Ayiti Cheri

Ayiti Cheri is a poem I wrote in February of 2010 after the devastating 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. Still in shock and hurting for all the lives lost and damage wrought, I wrote this poem to try and express how I felt. Hope you all enjoy.

7.0

January 12, 2015 marked five years since Haiti was ravaged by a 7.0 earthquake. On January 10, 2010 I had just walked into work at about 5pm. Instead of the hugs and high fives I was accustomed to, I was greeted by the sobs of my co-worker Marie. With her face tear stained and eyes blood shot red, the only words she could muster in response to my queries were Ayiti krazay. A quick visit to my Facebook newsfeed coupled with texts from family members caught me up on what was happening around me. Ayiti, in fact had krazay-ed (a little Crenglish for you). 

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.