Forgive me/Pardonnez-moi

I have been away for quite some time now and I miss beg for your forgiveness readers. The holidays have been extremely busy...but let me tell you my absence has not been in vain. I've been getting a lot of work done through the radio station and have loads of pictures, videos and stories to share with you all. I promise to have them up for you all ASAP!!! Just STAY TUNED.

And since I didn't get a chance to say so before

JOYEUX NOËL À VOUS TOUS!!!
FELIZ NAVIDAD A TODOS!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!!!

And to those who do not celebrate Christmas...

Happy Hanukkah!!!
Happy Kwanzah!!!
Happy Holidays!!!

Na we pita/A plus tard

November 18, 1803 The Battle of Vertieres

November 18, 1803, a momentous day in Haitian history. It was the day the final battle was fought by the Haitian army, composed of rebels and former slaves, against the French Army led by Napoleon Bonaparte. On this day, this battle forever known as the Battle of Vertieres (La Bataille de Vertieres) the Haitians defeated the French Army and effectively repelled their one time masters. 

Today, November 18, 2014, 211 years after the battle was fought and won, this date is celebrated as a National Holiday in Haiti. Formerly known as the Day of the Army, Haiti celebrates the memory of this great battle with parades, parties and days off from school and work. Credited with being the final blow against the French and winning Haiti's independence, the Battle of Vertieres is a day of pride for all Haitian nationals and members of the Haitian diaspora. From this battle many men were immortalized as heroes but none greater than General Francois Capois aka Capois-la-mort. 

Di li an Kreyol/Say it in Creole

One of the biggest fears of an immigrant parent is having their kids grow up in foreign surroundings, assimilate into the new culture and completely abandon the culture and language of their native country. Haitian parents are no exception. I remember admonishments of "Timoun yo oblije aprann pale Kreyòl (the kids need to learn to speak creole)" and "Poukisa ou pa ka di sa nan Français (why can't you say that in French)". 

When I was growing up, grann mwen (my grandmother) could give you a few words in English and could understand a few more, but was very self conscious about her accent so it was either French or Creole when speaking with her. Both of my parents are fluent in English, French, Creole, and Spanish (not to brag but you can throw in a little Greek and Latin too) so comprehension/communication wasn't an issue with them. For them it was a matter of pride. 

The Polls are Open

The state of Florida is having Primary Elections on August 26, 2014. Citizens of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties will be voting to elect or re-elect judges, councilmen, state representatives and state senators. In a special election, the city of North Miami will be voting to replace former mayor Lucie Tondreau. For more information refer back to Miss-Representation

These elections have great significance to the Haitian American community in S. Florida because in comparison to the populace, we have little to no representation in our local government. It is no secret that the Haitian community sometimes finds it very difficult to stand as one and if in any area it is most apparent in politics. Often times you will find several Haitian American candidates fighting for the same political seat while other ethnicities allow one qualified individual to run unopposed to ensure they are properly represented.

Haitian Heritage Museum

This past weekend I attended the 1st Annual Societe des Arts Fete Blanc (1st Annual Arts Society White Party) presented by the Haitian Heritage Museum. A dream realized by the HHM's Executive Director, Ms. Eveline Pierre, the museum opened its doors in 2004 and is proudly celebrating its 10th anniversary. Located in the Arts District in Miami, Fl it is the first museum, outside of Haiti, dedicated solely to Haitian arts and culture.

Honoring one of Haiti's heroes and military leaders, the featured theme of the exhibit is Toussaint L'Ouverture. Photos, paintings, and historical excerpts line the walls of the museum.

To help celebrate the 10 year anniversary, the author of the noted Haitian American blog L'Union Suite and the 2014 winner of the HHM's Miss May 18 contest, Ms Wanda was in attendance. To entertain the crowd a very popular Haitian American comedian, ZoePoze graced the stage. Also in attendance were a few of the hosts of a very popular radio talk show located in Miami called The Morning Drive (shameless plug I know). Tune in every Monday thru Friday to WSRF 1580AM from 8am-10am ANN ALE (even more shameless lol)!!!

Miss-Representation

The month of May is recognized as Haitian Heritage Month in South Florida. All month long the Haitian Diaspora has been proudly representing the Red and Blue and sharing our culture as the world excitedly looks on. Since THE hurricane of 2008 and the 7.0 earthquake of 2010 ravaged Haiti, the small French and Creole speaking island has been in the public eye. With a newly elected President and a new dedication to establishing Haiti as a premiere tourist destination, the negative perception of Haiti has slowly been changing.

