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)!!!