The Oxford Dictionary defines the word quintessence as “the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.” Surely, that is the definition that most think of when they think of the word. That same dictionary offers yet another definition of the word: “a fifth substance in addition to the four elements, thought to compose the heavenly bodies and to be latent in all things.” This latter definition may well apply to Emeline Michel’s latest album Quintessence. It has all the four elements one has come to expect from an Emeline Michel album: excellent overall packaging, engaging lyrics, memorable melodies, and succinct arrangements. Now, the fifth element has got to be Michel’s smoking hot voice that can sound softer than the flow of a fountain one moment, and go to she-man levels if need be, depending on what she is singing.

In this newest opus, she rallies the quintessence of herself, the best of herself, so to speak, and invites the company of Yayoi Ikawa (who plays piano on seven songs), the Martinique-based artist Kali, as well as seasoned musicians like Dominic James, Makarios Cesaire, Monvelyno Alexis, Dener Ceide, Frantz Benjamin, Jean-Amedé Caze, Boulot Valcourt, Daniel Bernard Roumain, Nicky Christ.

Quintessence is practically the meeting chamber of Haiti’s artistic colony: Jean-Claude Martineau, a lyricist of legendary status, Michel’s “Soufle Van” partner from Rasin Kreyol, James Germain is in the room—as are writer Yanick Lahens, who lends to the lyrics department (“Ton Yanvalou”) and Edwidge Danticat, who wrote “Dawn”. One of Michel’s early career collaborators Ralph Boncy resurfaces with “Timoun”.

Michel shows off her range capabilities, using her lullaby voice to bring the lyrics of “Terre Mouillée”—written by Inna Césaire, the daughter of celebrated Martinique writer and thinker Aime Césaire—to life. The song speaks of a chapel in the quiet woods, and the overall serenity of life.

Truly, Michel is one of those rare Haitian singers who gets better—who takes things up a few more notches—with each album. One only needs to study her career, and listen to her albums—in order of their original release—to see her evolution. She’s the songstress who, with each album, makes her fans think that surely she will not be able to surpass this one with her next release. But Michel manages to sew everyone’s mouth shut each time. She meets the challenge again and again and manages to outdo her track record and then some.

The language distribution of Quintessence caters to the three segments of her fan base. The album consists mostly of songs in Creole. There are two songs in French (the violin-streaked “Ton Yanvalou”, for one) and there is one in English (“Freedom Bound”), reflecting Michel’s renewed courting of English language fans. But her music has never really needed any translation. It’s the type of music that speaks in tongues by default.

“Mèsi Lavi”, with lyrics that delineate gratitude and thankfulness, is immediately prophesied as being one of the album’s best tracks—and this at the first listen. Curious sequencing. Feels as if it should have been the song that closes off the album. But gratitude ought to be expressed first and foremost, and should not be an afterthought.

While “Mèsi Lavi” demonstrates the importance of expressing gratitude, “Djannie”, takes on a more somber topic—the rarely spoken-about issue of domestic and relationship violence in Haitian society. Michel’s voice takes on a forlorn note:

Li frape ou, ou pa di anyen
Ou di ou kase, ou pa ale, ou mare
Mwen santi kè wap rache
Ou konnen sa pap mache, ou mele

He hits you, and you don’t say jack
You say you’re broken, you won’t leave, your hands are tied up
I can feel your heart breaking
You know it won’t never work, you’re screwed

Besides “Djannie”, the only other song that treats domestic violence in the Haitian music genre that immediately comes to mind is “Pa leve men Sou Li” [Don't Put Your Hands on Her]. And that song is so apparently tailored for the dance floor, that one wonders if party goers ever really take the time to fully digest the lyrics and its message. The message in “Djannie” will likely not be lost. The words aren’t upstaged by the melody, though there is this sisterhood chorus that threatens to do so from time to time, but meaningful words and catchy chorus are able to co-exist.

The songstress as mentor and advisor lectures Djannie in a one-on-one conversation, and tutors her on self-love, and respect for one’s personal temple.

Oh Djannie, mmmh, dezole…
Bay kou bliye, pote mak sonje
Fò’w chape
Lanmou se lonè, se respè
Louvri je’w
Ale…

Oh, Djannie, so sorry
The one who gives out the blow always forgets, the one who receives the blow remembers
You have to get away
Love means honor, love means respect
Open your eyes
You’re saving your life
And you’ll find healthy love
Go up and leave

Anticipating excuses, phony alibis, and make-believe explanations on the part of both abuser and victim, Michel continues:

Yon fwa, de fwa, pa dènye fwa
Pa twompe’w
Yon moun kap frape’w
kap blese’w
Apre sa mennen flè, karese’w
Pa renmen’w
Nou tout vle yon zepòl, de bra pou sere’n
Men nou pa vle de men ki ka touye’n
Ale…

Once, twice, but this won’t be the last time
Don’t lie to yourself
Someone who hits you
Who makes you bleed
Then comes around bringing flowers, hugging you
Doesn’t love you
We all want a shoulder of support to lean on
We all want to be in someone’s tight embrace
But we don’t want to have arms around us who’s trying to kill us
Go on and leave

“Djannie” is a great addition to Michel’s social consciousness song collection. One is reminded of her rendition of “Viejo”, that treats the plight of Haitians and Haitian-Dominicans in the bateys of the Dominican Republic.

If “Djannie” is about physical violence, “M Paka Dòmi” centers on another form of self-abuse, loving excessively without a hint of reciprocity on the horizon. “Li genyen kè mwen nan pòch li,” the songstress croons at one point, while Jean-Guy René hustles on percussion and Peter Stan on accordion. He has my heart in his pocket. Woy! Now that’s some serious, if not downright clinical co-dependency. Pocket, huh? Well, he’s got you there! What we have in our pocket is our secret, what we exclusively have access to. To have someone put an organ as vulnerable as one’s heart in another’s pocket, and therefore another one’s control is serious business, and can put the individual in dire straits.

“Dife pran nan chan kann mwen/Li pa pwomèt lap tounen”. Fire’s set on my sugar cane field/And he doesn’t promise he’ll be back. Sugar cane field! When one thinks of Haiti and its early history, one knows that along with coffee, and cacao, cotton, and lumber, this was one of Haiti’s most valuable asset during its colonial period. A woman’s sugar cane field is everything that makes her a woman. This song is, therefore, for every woman who’s fallen in love with careless abandon without a thought of tomorrow. It’s for every woman who’s handed her heart to a man, and who doesn’t care if her love doesn’t get reciprocated; she’s only living for the time being. It’s for every woman who’s set herself up to be hurt; who puts the passion and heat of the moment and gives it seniority over her feelings, and ignores the consequences of tomorrow, and the future itself. No wonder chronic insomnia is part of the equation!

