Little Haiti Book Festival 2025

View page in Haitian Creole.

In-Person: Sunday, May 4, 2025 at Little Haiti Cultural Complex
Online:  Sunday, May 18, 2025 

Miami Book Fair and Sosyete Koukouy are proud to present the 2025 Little Haiti Book Festival! Join us in celebrating the rich culture and literary talent of Haiti and the Haitian diaspora. This year, the festival will be held both in-person and online, providing a vibrant platform for authors, artists, and community leaders to share their work and insights.

LHBF features a diverse program that spans storytelling and hands-on children’s activities, dynamic dance and music performances, traditional Haitian games, and a comedy showcase. Engaging panel discussions, complemented by interactive sessions, will delve into thought-provoking topics. A community meet-and-greet provides an opportunity to connect with esteemed guests and local leaders from Little Haiti. This curated selection of events is designed to both entertain and educate, reflecting the festival’s dedication to cultural celebration and intellectual discourse.

2025 IN-PERSON PROGRAM – MAY 4

IN THE MARKETPLACE

  • ALL DAY BOOK FAIR – This bustling destination is packed with exhibitors, food vendors, and a book fair featuring local authors and publishers with books in English, Haitian Creole, and French.

IN THE COURTYARD

  • ALL DAY HEART-PUMPING HAITIAN BEATS WITH DJ NICKYMIX – From the dynamic sounds of konpa to the soulful beats of roots and the ancestral echoes of rara, DJ Nickymix masterfully curates a playlist that embodies Haiti’s spirit.
  • ALL DAY DISCOVER THE MAGIC – A cultural ambassador and creative advocate, Mecca “Grimo” Marcelin will entertain and guide you through the event as you enjoy DJ Nickymix’s heart-pumping beats.
  • ALL DAY FREE BOOKS FOR KIDS – Courtesy of Miami Book Fair and The Children’s Trust’s Books for Free program.
  • 1 P.M. A PERFORMANCE FROM NSL DANCE ENSEMBLE – Featuring vibrant and authentic Haitian folk dances that will transport you to another time and place.
  • 3:30 P.M. LIVE MUSIC WITH PAPALOKO & LORAY MISTIK – This joyful, rhythm-driven celebration brings the festival to a powerful close. Led by Haitian artist and musician Papaloko, Loray Mistik blends traditional Haitian rhythms with Afro-Caribbean soul and spiritual energy. Their performances are known for their electrifying percussion, powerful vocals, and messages of unity, ancestry, and resistance.

 IN THE THEATER

  • 12 P.M. THE FUTURE OF LITTLE HAITI – Presented by The Children’s Trust and KLOTA, this timely panel explores the evolving identity and future of the Little Haiti neighborhood. Panelists will discuss current challenges and opportunities related to gentrification, education, youth empowerment, and community preservation. Learn how local organizations and residents are working to ensure Little Haiti’s cultural legacy remains strong for future generations.
  • 2 P.M. RETOUNEN LAKAY: PROTECTED STATUS, POLICY SHIFTS & DEPORTATION – Join immigration experts Ira Kurzban and Paul Christian Namphy for an urgent conversation on the realities of immigration policy, deportation trends, and the complexities surrounding Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This panel will unpack recent shifts in U.S. immigration law and their impact on the Haitian diaspora, offering both legal insights and community-based responses.

IN THE DANCE STUDIO

  • 11 A.M. MEDITATION & YOGA FOR ALL AGES – Mindful Art educator Alexandra Jeanty-Leclerc will share simple yet effective techniques to calm your mind, reduce stress, and increase focus. Suitable for all experience levels, this workshop offers a welcoming and inclusive space to explore the benefits of a mindful yoga practice.
  • 1 P.M. HAITIAN THEATER WORKSHOP – Step into the world of Haitian storytelling through theater! In this interactive workshop, acclaimed performers Elizabeth Guerin and Florence Jean-Louis Dupuy will guide participants in exploring traditional and contemporary performance styles. From character building to expressive movement, this session invites all ages to engage with Haiti’s rich theatrical heritage in a fun, hands-on environment.
  • 3:30 P.M. CONTEMPORARY HAITIAN DANCE WITH NANCY ST. LEGER – The founder of NSL Dance Ensemble will guide you through a series of movements and choreography designed to help you connect with the rhythm and spirit of Haiti, providing you with a deeper understanding of the art form.

IN THE CHILDREN’S ALLEY

  • ALL DAY CREATE! Kids Art-Making Studio with GO GO MOAD – Immerse your children in Haitian art and culture while fostering their creativity! This year’s activity invites participants to reflect on identity, belonging, and resilience through collaborative artwork. Led by artist Asser Saint-Val, children will express stories of home, culture, and memory. Plus, enjoy engaging historical puzzles from Game Time Ayiti, sparking fun and learning around Haiti’s vibrant past.
  • 11 A.M. STORYTELLING & BEIGNETS WITH LILIANE NERETTE LOUIS – Cultural ambassador Liliane Nérette Louis brings laughter and tradition to life with Haitian folktales – accompanied by a sweet treat! Gather around for a cozy, delicious session of tim-tim bwa sèch and beignets!
  • 12 P.M. STORYTELLING, RHYTHM & DRUMS WITH YANUI – Feel the pulse of Haiti through Yanui’s dynamic blend of stories and percussion. A favorite from Tradisyon Lakou Lakay, she invites kids to move, listen, and create rhythm together.
  • 1 P.M. ONCE UPON A TIME IN HAITI WITH LUCRÈCE LOUISDHON LOUINIS – Through interactive storytelling, Lucrèce Louisdhon Louinis invites children to explore Haitian heritage and imagination, bridging past and present through powerful, personal tales.
  • 2 P.M. A FISH CALLED TANGA WITH MARIE KETSIA THEODORE-PHAREL – Author Marie Ketsia Theodore-Pharel shares her beloved children’s book A Fish Called Tanga, a tale that captures the magic of storytelling, memory, and underwater adventure, rooted in Haitian culture.
  • 3 P.M. SPECIAL READING WITH COMMISSIONER MARLEINE BASTIEN – Join Miami Dade County Commissioner Marleine Bastien for a special storytime session. Her presence and selection reflect a deep love of community, family, and Haitian identity – perfect for the whole family.

