ReadCaribbean

This panel will examine the status of Haitian Creole language and culture, exploring the issues of language, writing, and reading that have arisen over time. The panelists, including members of the Academy and other experts, will discuss the significance of Creole in Haitian society, the challenges in fully embracing it, and strategies for promoting its use and development. The panelists will discuss the historical and cultural factors that have influenced the use of Creole in Haiti and some of the challenges that Haitians face in learning and using the language.…

Come see legendary world music band Papaloko and move your body to its unique blend of traditional Haitian rhythms infused with Afro-Caribbean, African, and jazz sounds. The music, message, and passion of one of the most iconic Haitian bands of our time must be experienced – join us for an unforgettable afternoon of dancing and singing along with the soul-stirring music that’s beguiled audiences around the globe. Get ready to be transported to the vibrant streets of Haiti and celebrate the power of music to connect and inspire us all.…

In this workshop, filmmaker Yanatha Desouvre explores the fundamentals of film project management for beginners. He’ll share his insights and experiences as he covers script development, budgeting, fundraising, casting, production scheduling, and postproduction. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or hoping to hone your skills on set and behind the camera, this workshop will provide the tools you need to bring your cinematic vision to life. Join us for an informative and engaging discussion that will demystify the world of film project management and inspire you to create an on-screen masterpiece.…

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant and colorful culture of Haiti with master storyteller Yanui, who captivates audiences of all ages with traditional tales passed down generation to generation. But this is no ordinary storytelling event! Yanui incorporates music, dance, and performance elements to create a truly immersive experience that will transport you to Haiti. Through her stories, she highlights the resilience, strength, and beauty of the Haitian people, bringing their culture to life. Learn about Haiti’s rich history and traditions in a new way and join us for an unforgettable performance that combines storytelling with movement! …

Join us for an essential examination of environmental sustainability in Haiti, featuring a diverse group of panelists who are committed to creating a brighter future for Haiti and its peoples, including Philippe Mathieu, an agronomist and CEO of Agroconsult Haiti; Florentin Maurrasse, Ph.D., a geologist at Florida International University and a renowned expert in tektite layers; Georgette Bain-Clervois, an experienced engineer with a passion for sustainable development initiatives; and Jocelyn David, an engineer, geologist, and environmentalist. Through the collective lens of their unique perspectives and expertise,…

Get swept away by Haiti’s rhythms, movement, and colors, straight to the heart of its culture with the incredible NSL Dance Ensemble! Join us for a breathtaking performance featuring some of the most vibrant and authentic Haitian folk dances you’ve ever seen. With their energetic and authentic performances of Haitian folk dances, the NSL dancers are known for their vibrant costumes and ability to transport audiences to another time and place. From the rhythm and movement of traditional konpa to the lively beats of rara,…

Join us for an engaging storytelling event with bilingual writer Marie Ketsia Theodore Pharel, a skilled storyteller who enchants audiences with her pacing, rhythm, and vivid imagery. She will read Tanga, a legend in Creole about a magical fish, and Dumb Boy in Hot Water, a story in English about the Haitian occupation with a twist on dumpling soup – weaving together languages and cultures to create a dynamic and engaging performance. This is a unique opportunity for kids to explore the rich cultural heritage of Haiti and the art of storytelling itself.…

Join Sony Laventure, founder of KOTR Dance Studio, for an exhilarating Konpa dance workshop at the Little Haiti Book Festival. Designed for dancers of all skill levels, this workshop will introduce you to the rich history and rhythmic movements of Konpa, a captivating Haitian dance style. Learn the basics, explore the music, and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Konpa as you connect with others and celebrate Haitian culture. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the joy and energy of Konpa dancing with a dedicated and expert instructor.…

Have you ever wanted to explore Haitian theater’s rich cultural and linguistic traditions? This workshop is designed for beginners interested in learning more about the unique elements of the genre, including its language and influences. Led by experienced facilitator, writer, and performer Jackson Rateau, participants will delve into the basics of acting, storytelling, and performance to discover the history and cultural context of Haitian theater. Through interactive exercises and guided discussions, you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of Haitian theater and the skills you need to begin exploring this art form on your own.…

Join master storyteller Lucrèce Louisdhon-Louinis and travel through Haiti’s rich and colorful history, traditions, and folklore. These stories – accompanied by drumming, which enhances the emotional impact of the tales and compels audience members to lose themselves in the experience – foster an understanding of the unique blend of African and European influences that make up Haitian culture. This is an equally entertaining and educational event that provides  a glimpse into Haiti’s rich cultural heritage. LUCRÈCE LOUISDHON-LOUINIS is a professional storyteller,…

Join us for an exciting and immersive and unforgettable journey through Haitian modern dance! Led by Nancy St Léger, a talented and experienced instructor, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of Haiti through dance. During the workshop, you’ll learn various modern dance techniques inspired by traditional Haitian dance styles, and be guided through a series of movements and choreography designed to help you connect with the rhythm and spirit of Haiti. St Leger will also share insights into Haitian dance’s history and cultural significance,…