Melody-wise, the song is so bluesy, that a mental tableau immediately unfolds in the mind of listener: an alley in New Orleans’ jazz district. Then one is transported in a studio of black jazz musician expatriates in Paris before landing in Haiti in the 1920s Haiti in the minds of men like Justin Elie. The last stop is somewhere where Haiti meets New Orleans, in the early 1800s when St. Domingue refugees made a run for it for the shielding colonial houses of NOLA.

“M Paka Dòmi” marks the first time in years that Michel has re-teamed up with producer Fabrice Rouzier, who is responsible for the production work on “Flanm”, unquestionably one of Michel’s biggest career triumphs. This time Michel is writer and producer, while Rouzier takes on arrangement duties (they split the work for two other tracks “Timoun” and “Pran Menm”). And it’s some musical reunion, the type that’s really worth celebrating.

Thankfully, Quintessence is also about the beautiful aspects of love, and this is manifested in the song “Pran Menm” [Take Hold My Hand], which features saxophonist Jowee Omicil. Now, that song is very reminiscent of another Michel song, “Pa Gen Manti Nan Sa”, in that it’s just plain romantic. The easy-going ballad celebrates the sweet pleasures of a woman loving a man and the sheer beauty of having a drama-free relationship. But wait! Turns out it wasn’t always that way! Towards the beginning of the song, Michel hints at past turbulence: “Mwen se yon vòlkan ki pral reveye [I'm a volcano/That's about to wake up]. Clearly, the song is about a couple who loved each other once, who for one reason or another had to separate for their own good. Now more mature, and infinitely wiser, and having had time to contemplate on their past actions—including errors—they’re ready to give it another try. “Se yon lòt chapit/Nap kòmanse/Pran chans ou/Mwen pap prese/M ap pran tan mwen, [It's another chapter/We're about to begin/Take your chance/I'm not in a hurry/I'm taking my time]” hints at past immaturity, impulsiveness and stupidities. Ah, now the two lovers in “Pran Men Mwen” can finally take a more serious and happier go at it this time around! Aww.

Music is poetry too, and “Dawn” has an intro featuring the award-winning writer and author Edwidge Danticat. The chorus is marvelous, and has the flair of a church assembly sermon interlude. “Dawn” mourns Haiti’s tragedies, its constant shedding of tears, and even features a roll-call of those who perished in Haiti’s 2010 earthquake. The song preaches that in spite of enduring things that should inspire endless moaning and groaning, Haitians should draw on their inner strength and move forward. “Timoun” practically echoes the same thoughts, with the enthusiastic singing of a kiddie chorus to add to the hope-filled atmosphere of the song.

“Yon Mirak” [A Miracle], another song that is sequenced further down on the album, follows the same theme, this time with Michel conveying disillusionment about the state of her homeland: “Twòp avèg siyen pou dirije/Nou paka wè ki bò nou prale [Too many of the blind are signing up to lead/No wonder we can't see where we're going].

A few tracks later comes “Kè M Ap Sote”, [My Heart's Skipping] which could be taken as a sequel of sort to “Pran Men Mwen”. It’s the last stage of love, where there is a definite friendship, and it’s no longer about youthful passion but about grown-up love, where cooking for a man (“Manje a finn kwit”…the food is done) is not regarded as an affront to one’s feminism but as a gesture of love, of true love, and nourishing that love.

Quintessence couldn’t have been more aptly named. It displays the essence of who Emeline Michel is, and what she represents as a humongous musical talent. The record has the musical genius of Rasin Kreyol, the lyrical richness of Reine de Coeur and the musical wealth of her Best Of collection. But it’s something much more on its own, the type of album that leaves the listener with such satisfaction that a certain wonder builds up regarding Michel’s next album: will she be able to beat the quintessence of herself?

[Haiti street photos credit: Josue Azor]

Give your support to Haitian music and Haitian artists. You can purchase Quintessence on CDBABY, AMAZON. Be sure to visit the artist’s website here.

Have you already purchased this item? Or have gotten albums by this artist before? What are your thoughts? Be sure to sound off in the comments.

Dorival was born in Florida in the 1980s to Haitian parents. His mother, a single-parent, mindful of the bad influences in their neighborhood, encouraged her first-born to excel in school and attend church regularly.

Ironically, Dorival chose to rebel at the end of his teenage years, taking part in reckless behavior that earned him an eight-month stint in jail and five years of probation in the early 2000s. But manman didn’t raise no egare. Dorival felt he had too much potential as an individual to gift his life over to a destructive system. He was released early from his probation and continued his college education and in 2005 earned a Bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University.

After contemplating it for years, he said, he finally published his tome. Ten percent of the book’s sales will go towards supporting an orphanage in Haiti.

Now, aside from promoting his book and running his business, Dorival is out and about at institutions and at cultural events, speaking to people—young and old—about never giving up, and mustering up the courage to believe in themselves— the way he’s learned to.

Q & A

Your book is part self-help, part autobiography. Did you have some reservations about putting parts of your life out there for everyone to see?
Did I! [Laughter] Yes, of course! I’m a very private person so I had to come out of my shell in order to help my community. When the time came to actually make my first print run of books, I was like: “OMG, the whole world will know many of my most intimate moments!” However, by that point, I came too far to stop. The feeling was the equivalent of putting your diary online for everyone to see. We were actually practicing for the play, based from the book, before I actually had the first copy of the book.

Some writers begin books they never finish. How did you manage to write your book from beginning to end?
I’ve heard that story of authors giving up plenty of times. To be honest in order to become an author you have to be a disciplined writer and business minded. It took me five years from start to finish to get my book, The Courage To Believe to manifest. The drama with the editors, publishing, and life in general was making it impossible for me to finish. I literally had to go through four editors, which brought an immense amount of stress to my bank account and me.

In 2012, I didn’t make any New Year’s resolution. My only focus was to bring my book into fruition—point blank. I realized the dedication that I had in previous years didn’t suffice. I had to give this book my full, undivided attention. No dating, no clubs, no playing around. My mind was set on just church, work, and writing.

What was the publishing process like for you?
Good question. The publishing process was very enlightening. I learned so much about book sizes, book formatting, and printing, etc. Luckily I was already contacting printing company months before I was really ready to get my book printed. This gave me time to plan and shop around for the best prices and quality. Whenever you’re going to war, history shows us it’s usually the opponent that had more time to plan a strategic battle [who] almost always wins the war. I had the opportunity to study the business of publishing, which was in my mind a war that I had to win. Being on a limited budget, I decided to use my best weapon—reading. I love to read and I still do. I read books like The Complete Guide To Self-Publishing by Marilyn Ross and Sue Collier and Publicizing Your Book by Jacqueline Deval. After six months of renting these informative books from the library, I finally decided to purchase them. There were a couple of other awesome books and blogs that convinced me to start my own book publishing and coaching business, Sky View Creative Circle. I joined forces with my fabulous editor and play director Ashley Beauchamp and my awesome web designer Gary Pierre to start the company.

