Sweet Micky For President

The 32nd Edition of the Miami International Film Festival presented by Miami Dade College was held on March 6-15, 2015. This year's edition boasted over 100 films from more than 40 countries. Now it was  impossible for me to see them all but I definitely watched some of the films that caught my attention. Being Haitian-American, one in particular stood out to me. The documentary was entitled, Sweet Micky for President. It was the behind the scenes look at how the President of Haiti, Michel "Sweet Micky" Martelly went from being the self proclaimed President of Kompas to the President of Haiti.The film was directed by Ben Patterson and produced, to my surprise, by Pras Michel of the Fugees.


It turns out that Pras was the mastermind behind the whole thing. He convinced Sweet Micky that he was the new leader the people wanted and needed. He believed Michel was young, charismatic and could lead the country passed the devastation of the 2010 earthquake and into a future of prosperity. Fast-forward to the present and critiques may agree or disagree, but at the time Pras and Michel banded together to begin a historic and very eventful campaign. The film explores aspects of betrayal, political corruption, the devastation caused by the earthquake and the strength of a people abused but not broken.

Mimis Boutiq 4th Annual Fashion Show

On February 8th, I had the opportunity to attend Mimi’s Boutiq 4th Annual Fashion Show. The show was held at the Newport Beachside Hotel in Sunny Isles Beach, Fl. In previous years, modèl yo te defile at Moca Cafe, a popular Haitian restaurant/Night club in North Miami, but with the show’s growing buzz it was necessary to find a much larger space.

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

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.

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.

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.