Haiti in My Heart: Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop

Led by poets Fabienne Josaphat and Herold Pierre, the Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop is inspired by the “Ayiti Nan Kem | Haiti In My Heart” exhibition curated by Edouard Duval-Carrié and Marie Vickles, and offers participants a unique opportunity to connect with Haitian art through poetry. Attendees are encouraged to explore trilingual poetic expressions in English, French, and Haitian Creole as they interact with artwork by notable artists like Rachelle Scott, Sophia Lacroix, and Louis Rosemond. Aimed at fostering a deep connection between visual art and poetic voice, this interactive experience fosters  personal exploration of themes such as nostalgia, identity, and hope, and is set to be a festival highlight, offering attendees the opportunity to share their stories amid the rich linguistic diversity and cultural backdrop of the Haitian community.

And don’t forget to stop by the Miami Stories Recording Booth by HistoryMiami Museum, where Little Haiti Book Festival attendees can record personal narratives, adding dimension to Miami’s collective history. These stories, from past and present, contribute to our understanding of the city’s diverse culture and identity. Join us to share your Miami story, and add your voice to a growing archive that captures Miami’s essence through the eyes of its people.

FABIENNE JOSAPHAT is the 2023 PEN Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction, and the author of the forthcoming novel Kingdom of No Tomorrow (Algonquin). Her first novel, Dancing in the Baron’s Shadow, was published by Unnamed Press. Her publications include poems in Kitchen Table Quarterly, Grist Journal, Hinchas de Poesia, and Eight Miami Poets, and essays in The Washington Post and Teen Vogue. She is currently at work on a third novel.

HEROLD PIERRE, aka Alouwou Mandjah, is an acclaimed Haitian writer and poet who is proficient in Haitian Creole, French, and English. He is educated in visual arts, architecture, and networking services technology, and his work reflects a deep connection to Haitian culture. Winner of the 2013 Carnafam poetry contest in Florida, Hérold actively contributes to literary projects and cultural programs. His anticipated poetry book and existing works online showcase his versatile talent and engagement with diverse audiences.