In writing your book Courage to Believe, what message were you hoping to get across?
It doesn’t matter what your past was like, it doesn’t matter what it looks like or what they are saying about your family – You can win! Don’t ever give up! Keep moving forward! I’ve seen so many people give up on their dreams and it always bothered me to see my people live substandard lifestyles. We are all kings and queens and deserve the best in life. As you read my book, you’ll find out that I did eight months in jail and lived the thug life. However, I grew up like a rose from the concrete. If I can overcome all of those obstacles then so can anyone, else, but you have to really want it.

What has been your parents’ reaction regarding your accomplishments?
My mother Queen Rosette Pierre, was my biggest supporter. She was so happy to see work on the book, which would be my family’s first published book. Actually, I was also the first of many things in my family and I hope not the last. When my mom saw me walk across the stage at Florida Atlantic University’s graduation, it was a moment to remember. The fact that I almost died due to a brutal attack a year prior was a testimony in itself. I know that is what my mom was thinking about. My grandparents were so proud of me because I was the first to graduate college in my family. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and minor in Marketing.

You’re hoping to inspire a lot of people with your book, no doubt. Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
The biggest influence in my life has to be my mom, Rosette Pierre. I watched this lady make a dollar out of fifteen cents—literally. She was a praying woman and a woman of her word. My mom never called herself a queen, but she carried herself as one. All my life she spoke victory over my life and set the standards high in our family. She was diagnosed with cancer in her spine, multiple myeloma in 2005 and passed away on May 26, 2008. Her strength was passed along to all her of five kids.

Do you remember the first time you went to Haiti?
Believe it or not, I’ve never been to Haiti. Whenever I tell people that their mouths drop and say, “You never been to Haiti! Why?” When I was growing up all I heard about Haiti frightened me. One morning my family and I were leaving for Haiti but I cried my butt off until my mom decided to let me stay. That was when I was about nine years old. In the spring of 2010, I planned on taking my vacation in Haiti but unfortunately the earthquake devastated our country. My family begged me not to go, literally. I’m anxious to go and once when God wants me to. I do know that when I finally go to Haiti it will be a major business trip. I want to see my parents’ families and enjoy the good food, but I mainly want to see where I can build a solid foundation. I planning on going around Christmas 2013. On my vacation.

At this point in your life, what are you most proud of?
In 2007, defeating the U.S. Army in the Washington, D.C. Trademark Office for my clothing line, One Man Army, Inc. That was a victory that is almost unheard of, especially, from a Haitian King. The United States Army felt that the name of my clothing line was too similar to their old slogan, “Army of One”. Everyone—including my family—was telling me to leave this battle alone. To think of it, they almost persuaded me to not pursue the case but I wasn’t doing anything illegal so I went for the gusto and won!

My most recent, proudest moment was when I was on the front cover of the Sun-Sentinel, Florida’s largest newspaper. The article went public online the day before my stage play, January 4, 2013 and was printed that Saturday and Sunday. The title was, “After 20 Years, Teacher Gets A Thank You To Remember.” The article gave me a huge recognition boost in South Florida. It was an honor to recognize my fifth grade teacher—Mrs. Wyche—for her hard work. I gave her a dozen roses while I was giving my speech after the play.

Some people lack the courage to believe in themselves, that they can make it, that they can do it. What advice do you have for them to make it through tough times?
People aren’t born with courage; it’s developed over a serious experiences, whether they were good or bad. Focus on what you have and not that you don’t have. There is so much that is going on in life than what you can see. It’s a spiritual battle. Read Ephesians 6:8-10. God will bless what you put your hands to, especially, if it will be a blessing to others. Reevaluate your life. Ask yourself, “How many positive people and things do I surround myself with? Are the words that are coming out of my mouth curse words, placing curses to your life and those around me? Are they positive? Words that are blessing those around you and a blessing to your own life?”

Get rid of as many negativity aspects out of your life as possible. Once you evaluate your life, environment and words then you can actively change your mindset to something conducive for victory, success, and increase. Be sure to take a piece of paper and divide them by what you consider positive and negative. If the negative side outweighs the positive, then you know what you must do.

You said you lived the thug life. What do you think led to that choice? What do you think contributed to that?
Lack of a male figure in my life and home. Most of the families in my neighborhood lived in single parent homes. We were left by our fathers to fend for ourselves. Boys growing up need a male role model because a woman can only do so much. I needed support at a time [when] no one was there to guide [me] to the right path—even though I knew the difference between right and wrong.

What did your family think of this?
I brought dishonor to my family. My mom was very disappointed and hurt that her brightest son fell into the system.

When did you see the light that you were destined for something else?
While I was locked up, I was able to witness how and why so many of our black men, many Haitians, gave up on their future. The fact that I was able to see both sides of the spectrum I knew that God wanted me to help stop the revolving door of prison and death.

What advice do you have for youths who “are about that life”?
My advice would be to tell them that those “Cowboy Days” are over with. The streets are only temporary and the grave is definite—if prison doesn’t catch up with you first. We all are kings and queens, and the streets will rob you of all your dreams and goals.

What’s next for you?
My book The Courage To Believe, is also a stage play and will be a movie so please look out for me. Will need my people to support this positive movement. My stage play crew will be touring around Florida and eventually the nation – God willing. We’ve received so many great reviews about the stage play that we just have to keep grinding it. I have to allocate the funds to make such a venture a reality but I believe that we will make it happen. I want to continue writing books and I’ve already started my next one; it’s a children fantasy story that I’m going to present to Disney. I get excited just thinking about it! Currently, I’m conducting a fundraiser to go on a two week-[long] tour of Ghana, West Africa to do research in order to complete the book. If you know of any investors or sponsors, have them contact me for more info or donate through my website. There is a comedy movie that is cooking in my head as well; people will love it because it’s based on a type of person that we all know personally.

Every other week, I am visiting a middle or high school or organization speaking with teens and young adults from the ages thirteen to twenty-eight. Other than that, I’m helping future authors with developing their books and marketing them as well. In due time, I’ll be able to leave my internet marketing job to pursue my dream of buying a corporate building where my marketing company will have its headquarters.

You can visit Kevin Dorival’s website here. You can purchase his book here.

Theard’s own photography has seen exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary African Diaspora Arts in Brooklyn, the Mobile Alabama Museum of Art and the McKenna Museum in New Orleans, among other outlets.

Theard says that growing up on the US-Mexico border had a profound impact on her worldview and helped shape her as a person. It has no doubt lent a certain perspective to her photography. Theard, who is also on the teaching staff at Florida International University’s Africa Diaspora Studies department, has had exhibitions in Miami and recently exhibited a series of photographs she took in Mali.

Q & A

Do you remember the first camera you ever owned?
My first camera was an early 80s model Nikon, which belonged to my maternal grandfather. He was an avid photographer. I was fourteen when I started got serious about photography. I took continuing education classes at the community college to learn.

Is there an art to photography?
There is a technical skill and an art to photography. The key is to find your visual voice. The skills can be taught but the art is in the approach to the medium.