IN THE GALLERY

2025 ONLINE PROGRAM – MAY 18

MiamiBookFairOnline.com + Streaming on Facebook through the pages of Miami Book Fair and Sosyete Koukouy of Miami, Inc.

11 A.M. PANEL – NARRATIVES OF RESISTANCE: UNBREAKABLE BONDS & REVOLUTIONARY LOVE, with Edwidge Danticat (We’re Alone), Myriam J.A. Chancy (Village Weavers), and Fabienne Josaphat (Kingdom of No Tomorrow). Moderated by Vania André, editor-in-chief and publisher of The Haitian Times.  In English.

1 P.M. PANEL – HAITIAN CURRENTS: CULTURE, IDENTITY & TURBULENCE, with Nadege Fleurimond (Haiti Uncovered) and Isabelle Camille (Sole’s Mom: A Transgender Journey of Love, Loss, and Letting Go).  Moderated by Ketsia Theodore-Pharel. In English.

3 P.M. PANEL – HAITIANS AN AYITI, HAITIANS ANDEYÒ: STORIES FROM HOME & ABROAD, with Lyonel Gerdes (Miami, Florida), Hervé Fanini-Lemoine (Forgotten Essentials), Daniel-Gérard Rouzier (Mémoires d’un Fou), and Bito David (My Haitian Neighbor: A Cultural Handshake). Moderated by Chokarella creator and host Carel Pedre. In English and Haitian Creole.

5 P.M. PANEL – THE FUTURE OF LITTLE HAITI – Presented by The Children’s Trust and KLOTA, this timely panel explores the evolving identity and future of the Little Haiti neighborhood. Panelists will discuss current challenges and opportunities related to gentrification, education, youth empowerment, and community preservation. Learn how local organizations and residents are working to ensure Little Haiti’s cultural legacy remains strong for future generations.

7 P.M. PANEL – RETOUNEN LAKAY: PROTECTED STATUS, POLICY SHIFTS & DEPORTATION – Join immigration experts Ira Kurzban and Paul Christian Namphy for an urgent conversation on the realities of immigration policy, deportation trends, and the complexities surrounding Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This panel will unpack recent shifts in U.S. immigration law and their impact on the Haitian diaspora, offering both legal insights and community-based responses.

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Little Haiti Book Festival, formerly known as the Haitian-Caribbean Book Festival, has been presented in part by Sosyete Koukouy of Miami Inc. for the past 11 years. The organization now partners with Miami Dade College’s Miami Book Fair, widely considered the best book festival in the country, to produce LHBF.

LHBF relies on the generous support of our Prestige Patrons: the Green Family Foundation, the Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center at FIU, Miami-Dade County, and Libreri Mapou bookstore.

We are also deeply grateful for the contributions of our Literary Luminaries: the City of Miami and Little Haiti Cultural Complex, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, the Board of County Commissioners, District 2 Commissioner Marleine Bastien, District 3 Commissioner Keon Hardemon, District 5 Commissioner Eileen Higgins, the Little Haiti Revitalization Trust, Miami-Dade County’s Goodwill Ambassadors, the Community Action and Human Services Department (CAHSD), City of Miami Chairwoman and District 5 Commissioner Christine King, and City of North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme.

Our Community Champions include: The Children’s Trust | Books for Free, The Children’s Trust | Book Club, Family Action Network Movement (FANM), SANT LA (Haitian Neighborhood Center), KLOTA, MOAD | Museum of Art and Design at MDC, Iris PhotoCollective, and Logan Masterworks.

We are proud to be supported by our Generous Guardians: Gousse Urology, Center for Haitian Studies, Columbus Clinical Services, LLC, Center for Self-Sufficiency, Alliance for Aging, You Are Not Alone, eXp Realty – Anglade Consulting, Midgard Group | Lakou, Little Haiti Village, Elio’s Kitchen, Chalè Lakay, and Ellaneese Love for Papa Michel Adolphe Gabriel Bienaime.

Our Media Partners help extend our reach and impact: L’Union Suite, Chokarella, Haitian Ladies Network, Pikliz.com, Imaginart, M.I.A. Media Group, Island TV, Ayiti TV, WLRN | Radyo Lekòl, WSRF, Radio Mega, Radio FANM, Radio Veye Yo, Haiti en Marche, Le Floridien, The Haitian Times, and BPX TV Reseau

Sosyete Koukouy of Miami — Established in 1985, Sosyete Koukouy of Miami, Inc. (pronounced Sos-ye-teh Koo-Kouy) is dedicated to preserving Haitian culture in the United States through education and arts and cultural presentations. Its mission is to preserve, perpetuate, and present Haitian cultural performances and exhibitions to Creole and non-Creole speaking audiences.

In support of that mission, Sosyete Koukouy presents and produces cultural programs that increase awareness of Haitian people, their language, rituals and traditions, and their deep roots in the African continent. It also produces programs that foster greater understanding between Haitian people and people of other diverse ethnicities, cultures, and heritage, and fosters respect for the arts and artists of Haiti, Africa, and the Caribbean by raising awareness of their historical and artistic contributions to the national and international cultural landscape. Contact: Jan Mapou, 305-757-9922.