But then local news outlets released these headlines:

North Miami Mayor Sought In Mortgage Fraud Investigation - CBS news

North Miami Mayor Facing Mortgage Fraud Charges - NBC News

North Miami Mayor charged in $8 million mortgage fraud scheme - ABC News

North Miami mayor reportedly to be charged with fraud - Fox News

A little Taste of Haiti in South Florida

It is a BIG weekend for all foodies and fans of Haitian culture. In the spirit of Haitian Heritage Month, both Miami-Dade and Broward Counties will be hosting pre-Haitian Flag Day celebrations. The first of the two being held in Miami is called the Taste of Haiti (TOH).

This is the fourth annual Taste of Haiti. It is an event organized by the Haitian Culinary Alliance (HCA). It will not only display the foods native to Haiti but modernized versions of everyone's favorites crafted by many talented local chefs. Many of these local chefs will also be there with their own exhibits to share their talents. Click here for a full list of exhibitors.

The TOH will not only give you a sample of Haitian Cuisine, but its culture as a whole. The event spans May 9-11 with different events tailored for those who work in the culinary world, the general public and a special Mother's Day brunch. My focus will be on May 10, the main event of the weekend. It will be a day full of food and activities for everyone. There will be a kids’ corner so the ti moun are welcome as well. Admission to the event is free but there will be food, drinks and crafts for sale. The event will be held at the MOCA Plaza from 4pm-10pm. The address is 770 NE 125th Street, Miami, FL 33161.

Taso and Banan Peze

So the first Haitian Food recipe I will be sharing with you guys is a double header.

Goat Meat Taso

The first dish is called Taso. The photo and recipe comes from KreyolCuisine.com. Taso is traditionally made from beef or goat meat. But for those who prefer a leaner meat, turkey is also used. Personally I love Taso because it is my alternative to Griot. I don't eat pork so I believe it is a great replacement and it is similarly prepared. The following recipe is for goat meat Taso.

Haitian Food

Ok so I understand everyone around the world says this in their own right...but there's nothing, I mean NOTHING as DELICIOUS as MANJE AYISYEN (Haitian food). I mean the spices, the fresh ingredients, the variety, the love it's all prepared with...WHOOSH!!!! Ok wait, hold on, I am getting a little ahead of myself. As you can tell I am a big fan of food. I love all kinds of food. Asian, chicken wings, Latin, chicken wings, Southern style Soul Food, chicken wings, and did I mention how much I love chicken wings? But there's something about going to manmi's (mom's), my nenen's (godmother's) or ma tante's (my aunt's) house right after they THREW DOWN on some queue boeuf (oxtail), di ri ak jonjon (black rice with mushrooms), makawoni au gratin (macaroni and cheese) and my personal favorite some boulettes (meatballs)!!!

Haitians have their signature dishes that other cultures have come to know well like griot (deep fried pork), tassot (deep fried goat or turkey meat), banan peze (pressed and fried plantains) and of course pikliz (put plainly...a spicy coleslaw). Aside from those and the ones I listed earlier, Haitian cuisine is very diverse and has influences from French, African and Latin cuisine. Also the beauty in the food is that it is a perfect representation of the island. Fresh seafood bears witness to its geographical location. The farm raised animals and fresh grown crops used in the foods are all indigenous to the island. And the blend of spices and the hint of heat in the food shows the fire that burns within the people. (I know I know, I'm pretty deep and poetic.)

FLAGS UP!!!!!!!!

Just a month away from May 18th and I am already brimming with excitement!!! I just can't wait!! Red and Blue everywhere, kompas blaring in the streets, fritay (Haitian version of a fish fry) in abundance...wait, don't tell me you don't know what is happening on May 18th?!? Umway, pitit chita kite m' di ou itswa a (OMG, child have a seat and let me tell you the story).

All over the world the Haitian diaspora celebrate May 18th as Haitian Flag Day. On the same day in the year 1803, Catherine Flon, at the request of Haitian Revolutionary leaders Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Alexandre Petion, sewed together the vertical red and blue bands torn from the French flag to create the first flag to represent the Independent nation of Haiti.

10 little known facts about the Haitian Flag

Since the first flag's inception in 1803, Haiti's banner has undergone much evolution up until its current form was adopted in 1986. The development of the flag is intertwined with Haiti's history of rulers and government officials. Through each reincarnation of the flag a different aspect of today's version was added in. Below you'll find a link to a timeline of Haiti's past flags.

Haiti's flags through the years...

The 2014 A La Mode Beauty Fashion and Comedy Show

This past Saturday evening, March 29, 2014, I was fortunate enough to attend the Second Annual A La Mode Beauty Fashion and Comedy Show presented by CarnaFam and it was quite the gathering. Food, drinks, live music, stand up comedy and of course models sporting apparel from some of Haiti's finest designers. Yeah, there are fashion designers straight from Haiti, I had no idea! A few names present were Bijou Lakay, Kaltural, Murielle Creations and David Andre Collections. But lets start from the beginning.

