation, discouragement, image issues, maintaining professional relationships with people who want “more”, the list goes on and on and on. I know men have their own issues to deal with in this business, but I want to stress to any woman in this industry that our plights are our own. Really. I salute any woman in this industry who is successful. Some go about it in better ways then others, but all of us have definitely experienced things that people will never know. Only the strong survive. If this is what you believe is meant for you, resist all these challenges and keep your eyes on the prize. I will not let anyone take my chance away from me. I will hold my head up through any situation—uncomfortable, scary, difficult, embarrassing, disheartening- with as much confidence and courage as I can.

That song “L’Union Fait la Force” that you recorded for the earthquake that took place in Haiti in the early 2010s—how did the concept for the song originate?

I wrote this song as I watched the news and broadcasts about the earthquake days after. It was totally organic. I hope that “L’union Fait La Force” is a song that is uplifting and touching. This song is so personal to me. Every note and word is from the heart.

What are you working on next?

I am currently independent and working on a few projects. I am releasing a mix tape of Sade classics remixed. I have some new music in the zouk/konpa market that will be coming out soon and some other international sounds. Just trying to dabble in it all. Definitely keep up with me on all my social sites to see what I have coming up!

[All photos are courtesy of the subject]

Visit the Phyllisia Ross website HERE. Connect with her on FACEBOOK, TWITTER and INSTAGRAM. View her videos on Youtube.