With the advent of digital cameras, can just about anybody be a professional photographer?
Yes, anyone can be a professional photographer, but it takes time and effort. Digital photography can be self-taught more easily than traditional film photography. It is not as simple as just getting a digital camera.

You’re currently working on an MFA degree in photography. What have you learned so far about photography?
I’ve learned that the medium of photography is flexible and ubiquitous and can be used in many different ways. Many artists are using photography that don’t necessarily consider themselves photographers. I still value traditional photographic practices, especially shooting film. In art school, I have learned to use photography more conceptually.

Can photography be taught?
The skills required to make photographs can be taught. I teach photography to people from all walks of life. My focus on participatory photography projects, including the work I do in Haiti as co-founder of FotoKonbit, reflect my commitment to sharing my knowledge of photography as a tool for social change.

What’s the most breathtaking photo you’ve ever seen?
There have been many! Maggie Steber’s work from Haiti, published in a book called Dancing on Fire is one of my absolute favorites. I also love the work of Jamel Shabazz, particularly his New York street portraits from the 1980s, published in the books A Time Before Crack and Back in the Days.

What would you say are the elements of a great photograph?
Emotional resonance is key to any great photo.

Any tips for amateur photographers?
Learn from the greats, practice your skills, but find your own visual voice! This happens by shooting and reflecting on your work, this moment in history, and your philosophy about life.

What’s next for you?
I look forward to exhibiting my current work on Mali, teaching in the African Diaspora Studies program and FIU, and continuing my work with FotoKonbit in Haiti.

Moms are great beings. But does it seem like Haitian moms are in a category all by themselves? Or does it just seem that way to those of us who were blessed with Haitian moms?

Don’t wait for a special day to show manman how much you appreciate her.

If your mom is no longer in your life, sit back and ponder on all the great moments, and the wonderful memories. If you are among those who never knew her at all, think of the day the two of you will be reunited. In the meantime, kouraj! Kenbe fèm.

Do you not have a exemplary relationship with your mother? Take the steps to make it right. Are you convinced that she is the one who’s in the wrong? She’s done you too many wrongs and just the mere thought of having a conversation with her creates a huge lump in your throat? Swallow your pride and reach out. Talk things over. Easier said than done, perhaps? But try. Better to make things smooth now, then wishing you had done so.

Do you have a great mom? Of course you do; they all tend to be, don’t they—in their own way. Appreciate her today! To-dayyyyyy.

I love my mommy. I had this recent epiphany that there’s so much more I can do show her I love her, and lighten her load in life. Let’s all do our best to show our moms that we cherish them and love them. They’re the ones who give us all the best that they have. They’ll bloodlet their bodies if that will bring us comfort and put a smile on our faces. Let’s do what we can to appreciate them, whatever our means are. Let’s start today! Don’t wait for a special day. And don’t do it for just a “special” day and neglect the other days! In the words of Stevie Wonder, “You don’t need a reason, if it’s coming from the heart.” Do it. Do it, do it, do it.

What better way to show our appreciation than to come up with a song playlist with some of the most touching lyrics about that special lady! There are some songs I’ve discovered recently; heck, there are some songs I came across while doing research for this post, and hopefully they’ll grow on me. Check them out, and be sure to mention your own favorites too—if they didn’t figure on this list (and even if they did).

1. Artist: Christopher “Freedom” Laroche
Song: “Manman”
The Rundown: The album: 1804 Revolution. Listening to the album, there’s a bunch of militant, pro-Haiti songs, and out of nowhere comes this song “Manman” that practically belies its track predecessors’ rawness on the album. But it isn’t out of place. It’s the song that every child should dedicate to their moms. The gospel-like vibes laced with a bit of hip-hop and Haitian roots music and the lyrics that demonstrates vulnerability, and makes it clear, that every man, no matter how virile have the ability to melt into the most malleable creature, but only for mom.
Lyrics Highlight: “Se gras a ou mwen pa p janm sispann lite/Solèy leve/Mwen di Bondye mèsi ou ekziste…Tout pèn efase lè ou vini bòm kote m/Pa gen anyen mwen pap fè pou ou”. Thanks to you, I’ll never stop fighting/The minute the sunrise/I thank God that you’re in my life/All my pain goes away the minute you’re near me/There’s nothing I won’t do for you.

2. Artist/Band : Emeline Michel
Song: “Moso Manman”
The Rundown: Released on an album entitle Cordes et Ames, this song has a world-folksy aura to it. The conga-heavy
intro…the sweet lyrics.
Lyrics Highlight: “Lèm gade kote m soti/Mwen konnen se pa sèlman mirak lanati…Lè ou posede yon moso manman oh!. Vinn
danse manmwen mwen/Kadanse manman mwen/Mwen pa ka peye ou sa mwen dwe ou. Ou pa janm granmoun kou manman ou….Mèsi manman mwen/Mèsi manman mwen.” When I see how far I’ve come/I know it isn’t just do to some natural miracle/Man, when you have your mom by your side–Oh! Let’s dance to my mother/Let’s sway to my mother/I’ll never be able to pay you what I owe you/You’ll never be as grown as your mother/Thank you mommy/Thank you.

3. Artist/Band: Shoogar Combo
Song: “Manman”
The Rundown: According to the RetroMusic YouTube channel, this song was originally released in 1984 with Adrien Dupuy on guitar, Gerthro Arnaud on bass and Emmanuel Nerette on electric guitar. For some reason, the trumpets and bass line have a retro-1970s feel. The point that this song makes is practically how important it is for us to show appreciation for our moms, while they’re still around us. And um, that’s a rather interesting name for a band. Shoogar! I like that!
Lyrics Highlight: “Sa se pi gwo lapènn wi/Lé manmou ou te la/Ou pa te konn valè li. Ou ale/Mwen pa rekonpanse’w sa fè mwen lapènn.” It’s the worst pain ever/When your mother was there/You didn’t recognize her value/Mama you’re gone/I can’t pay you back and how that hurts.

4. Artist/Band: Scorpio
Song: “Manman”
The Rundown: Scorpio is a Haitian konpa band that was based in Haiti. No indication as to when this song was released. From the sounds of it, placing it at the 1970s-1980s era.
Lyrics Highlight: “Manman se yon ero ki pap janm fini rekonpanse/Doulè manman pa dous o” A mom is a particular kind of hero who will never get enough medals. A mother’s pain is far from sweet.

