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.

The funkadelik, laid-back style of Static Gold has made the group one of the hottest Montreal-based bands in Canada. Members Zaya Solange, Samuel Chacp Khon and Daniel Pombo were setting the music scene abuzz even before the band’s debut album Speaking Easy was released late last month.

Zaya Solange, the female lead of the band was born in New York of a Haitian mother. Her lively stage presence is one of the attracting points of Static Gold. Performing the “Tango into Django” on stage, the vocalist sings like she’s the goddaughter of Ella Fitzgerald and dances with the energy of a Tina Turner. Her voice takes on jazz, funk, and R&B on songs like “Sit Back”—without missing a beat.

Zaya Solange and the other members of the trio initially got together in 2012, and fans waited patiently but eagerly for the band’s first album. For Speaking Easy, the vocalist and her team worked with drummer Louis Souverain bassist Thomas Viardot and flutist-saxaphonist Beth Mckenna as well as seasoned musicians Christopher Vincent, Kaz Takasugi, Chris Maskell, Michael Hsu and George Doxas.

Zaya Solange had a convo with Kreyolicious regarding the album and leading the band and of course the album Speaking Easy.

Tell us about yourself.

I’m an artistic person. I love all things that contribute to the world’s beauty, which is one of the reasons why I feel so blessed to be able to make music and share that joy with people. And though I’m really outgoing and love partying with friends, I enjoy solitude surrounded by nature. I like to diversify my experiences. It helps in terms of songwriting and makes life that much more fun.

Music is obviously a big deal in your life. How did the love for it come about?

The love for music was innate for me. I’ve sung ever since I can remember. The first time I sang in front of people was on my very first birthday. I had a mic and everything! My mom still has pictures to prove it.

You are the only girl in the band, what’s it like?

Actually, that has changed recently when Beth Mckenna joined the group as saxophonist. However, I must say working with a mostly male group is quite natural as I’m the youngest of five kids and the only girl. It’s something I hadn’t really considered until I noticed that I was the only one who kept a shirt on during rehearsal when it got really hot during the summer.

Hah. And now for a scenario that could very well happen: after a Static Gold concert, a fan who is also an aspiring singer approaches you. She wants to be just like you and ask for pointers. What would you say to her?

I’d just tell her to continue doing what she loves. To keep in mind that it can be tough at times, but that it is worth it if it truly is a passion. It is important to build thick skin because we are faced with so much criticism, especially when fronting a band. I’d tell her to take the criticism with a grain of salt and use it as a springboard to achieve new heights and perfect the craft. In the end, you just have to stay true to yourself. Authenticity is key; there is no point in trying to be like someone else.

Which musical era has had the most profound effect on you?

Wow, I can’t think of a particular era but it would mostly be between the 1920s and 1990s. There has been so much great music produced in every one of those decades in different genres, it would be hard to choose one.

And any artists in particular?

As for artists, that’s a tough one too. I grew up listening to my mom’s music, so I sang along to Prince, Patti Labelle, Marvin Gaye, Ashford & Simpson to name a few. When I grew old enough to choose my own music, I added artists ranging from Joni Mitchell to the Fugees. I love all music as long as it’s good.

As the face of the band, and its reigning queen, your face and body are always in the spotlight, always under scrutiny. How does that feel?

I used to be a ballerina, so I am used to someone telling me to change something about something. The least positive thing I’ve been told was to show more “underboob” [Laughs] and the most positive was that my legs can compete with Tina Turner’s. So far, so good!

A ballerina. How cool. Have you felt beautiful all your life?

I think that would be impossible considering that beauty is so subjective and is quite a complex concept. Of course I’ve felt insecure growing up—like any other teen and some people actually told me bluntly that I was ugly, but I’ve learned to disregard naysayers. And when I looked at myself in the mirror while dancing ballet, I felt like the most beautiful girl in the world! Even if my instructor thought I had “bad feet” and too big of a derriere. I also noticed growing up that aesthetically pleasing people aren’t always pleasant and therefore kind of ugly. If you are a good person and are happy in your everyday life, it shows. As some say, “A happy girl is a pretty girl”.

What’s next for you and your band?

Hopefully, the moon! People from various cultures really seem to respond to our music so I hope we can travel around and share our music with our fans across the pond. We [have released ] our debut album. To me, it feels like a great start for our journey towards playing on an international platform. Perhaps we can start with our hometowns; Dan is from Colombia, Sam is a French/Swede lad and I’m a Montrealer from New York with roots in Haiti. It would be a golden ride, indeed.