Yours truly and the event's organizers
Djenane (left) and Tanisha (right)

What is CarnaFam? "It is a production company that makes the connection between the different genres such as arts, books, fashion, gastronomy, music, and photography. CarnaFam, a Haitian cultural organization in South Florida, is inviting the South Florida community to journey through Haiti". Through the efforts of President Tanisha Ade and Vice-President Djenane St Fleur, CarnaFam puts on events to promote Haitian culture, literature and social interaction. Alongside some of the community's favorite artists, authors, designers and leaders, CarnaFam looks to impact South Florida by highlighting the best Haiti has to offer.

The Morning Drive

I briefly mentioned it in a previous post but I am a Co-Host on a morning talk radio show called The Morning Drive. The show airs Monday thru Friday from 8am-10am on WSRF 1580AM, a Haitian owned and operated radio station located in North Miami Beach, Fl (that was a mouthful). The show is hosted by young Haitian Americans with the purpose of acting as liaisons between the gran moun (older) Haitians and the younger more Americanized generation. It's a great concept if I do say so myself. 

La Plage/The Beach

Abaka Bay

I live in South Florida, which translates to sunshine, beautiful people, partying and BEACHES!!!! Year round, save for a few days of "winter" residents of Florida flock to the beaches in droves. This weather also draws in many caribbean native immigrants. From the Haitian point of view, Florida just makes sense! You lived on an island, a piece of land surrounded by water (in case you didn't know what an island was lol), full of beaches, sunny and tropical weather year round so where else in the U.S. should you move to? Florida is one of the few states in this fair country that resembles Caribbean weather, so one could assume the transition would be a little easier for those coming from Haiti.

But lets talk about the beaches for a moment. In Florida there are many beautiful beaches that people travel across the country...better yet the world to come see. South Beach, Daytona Beach, and Palm Beach are just a few of Florida's well known beaches. Little did you know Haiti is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches worldwide.

Here comes the bride...

So my older sister is getting married this weekend. I am super happy for her and very proud. She found a man who puts her first and prioritizes her happiness...Although I don't think I have ever seen her this stressed. My sister usually has it all together but if you bring up anything regarding her wedding party, flowers or guests...well to put it nicely you just  may get your head bitten off.

Is there a word for Bridezilla in Kreyol (Creole)? I'm just kidding. For a bride to be, she is pretty reasonable...at times, but its the other 23 hours of the day that has us all going nuts. In typical Haitian woman fashion everything is over the top and spells the end of the world. "UMWAY!!! Guys the caterer didn't call me back today. He must've packed up and escaped with all the money!!!" "WHOOSH!!! My hairdresser rescheduled my appointment. If I have to go to someone else they will mess up my hair. And if my hair looks bad for the wedding he's going to leave me and the wedding will be off!!!!" Her exact words, no, but definitely not an exaggeration. The one fun part of the wedding preparations is trying to see if my sister's innate Haitian-ness will creep up out of her.

Now if you've ever been to any REAL Ayitien (Haitian) weddings you know four elements are always present.

Roses are Red Violets are...

I'm not one of those guys who considers himself a poet. I'm definitely not what one would call a spoken word artist either. I would say that I have a talent for stringing words together in rhythmic pattern with the purpose of conveying a message or my personal feelings. But if you want to be technical I do enjoy writing poetry. I'm not keen on performing my own stuff but I do enjoy sharing it and being heavily complimented on it (wink wink).

So every now and then I will share a poem with you guys. I welcome commentary and even encourage you to do the same. Many people out there are private poets and have no intention of sharing their work. The thing is whether you plan on publishing your work or just doing it for fun, poetry is a great way to share your feelings and relieve stress. And believe it or not you may find out that you have a knack for it and that people may actually enjoy it. I'll be sharing one below and every now and then from here on. Hope you guys do the same...Until then

Na we pita/A plus tard




Yours Truly, by Rhonel Cinous 

Regal, raffish and extremely well read 
Haitian by heritage, American by birth, culturally conscious and accepting of all
On a journey to find himself and leave a size 13.5 foot print on this world too big for the next man to fill
Never hesitant to take on the next challenge that knocks on his door 
Eccentric in his ways, eclectic in his tastes, ever inquisitive and eager to learn the lessons life has to offer
Looking for adventure, living life to the fullest and loving each day the good Lord blessed him with 
He is Rhonel. 
Just your everyday average amazing human being
With something to say 
A loud voice to say it with
Hoping to touch anyone who may hear him

No, please, after you...

 

The Scenario

A man is walking towards the entrance of a building. The building has what looks like a pair of not so heavy double doors. A few paces ahead of him is a woman chatting away on her phone and teasing her hair with her free hand. She reaches the doors ahead of him, looks back at him, then again at the doors and she waits.

The Question
 
The woman arrived to the doors first, is unencumbered by any items in hand, and seems to be physically capable of opening the doors herself. The man notices that she purposefully waits for him to reach her and pretty much signals him to open the doors for her. What should he do?