5. Artist/Band: Krezi
Song: “Manman”
The Rundown: This is a son’s post-mortem tribute to a mom who is no longer around, and thinking back to the great memories, and his drawing on those sweet memories to muster the strength to deal with life’s challenges. This song was released in the mid-2000s, with singer Stanley Georges singing lead. This song most likely will make your eyes well up with tears, even if your mother is in your life.
Lyrics Highlight: Manman se pi gran kadò yon ti moun ka posede. Lajan pa ase pou m ta achte yon manman. Ki yes ou kite pou ranplase w? Se tout kote mwen pase male avèk foto ou. Tout sa ou te fè se te pou mwen. Ou pa dòmi tout tan mwen pa rantre. Manman m’sonje’w. Manman m sonje’w. M’sonje’w.” A mom is the ultimate gift a child can possess. Money can’t procure a mother/Mom, who did you leave behind to replace you? Everywhere I go, I take your photo with me. Everything you did, you did for me/You never slept until you’re reassured yourself that I was in the house. Mommy, I miss you. I truly miss you.

6. Artist/Band: Zenglen
Song: “Pou manman”
The Rundown: “Pou manman” is another touching tribute to Haitian mothers, and like the Scorpio song mentioned above, emphasizes throughout its lyrics the hardworking personality of the Haitian mother; her selflessness. The song also makes a point of encouraging everyone to think beyond the moment, to know that mom will not always be around. The song makes particular mention of the Haitian moms who left Haiti to go overseas, and whose load never got any lighter, even when they’ve made the transition from living in a developing country to a developed one.
Lyrics Highlight: “Li tale Miyami pou lale chaje lavi/Depi li rive se redi lap redi/Manman se yon djòb san konje/Manman pa gen jou ferye. Panse a lamò pandan ke gen lavi.” She went to Miami in search of a better life/From that time on, she’s never stopped struggling. Being a mom is a job without a day off/Moms don’t know nothing about having a holiday off/Think about death, while there’s still life.

7. Artist/Band : Herold Christophe
Song: “Manman”
The Rundown: Emmanuel V contends that this song was released in 1986, a year of historical milestones for Haiti.
Lyrics Highlight: “Si jodi a map viv/Se gras a ou manman/Jodi a si kèm kontan se gras a ou manman/Bouch mwen pap janm sispann di ou ke mwen renmen ou.” If today I’m alive/It’s thanks to you my mom/Today, if I’m alive, I have you to thank. My mouth will never stop expressing my love for you.

8. Artist/Band: Gerard Dupervil
Song: “Manman”
The Rundown: Gerard Dupervil is considered to be one of the most influential lead vocalists in the history of Haitian music. This song, once again, explores the irreplaceable quality of one’s mother.
Lyrics Highlight: “Map pale se kè map kenbe”. When talking about you, you have no idea how hard it is.

9. Artist/Band: Accolade de New York
Song: “Manman”
The Rundown: A mother’s life is a hard life, and those who don’t realize it, woe to them. Preach it, preach it.
Lyrics Highlight: “Gen pitit ki pa janm panse a doulè sa-a/Pou manman yo/Jan sa-a di/o/Bon tan se ou/Move tan se ou. Afeksyon manman pa gen yon lòt konsa.” Some kids never take the time to ponder on a mother’s pains. A mother’s pain, now that’s hard. Good times, it’s her. Bad times, it’s her. A mother’s love—there’s nothing out there like it.

10. Artist/Band: DP Express
Song: “Manman”
The Rundown: This song goes out to all the ungrateful, mean children, whose mothers worked hard to get them a better and more comfortable life, and upon the acquisition of that said comfortable life. It’s extremely different from all the manman songs I came across. The structure of the song is basically the monologue of a mother to her ungrateful child. She chides him for turning his back on her, after she struggled to make a man out of him. Now living in Haiti’s plush suburbs, this ingra only comes to see her as an afterthought.
Lyrics Highlight: “Woy, doulè manman pa janm fini/Pa janm bliye se lik ba wou lavi/Sosyete pa ba ou anyen/Ou te mèt fè sa ou vle, se nan pye li pou ou kouri.” Lookee here, a mother’s pain never ends. Don’t you forget that she’s the one who gave you life/Being among good society won’t bring you anything worthwhile. Act however you want/you’ll come running back at her feet.

11. Artist/Band: Toto Necessite
Song: “Manman”
The Rundown: Toto Necessite? Is that his pet name? No matter. Toto shuts down the house with this one. He starts off by praising the virtues of mom, and goes on to lecture about the necessity (no pun intended, really) of keeping the family together and shedding silly pretenses about one’s origins.
Lyrics Highlights: “Nou pasa fini pou sa li te deja vini/Moso manman pi bèl pase yon chato/Moso manman pi bèl pase fòtin. Yon nonm ki neglije manman-n/Li pa ta renmen wè byen.” We’ll never thank her for everything she’s already done. A mother is more beautiful than a mansion/A mom is more beautiful than a big fortune. A man who neglects his mother/Must not want to see good happen in his life.

12. Artist/Band: Tropicana
Song: “Manman”
The Rundown: Manman deserves a nice little ballad, for the sleepless nights, the terrible days when everyone feared a better tomorrow would not come.
Lyrics Highlight: “Maman, je t’aime/Je t’adore”. Enough said.

Some folks spend all their lives daydreaming about writing a book “someday”, until “someday” comes and goes, and they’re lying on their deathbed, and their dreamt-of book never came to fruition. Nathalie Thelemaque, the fourteen-year-old author of Misconceptions: A Collection of Short Stories and Poems wasted no time. She dreamt of writing a book of her own, and has released her debut Misconceptions, published through EducaVision, a publisher that specializes in Haiti-themed books, and educational material.

In spite of her age, Thelemaque manages to write stories with themes that one might think are beyond her understanding. “A Daughter’s Forgiveness” centers on a neglected daughter who lives in the shadow of a famous painter father. Not everything in the book is intense though. In the poem “First Day of School”, Thelemaque treats the jitters and uncertainties of going into new social territory at the height of adolescence, while the character Avery in the short story “Remembrance of Her Childhood” treats the importance of building memory.

Born in Florida to Haitian parents, Thelemaque has always been active on the creative front, playing the piano—and letting her imagination guide her in the creation of the written word. In addition to balancing school, and a burgeoning writing career, Thelemaque writes a poetry column for The Circle Gazette, a newspaper for young kids. She recently experienced one of the first initiation rites as a published author with her first ever book signing for Misconceptions.

Q & A

How did you feel when you held your book in your hand?
When I first held the book, I felt bewildered at the whole situation. Though I love writing very much, I never thought that I would be capable of writing a book that would be published. Having written so many stories and poems over the course of many years and having them spread on different computers around the house, it’s rewarding to have all my work organized in a manuscript that I can use to share my thoughts with others.

And how was your book signing?
My book signing was very successful; many of the invited guests came, expressed their enthusiasm towards reading the book, and gave positive feedback.

You actually play the piano too. Can you tell us a little bit more about that?
I have been playing piano for about eight years, being inspired by my sister and cousin who started before me. I practice the instrument everyday, in preparation for the several recitals that I participate in, including a holiday concert put together by my friends and I for our families.

How did you get the idea for your short story “Cherry Blossom”?
For a very long time now, I have been interested in Japanese culture, including the beautiful cherry blossom trees called Sakura. So, I incorporated that idea with the subjects of someone leaving home school to go to a Charter school, friendship, and coming of age.