[ Photos: Camila Escobar ]

Check out Static Gold and Zaya Solange on Facebook | Check Out the Band’s Soundcloud| Click Here to Purchase The Group’s Album |

Co-host of Taste the Islands TV Show, Cynthia – Chef Thia- Verna, Photo by Richard Lecoin

Enjoy the authentic sights, sounds and flavors of the Caribbean during the 2018 “Taste the Islands Experience” on Saturday, June 2, at the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society. Food and spirits enthusiasts with a taste for island indulgences will enjoy an all-inclusive evening featuring celebrity cooking demos, an artisan shopping village, live music and more at the second annual celebration to take place on the Riverfront on the lawn of the New River Inn (231 Southwest Second Avenue) from 4 – 10 p.m.

“The Fort Lauderdale Historical Society is thrilled to present this tasteful celebration of all things Caribbean to residents and visitors in Downtown Fort Lauderdale,” said Patricia Zeiler, executive director of the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society. “Our diverse community continues to be shaped by the many cultures, flavors and influences to our south and we are proud to showcase them together at the festive ‘Taste the Islands Experience.’”

Attendees can explore the fine art of Caribbean cooking with celebrity chefs including “Taste the Islands” TV show hosts Cynthia “Chef Thia” Verna of Haiti, Hugh “Chef Irie” Sinclair of Jamaica and Chef Amit Raval, head chef of Amtar Fine Foods in Trinidad. This cadre of culinarians will sample their gourmet Caribbean creations in the “Taste the Islands” Pavilion and will present demonstrations on the event’s main stage.

For an even wider selection of Caribbean fare, Restaurant Row will host 15 local cafes and caterers representing multiple islands, each offering different menu selections while an open bar will serve island specialties. Other flavorful touches include a tropical drink and ice-cream bar and a signature Caribbean Culinary Museum and Culinary Theater, where guests can enjoy an immersive cultural foray into the regions’ histories.

DJs Nickymix and Richie D will create the audial atmosphere taking guests on a musical island journey while the incomparable Steve ‘Sir Rockwell’ Warner will emcee the event. A steel drum band and costumed carnival players will add to the exuberant island atmosphere.

Ultra-VIP treatment will include complimentary massages in the Goldson Spine massage studio, and complimentary refreshers in the Glam Studio with Makeup by Rory Lee and hair touch-ups by Miss Jessie’s. A 5-day, 4-night all-inclusive trip for two to Barbados (valued of $2,000 including hotel and air travel) will also be raffled-off with proceeds benefiting the Historical Society

The 2018 “Taste the Islands Experience” is presented by media and production company Island Syndicate whose directors include the visionaries behind the “Taste the Islands” television series and Island Origins Magazine. It is co-presented by the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, proud steward of our community’s past by making our heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors. Event partners include the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, Red Stripe Beer and the Jamaica Tourist Board.

Guests visiting from out of town can take advantage of special rates compliments of the Riverside Hotel. Please mention “Taste the Islands” when calling toll free (844) 467-0671, direct (954) 467-0671, or booking through the event website. Exclusive transportation partner Yellow Cab of Broward will ensure that even those who may overindulge can get home safely.

All-inclusive tickets for “Taste the Islands Experience” are $95 advance and $125 at the gate and are available at www.ttiexperience.com. Price includes gourmet and authentic Caribbean food and premium drinks. For more information about the 2018 “Taste the Islands Experience,” please visit www.ttiexperience.com.

About Island Syndicate

Island Syndicate is a media, arts and entertainment company that produces unforgettable events and exceptional content, inspired by the Caribbean. The team offers publishing, video production, photography and other corporate creative services, and is passionate about delivering superior quality to their discerning clients. For more information, please visit www.islandsyndicate.com.

About the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society (FLHS)

For 56 years, the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society (FLHS) has brought the stories of our diverse community to life through engaging educational experiences, innovative cultural exhibits, research and preservation of artifacts. Residents and visitors to Fort Lauderdale are invited to explore the city’s rich past that is housed in five historic buildings on a lushly landscaped campus – the 1907 King Cromartie House Museum, the History Museum of Fort Lauderdale situated in the 1905 New River Inn, the 1905 Philemon Nathaniel Bryan House, the 1899 Replica Ivy Cromartie Schoolhouse and the Hoch Research Library, South Florida’s foremost history center housing print resources and newspapers from 1910-present plus 400,000 archival photos, 2,500 maps and 5,000 architectural blueprints. The FLHS is located at 219 Southwest Second Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. Museum hours are Monday – Friday from noon – 4 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and $7 for students (through age 22 with a valid student ID). Admission is free for members, military and children ages six and under. Group tours are available by request. The FLHS is a nonprofit agency supported by memberships, grants and charitable contributions. Click here to donate. For more information, please call (954) 463-4431 or visit us online at www.fortlauderdalehistoricalsociety.org and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ftlhistory on Instagram @ftlhistory and on Twitter @FLLhistory.

# # #

Funding is provided in part by Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward County Cultural Council and Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau. This organization is sponsored, in part, by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council of Arts and Culture.

 

[ad_2]