Big Night In Little Haiti/Gwo Nuit Nan Ti Ayiti

Yours truly and the Big Night In Little Haiti sign

Miami is one of those cities constantly mentioned in songs and travel blogs for its nightlife and activities. For it's beautiful beaches, various clubs and lounges, and plethora of culturally inspired events people from all over the world flock to Miami. Few people realize that Miami is made up of many smaller cities. One city in particular, Little Haiti, is one of Miami's hidden gems.

Little Haiti, so named due to the influx of Haitian immigrants who came to call it home in the late '70s early '80s. Comprised of many Haitian owned restaurants, businesses and tourist attractions, Little Haiti is a great place to become engrossed in Haitian culture.

One such attraction is The Little Haiti Cultural Center (LHCC). The center offers tutoring programs, arts and crafts, and dance classes for children and adults. A focal point of the center is a program that it along with The Rhythm Foundation sponsors every third Friday of the month.

M pa kab dòmi/I can't sleep

12:09 AM Tuesday morning and m pa kab domi (I can't sleep). I don't know what it is. I'd love to say something profound like, "the troubles of this world are forever on my mind and manifest in my restless nights". Lies. Or maybe, "y'all home in bed sleeping while I'm out here in these streets gettin it..."  Naw, eh eh. Some of you are probably thinking, "well a few minutes past midnight isn't that late anyway so buck up fella", (I don't actually know anyone who'd say buck up fella but it felt right lol). 

Well midnight on a weeknight is pretty late especially when I wake up at 5am for a little cardio session then get ready for my morning show. Wait did I forget to mention I'm a co-host on a morning talk radio show? (The Morning Drive on WSRF 1580am Monday-Friday 9am-10am ANN ALE!!!!) Yes that was a shameless plug and there's more info on that subject coming soon. But the point is I'm already looking at less than five hours of sleep. Now it is true that my rugged good looks come naturally and take little to no effort. In fact one could say I woke up like this...(yes I just did) but for overall good health one must get sufficient rest.

A dish best served cold...

Justice as stated by the Merriam Webster online dictionary is defined as, "the process or result of using laws to fairly judge and punish crimes and criminals."

In every day life we come across different legal cases that may seem as if there was no justice served, and Florida is NO stranger to this. The Trayvon Martin case, the Casey Anthony case, and the more recent Ethan Couch case aka the Affluenza teen, all under public scrutiny, came to unfavorable ends according to public opinion.  Some will factor in race and social status, some will say the prosecution was to greedy, others still will claim that the criminal justice system prevailed in all cases and fair and impartial justice was served (...right...). Well Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at 8:17pm at the Florida State Prison, to some, justice was served.

In September of 1995, Juan Carlos Chavez kidnapped, raped and murdered 9 year old Jimmy Ryce. According to Mr. Chavez's confession, Jimmy was abducted at gunpoint from his school bus stop, forced into his pickup truck and taken back to his trailer. I will spare the more in-depth details but after four hours at the mercy of his captor, Jimmy attempted to flee but was shot in the back. After witnessing the boy's final breath, Chavez dismembered him, placed him in concrete filled pots and hid the evidence. Three months after the incident, with the help of his then employer, FBI agents caught up with Chavez, were able to get a detailed confession from him along with the whereabouts of Jimmy's body. The FBI's findings led to the 1998 conviction of Chavez for kidnapping, capital sexual battery, and first degree murder. He was sentenced to death.

Diaspora...

...a word that I have heard many times since I was very young, but not once did I ever stop to find out its meaning. To be honest I never considered the fact that the word would be relevant to me in the slightest. Diaspora was always used in conjunction with the "just comes", Haitians who literally just came over to the U.S. So naturally a young AMERICAN born Haitian like myself wanted no connection with the term.

Growing up Haitian in Miami in the early '90s meant one of two things, you were either a "boat" (Haitian immigrant who came over on a raft/boat) or you were a "Zoe" (a member of the Haitian gang Zoe Pound). Honestly, I never once hid my Haitian heritage, but I did disassociate myself with the "boats". My thoughts were, if I couldn’t be regarded, as a regular kid I'd much rather be feared for having gang affiliations. The wrench in that plan was my father. He didn't seem to be too concerned with my day-to-day identity crises. He sent me to school in my Sabbath Best (comparable to others' Sunday Best) and of course strictly enforced the Three L's of Haitian upbringing: L'eglise, Lekol, Lakay (church, school, home). It’s hard to be thugging in your shiny black church shoes while sprinting home full speed after school to avoid baton. I had no strong Haitian accent or any trouble speaking English whatsoever; but I also didn’t have the newest gear, cable TV, the latest toys and games, or even a respectable shape-up (dad claimed only thugs had shape-ups, smh). All that coupled with a French name and a distinct difference in behavior from my peers, I was clearly different.