How was the publishing process for you?
Well…it was a challenge to get my family and friends to go over the countless stories that I had written in the past and come to terms with the ones to be published. The publishing company was very receptive to our ideas and helped us greatly in the process. We went through a few drafts, different fonts, and a few colors for the book before finally achieving the final cerulean-colored copy.

What do your friends and teachers think of your book?
My friends and teachers have been very supportive of my book. They all inspire me so much, so it thrills me to know that they share my excitement and are very proud of my accomplishment.

Is it hard dealing with schoolwork, friends, parents, piano lessons, and life as a writer?
At some times—yes—it can be stressful dealing with the many activities in my life, but my parents always try to keep me on task so I’m not overwhelmed.

When was the last time you went to Haiti?
Unfortunately, I have not been to mainland Haiti yet, but I was fortunate to touch the soil of Haiti through Labadee. on the cruise that I went on to Labadee, I was able to witness the beautiful landscapes that my parents pointed out to me and saw that Haiti was surrounded by mountains.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing or playing the piano?
Whenever I’m not doing those activities, I enjoy drawing, reading, talking with my friends, playing tennis, volunteering in the community, playing video games, and learning and practicing different languages.

And what advice do you have for aspiring authors, young and old?
I would advise any aspiring authors to keep on reading and writing. There are always stories to tell; it’s a great thing to keep expanding one’s mind.

You can show your support for this budding author by purchasing her book here.

Afro-Caribbean culture and a Euro influence, with a sligh hint of Asia permeate her designs. Most of the bracelets and necklaces of her accessories line are oversized; not bigger than life, but much bigger than the average wrist and neck.

Stella Jean’s designs can be found at some of the most exclusive boutiques in the world: Saudia Arabia’s chic Lo Spazo’s clothing store to France’s Jacques Loup to London’s Matches to Kuwait’s posh Al Ostoura.

As a woman of Haitian descent living in Italy, Jean affirms that there isn’t a big Haitian community there, but she remains close to her roots. She joined forces with the Haitian Embassy in Italy for Fashion-Able, an initiative to create textile-related jobs in Haiti. One of her most cherished memories of the first time she visited Haiti was meeting her grandmother Ninine, a smiling woman who absolutely loved gardening. The designer admits that she doesn’t go to Haiti often, but takes every chance to devour diri ak djon djon, he favorite Haitian dish.

When it comes to her career, she admits that it’s “pretty hard” as a designer who’s constantly on the go, to find time for herself. But having had developed the extreme endurance that every big player in the fashion industry must have, Stella Jean is doing just fine, thank you very much. And her parents? She labels them as her first—and one of her biggest—supporters.

Q & A

So you were born and raised in Italy.
I’ve find in fashion the necessary room to make my two opposite identities breathe, and conciliate finally. Having been born and raised in the Italy of the Eighties, as the result of a multiracial family, even if in a “milieu aisé”, it ain’t been easy or painless. I started in fashion as a model, and since the very first time I set foot in a fashion designer’s studio, I knew I was in my element. It was the right place to be, but the wrong way to be there. Eventually, I made some changes and found my own style, which allows me to express myself as a designer. When I’ve first presented my collection in July 2011 at “Who’s on Next”; AltaRoma and Vogue context in Rome, it represented to me a way to bring peace between the two most important parts of my personality, the European and the Creole. It’s not easy to find a balance in an emotional conflict such as the one I experienced between these two parts of my soul. Fashion gave me ample space to maneuver and find a place where both these cultures could coexist. This weak point became both a strength and a fresh start.

So prior to become a designer, you were a model for Egon Von Fürstenberg. Do you think that having been a model gave you some sort of edge when it comes to designing and concocting clothes?
It absolutely gave me a “full immersion training”, and the chance to know many different stylistic settings.

What gives you strength on your worst days?
My children and my faith.

You’ve said in past interviews, that your Haitian heritage inspires some of your designs. How so?
In my collections, I just talk about me, my roots and Haiti’s historical metissages [interracial] journey.

Queen Marie Louise of Haiti actually went to live in Italy in the 1820s, and was reportedly a sensation everywhere she and her daughters the Princesses Amethyste and Athenaise went. Do you find yourself inspired by her, and the princesses as they were one of the first Haitians to have some link to Italy?
Queens and princesses will never impress and inspire me much as slaves did.

What words of wisdom do you have for them in terms of how to get their names out there, and how to get a following—that sort of thing?
I have two pieces of advice: Before even thinking about breaking into the industry, you must try to break into people’s hearts. You always have to put people before the industry. Your works must have your fingerprints on them. They have to show your personality and your history. You can’t find ideas on blogs and social networks, only through a long and not-always- easy journey into yourself –the very same journey that will always allow you to find a way home.

Do you think that your Italian background gave you a sort of advantage in the fashion world. After all, some might say, you’re already in one of the fashion capitals. Did that make starting out any easier, because you’re absorbing that world, and you grew up in the middle of it?
It surely gave me a natural aesthetic tendency and sensitivity.

You are constantly wowing fashion critics and fashion lovers. What do you have planned for the world of fashion in times to come?
As I am the result of a mix of different cultures and races that could appear completely opposed, I’d like to promote a sophisticated and alternative multiculturalism through fashion. Blending traditions that are so distant, I want to create new and unexpected cultural messages, while keeping the ability to balance content and shapes.

You can visit the designer’s website here.

[Image Credit: Showroom photo Federico Ciamei]

Raised partly in Brooklyn, New York and partly in Philadelphia in the late 1980s, Desouvre is a one-man publishing phenomenon, taking advantage of the electronic publishing platform, in addition to the traditional print medium to publish his works that also include an unconventional self-help book series “Walk Through the Journey”, as well as audio books.

He didn’t start out studying publishing formally. He attended Drexel University for his undergraduate studies and earned a dual degree in Management Information Systems and Marketing. Desouvre has since earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Lynn University. He’s currently working towards a doctorate degree in Education, which more than makes sense, considering the educational, personal improvement and empowerment aspects of the book and audio products he’s produced.

The author-entrepreneur-IT expert’s knowledge of computer systems has helped him considerably in integrating technology and publishing. Apart from his publishing endeavors, Desouvre is also a motivational speaker on the roster of the Quest Talent Agency, and he frequently lectures on self-development and personal growth.

Q & A

“My Heart Aches and I’m Trembling (Ayiti Cheri)” is a poem that you wrote.
I wrote “My Heart Aches and I’m Trembling (Ayiti Cheri)” the day after the devastating earthquake in Haiti. What inspired it? When it comes to writing poetry, for me, everything can be inspirational from the good, the bad and the ugly. I physically could not stop shaking the only thing I can do is write, it’s part of Walk Through this Journey: Volume 2, The Next Forward (Special Edition) excessively available on Lulu.com along with other books I’ve been fortunate to self-publish. It’s also in the mobile apps Proud Haitian/Proud to Be Haitian I created almost a year later for the iPhone, iPod touch, iPads and Android Devices. The apps were created for two reasons: one out of sense of defiance because I was passed up for a promotion and also for my beautiful children.

You have an MBA from Lynn University. Has that come in handy in the field of publishing?
The MBA from Lynn University helped me hone on my marketing and communication tactics to build on my digital footprint as an author.

Walk Through This Journey: Volume 2, The Next Step Forward is your latest book.
Walk Through This Journey: Volume 2 The Next Step Forward is the second part of the Journey Trilogy. The final Journey book will be titled Walk Through this Journey: Volume 3: Rising Above it All ; it will be a book that consists of essays and poems on how to turn tragedy into triumph. Having loved and lost and identifying ways to rise above it all as we all go through this journey called life. My most recent book was A Family Affair: Inspirational Short Stories and Poetry about Family and Faith now available on Lulu.com, amazon.com and Apple’s iTunes store. I plan to also have an audiobook for all the books as well. Currently Volume 1 has a audiobook on iTunes.

Do you remember the first book you read that made an impression on you?
S.E Hinton’s The Outsiders. It reminded of the trouble we all can get into with our friends and that real friends stick with you through the end. The Purpose Driven Life book is a book I highly recommend everyone to read.

What’s next for you in terms of books?
I am working on my first non-creative book Life is About Purpose (Not Position) A Guide to Actionable and Effective Leadership —Fall 2013. Then my first kids book titled Big Sister, Little Sister mostly written by my four and a half-year-old daughter. I figured if she could write it, she can read it and hopefully other kids her age can do the same. Half of the profits from the book will go to a literacy program. In the process of looking for one now.

What advice do you have for those who want to get into publishing?
The self-publishing route, which Apple recently featured on their iTunes store, is the best way to go, because the companies are out there like Lulu, Authorhouse, Createspace—a division of Amazon.com—and much more. Subscribe to a magazine like Poets and Writers for amazing resources. Do not chase agents they will come to you. E-books are outselling printed books, so do not let get left behind. Definitely copyright your work as manuscript through copyright.gov. Make sure you have an editor and be ready to several calls to your local libraries, bookstores to doing readings from your book however get ready to be rejected. See the challenge of rejections as an opportunity for growth and inspiration.

Your undergraduate degree is in technology. Did you initially want to be a writer?
I wanted to be lawyer—thanks to Kenneth Murphy—who gave me my first job at 16 years old at a law firm he worked in. I also wanted to compose music for films when I was younger, however my technology hobby became more than a hobby. For sixteen years now I’ve worked as an IT professional, currently creating mobile apps and much more. I have a passion to empower others. It just happens I am fortunate enough to do this through the IT work I do and hopefully my writings. When it came to writing a book, I did not want to do it because my older brother, Steiman Desouvre, was the first to publish a book called Sole Songs also available on Amazon. I did not want to follow my brothers’ footsteps. The entrepreneur in me wanted to create my own path. It was Jason Fleurant, a phenomenal artist, whom I first befriended on MySpace around 2006. I posted several blogs of my poetry [on that social network] and was humbled by all the subscribers and feedback I received from all [over] the world from China to Costa Rica, [and Fleurant asked] when is the book coming out. Thanks to Jason asking that question and the demand was there for my very personal poems that have universal themes of friends, love, lost, family and faith, as the female emcee Rapsody says the “rest is the future.”

You can visit Yanatha Desouvre’s web page here .

Visit the author’s Facebook page here.

Today, the Kreyolicious Time Clock stops in the 1990s decade. Let us learn what events marked those years.

Where to start? At the year 1990 of course.

To start with, Haiti lost one of its most beloved historians Jean Fouchard.

In March 1990, Ertha Pascal-Trouillot, at the time a judge and a former lawyer, was sworn in as interim president, following the ouster of Prosper Avril,the previous president. Pascal-Trouillot made Haitian history as the first woman to hold that position.

A New York Times article, dating the month of July of the year 1990, made mention of a business and shopping strike in Haiti, made in protest of two returning exiles.

In February of 1991, a former priest Jean-Betrand Aristide was sworn in as president of Haiti. Aristide was born in the city of Port Salut and was educated in Port-au-Prince and Cap Haitien, before leaving Haiti for Rome for theological studies.

In September 1991, Aristide was subject to a coup by members of the military.

Born in the city of Jeremie in 1949, Raoul Cedras co-led a junta that included other Haitian military career men Michel Francois and Phillipe Biamby.

In a passage of Notes From the Last Testament: The Struggle for Haiti written by Michael Deibert, it is stated that the junta installed Supreme Court Justice Joseph Nerette as Provisional President. He is seen here in this photo, swearing in.

Carnival…1993 style in Haiti. A kanaval queen radiates with beauty.

According to many Haitian immigration experts, the 1990s would go down in history as one of the record years of refugee influx from Haiti to the United States, specifically South Florida, via boat. In her book Beyond Charity: International Cooperation and the Global Refugee Crisis, Gil Loescher pointed out that “38,000 Haitians were intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard between the September 1991 coup d’ etat and the end of 1992.” Loescher went on to say that the majority of these immigrants weren’t given asylum but were rather incarcerated at the Guantanamo Bay base in Cuba.

The Stockholm International Research Institute reports that in June of 1993, a trade embargo was imposed on Haiti:

“…that included ‘arms and related materiel including weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, police equipment and spare parts’. The decision to pass the Resolution followed the military coup in Haiti in 1991, deposing elected President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and following a request from the Permanent Representative of Haiti for the UN to ‘make universal and mandatory the trade embargo on Haiti recommend by the Organization of America States’.

The obituary section of The Chicago Tribune in October of 1993 made mention of a Haitian official who had been killed along with his bodyguard and driver. The man in question was named Guy Malary, Haiti’s Justice Minister. An article published by the L.A. Times describing a 1994 memorial mass that was held in Malary’s memory reflected:

Outside the downtown church, Malary’s relatives laid floral arrangements of white carnations and blue candles along the sidewalk where the justice minister, his bodyguard and his driver were gunned down. The gunmen chased the three from Malary’s office until running their car onto the sidewalk and opening fire. The brick wall still bears the gash where Malary’s car crashed.

The year 1993 would go down as a bloody year for the country. In September of 1993, Haitian businessman of Palestinian roots Antoine Izmery was gunned down in front of widely-attended church mass. Archived news articles from that period point to assassinations after assassinations and also point to Haiti’s role in the narcotics trade, according to an article in the New York Times archive.

In 1994, U.S. troops landed in Haiti. This special unit shown in this photograph was stationed in the city of Miragoane.

During that year, Aristide returned from exile after Cedras and his co-horts had signed what became to be known as The Governor’s Island Agreement. In this photo taken by Milton Grant dated June 1993, Mr. Cedras (left) is seen speaking with Special U.S. Envoy Vince Caputo in New York during negotiations for Jean-Bertrand Aristide’s return. According to the book Let Haiti Live edited by Melinda Miles and Mary Eugenia Charles—Cedras and his co-leader Phillipe Biamby were flown to an exile in Panama. In October of 1994, Aristide was reinstated to finish his term. He was succeeded by Rene Garcia Preval.

Haiti’s then-Prime Minister Smarck Michel spoke to reporters at a press conference in 1995. The St. Marc-born Michel died in 2012 at the age of 75.

In 1995, as part of her work as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, Julia Roberts visited Haiti. Here she is posing with some teenagers and other fans in Petionville.

According to the website Haitian Truth, the 1990s was a decade of many murders in Haiti, like that of human rights attorney Mireille Durocher Bertin, in March of that year. The New York Times gave this account of her death:

“The white Subaru in which the victim, Mireille Durocher Bertin, was riding was blocked on a busy street in broad daylight. Gunmen in a red Mitsubishi jeep shot up the front tire on the driver’s side, got out and raked the windshield with automatic weapons, firing from both sides of the car. Then they disappeared.”

Who wants 500 gourdes? This money was issued by Haiti’s National Bank in the 1990s, and featured one of the country’s early leaders. Isn’t he handsome? Now about those gourdes…

A brochure entitled Haiti: Selected Issues written by Przemyslaw Gajdeczka attests that in February 1995, tariffs on imported foods including rice was reduced from as high as 150% to 0-5%, leading to a reduction and finally near elimination of rice production in Haiti.

In January of 1996, Haiti’s then-president Jean-Betrand Aristide married Mildred Trouillot, a U.S-born daughter of Haitian exiles. The First Lady an attorney, who was his one-time speechwriter during his exile in Washington D.C., would give birth to two daughters, one in the latter part of 1996 and the other in 1998.

A young man who was then in his late twenties who would later describe his life as going “from a hut to a mansion” traveled to his homeland Haiti along with his New Jersey-born cousin Pras Michel and bandmate Lauryn Hill. Bandmates as in his partners in crime with his Grammy-award winning hip-hop band The Fugees. His name? Ah, you guessed it! Nellus Wyclef Jean. Here he is shaking hands with his Haiti’s president Rene Garcia Preval, in preparation for a large scale two-concert series to be held in Port-au-Prince for thousands of fans on April 12th of the year 1997.

Music journalists Bakari Kitwana, Selwyn Seyiu Hinds and photographer Andrew Lichenstein were commissioned by The Source Magazine to write a story for the publication’s July 1997 issue.

In 1998, Theodore Beaubrun, a man of the stage and television, died in Haiti at the age of 80. Other notables who died during that decade included Renel Delsoin, Beaubrun’s co-star on his TV show, Lina Mathon Blanchet, a famed dancer, and Marie-Clothide “Toto” Bissainthe, a theater and stage actress.

Photos: C. Images except for Aristide wedding photo Reuters via CBC and Cedras Governor’s Island Photo via UN Archives

James Baptiste was born and raised and Brooklyn of Haitian parents, and he paints his childhood there as—his words—”interesting”. Baptiste attended Walt Whitman Junior High, and afterwards attended Madison High School. He admits that he wasn’t one of those heavenly creatures with wings, as he got himself into all sorts of trouble. In looking back at those years, he doesn’t want to neither glorify nor sensationalize any of his actions as a troubled child. “School back then wasn’t the way it is today,” he observes. And then there was the situation at home. He lived in a two-parent household, but felt like it was more like a single parent home. “My mother was the only person besides my sister I could relate to,” he says of those times. His father was distant and didn’t want anything to do with him.

With time, Baptiste found out that the man he thought was his father, was actually his stepfather and he connected the man’s attitude towards him with the fact that the Senior Baptiste wasn’t his biological father. “Lack of fatherly bonding angered me which inevitably led to me indulging in the streets. Choosing friends over family was the worst thing I could’ve done looking back in hindsight. Loyalty to friends nearly cost me my life as the book illustrates.”

The book Baptiste is referring to is Suspended in Time, his semi-autobiographical debut, that chronicles the life journey of Deshaun, from an angry and troubled teenager to the responsible citizen that he strives to be now.

Bapstiste did a stint in prison, and upon his release, he sought to rehabilitate his life. He attended college and gradually received a degree in Sociology from Brooklyn College. Allen begun writing shortly after, and is now the author of four books. He often thinks back to his childhood and to his tumultuous teenage years: the confusion and the anger, and he has established SAP—Seeking Aid Personally—a non-profit to help troubled youths in his area.

Q & A

Were you one of those type of authors who started out writing poetry and short stories?
Didn’t start off writing poetry or short stories, never thought I was good enough. Never imagined writing books, but it was therapeutic during that particular time and what I was dealing with.

Suspended in Time: The Price of Loyalty was your first book. How did the writing process go, and how did you go about promoting it?
The idea for my first book came by chance, I used to work a freight elevator once. I used to be so bored, I kept a writing pad with me when it was slow. I started writing, and before I knew it I had a manuscript completed. The writing process took a while. Since I was in college, ideas and thoughts came to me everywhere I went. I could be on the train, my inner voice told me to write my story. As time passed, writing became natural. Promoting was the hardest, especially since we live in an era where everything is dumbed down for the audience. Its hard to promote positivity when negativity travels faster. I utilized friends, family, word of mouth, social media, and I hit the road selling my books anywhere there was traffic.

Chasing the Dream was the first novel you wrote.
Chasing a Dream is my first fictional novel, Runaway Bride was the follow up to Suspended in Time: The Price of Loyalty. It picks up right where Suspended in Time ended. Both based off [of] life experiences. I wrote four books altogether, but the first two are available on Amazon kindle. Chasing a Dream is about four women chasing their dreams and what they encounter trying to get there. Denise, the main character will do any and everything to keep her man out of trouble. After serving time, temptations of the street and trying to stay positive has Denise’s man indecisive. He has to choose what side he wants if he wants to stay with her.

You graduated from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Do you find that helps you develop your characters?
Graduating from college has definitely helped my writing in terms of formatting and creativity. But alot of my writing is motivated by everyday life and things I’ve experienced. My goal is to reach the youth by putting a message in my stories.

What advice do you have for those who want to be authors?
Message to authors: Dont expect anyone to give you anything. It’s best for you to invest in yourself when it’s time to put your work out. Make sure you learn the nuances of writing before getting into it. Theres a lot of things people fail to grasp, so its imperative you master your craft before selling it to the consumers.

What’s next for you in terms of publishing?
What else in publishing? Currently seeking business partners, my passion is to be a motivational speaker and talk to students all over the world. Also completed two other novels and looking to be signed to a major. Hopefully all my hard work pays off someday but I wont believe it until I see my books on screen. That is the ultimate goal.

You can visit the author’s Facebook page here.

You can purchase Suspended in Time by clicking on this link.a>