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion featuring Gepsie Morisset-Metellus, community activist and co-founder of the Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center; Edwidge Danticat, acclaimed Haitian American author; Paul Novack, former mayor of Surfside and an attorney who has worked extensively with refugees and the Family Action Network Movement; and Leonie Hermantin, director of communications and development at Sant La. Together, they will provide an insightful and comprehensive overview of the historical and current challenges faced by Haitian refugees in the U.S., focusing on the experiences of those who arrived in 1972 and their ongoing struggle for justice and equal rights.…

Join us for a hilarious comedy event featuring talented comedian and writer Aubry Blague, whose unique brand of observational humor and witty commentary on a wide range of topics will leave you laughing out loud and wanting more. Get your giggles and guffaws ready for one of the funniest comedians on the Haitian comedy scene! AUBRY BLAGUE has performed at various events and venues throughout Haiti, earning him a large following for his ability to connect with audiences of all ages.…

Author and storyteller Pascale Millien will read folktales in Haitian Creole from her book, Tim Tim Jaden Kreyasyon. The author aims to promote and preserve Haitian culture and heritage through her storytelling. Her expertise in Haitian folklore and theater, along with her extensive experience in community activism, has given her a unique perspective on the stories and their significance. Free copies of the book will be given to children in attendance while supplies last, courtesy of Books for Free,…

Join us for an art-filled day at the Children’s Alley art-making studio with GO GO MOAD and Haitian artist Asser Saint-Val. Don’t miss this chance to immerse your kids in Haitian art and culture while fostering their creativity. Saint-Val will guide participants as he shares Haitian art techniques and cultural heritage, and the event’s open format encourages children to experiment with various materials. The studio promises to be both an educational and exciting experience for visitors, providing a unique opportunity to explore Haitian art and culture in a fun and interactive way.…

Join Alexandra Jeanty-Leclerc, a Mindful Art educator and author of Mindful Pokie, for a transformative workshop on meditation and yoga for all ages. In this session, you’ll learn simple yet effective techniques to calm your mind, reduce stress, and increase focus. Discover how to cultivate mindfulness and awareness – on and off the mat – through gentle yoga postures and guided meditation. Suitable for all ages and levels of experience, this workshop offers a welcoming and inclusive space to explore the benefits of a mindful yoga practice.…

Get ready for a celebration of Haitian music with legendary DJ Nicky Mix! Join us for an unforgettable musical experience featuring konpa, roots, and rara music – played by one of the most famous Haitian DJs of the diaspora, who will transport you to the heart of Haitian culture through the power of music. You won’t want to miss it! DJ NICKY MIX has been a prominent figure in the Haitian music scene for many years, including as a host on Radio Carnivale – the first Haitian radio station in the United States – and HTN,…

Mecca will be your master of ceremonies at the Little Haiti Book Festival, guiding you through an unforgettable event as you enjoy the heart-pumping beats of DJ Nicky Mix, one of the most famous Haitian DJs of the diaspora.  Mecca “Grimo” Marcelin is a dedicated cultural ambassador and advocate for creative expression. Hailing from a family of musicians and poets, including his great uncle, Félix Morisseau-LeRoy—a renowned poet known for breaking language barriers with Haitian Creole—Mecca embraced music and spoken word/poetry from a young age.…

In Zain Khalid’s Brother Alive: A Novel, three boys intertwined by circumstance – Dayo, Iseul, and Youssef – are adopted as infants and share a bedroom atop a mosque in Staten Island, New York. Their adoptive father, Imam Salim, carries secrets, and when as adults they follow him on his return to Saudi Arabia, they must decide if they should change who they are to survive or defend their deeply held beliefs. And in Elizabeth Nunez’s Now Lila Knows,…

Scholars from Haiti address the responsibilities that befall college students in the reconfiguration of the present of a country whose past has been marked by violence and corruption. With Chancellor of the Université Quisqueya Jacky Lumarque, academic Hérold Toussaint, agronomist Philippe Mathieu, and obstetrician and gynecologist Jean-Baptiste L. Charlot, M.D. In Haitian Creole with English interpretation. Media Partners…

  It was with utter shock and sadness that Miami Book Fair learned of the horrendous and separate attacks against two of our panelists for this program: journalist Roberson Alphonse and entrepreneur and philanthropist Eric Jean-Baptiste. We are profoundly shaken by these incomprehensible acts, condemn the continued instability in Haiti, and call for immediate action to stop the senseless violence. On behalf of our staff, sponsors, and partners, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late Eric Jean-Baptiste,…

Meng Jin‘s Self-Portrait with Ghost: Short Stories features 10 thematically linked stories. Written during the turbulent years of the Trump administration and the first year of the pandemic, they explore intimacy and isolation, coming of age, and coming to terms with the repercussions of past mistakes, fraying relationships, and surprising moments of connection. In The Islands: Stories, Dionne Irving looks at the history and condition of Jamaican women in locations and times ranging from 1950s London and 1960s Panama to modern-day New Jersey.…

Graphic artists and writers from Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Haiti provide perspectives on how to better craft graphic novels and comic books that honor Caribbean sensibilities. With Jessica Oublié (Guadeloupe/Martinique), Ralph Penel Pierre (Haiti), and Chevelin Pierre (Haiti), moderated by author and ReadCaribbean coordinator M.J. Fievre. Special introduction by Anthoni Dominguez, director of Villa Albertine, Miami. In French with English subtitles. Media Partners…

Children’s writers from Jamaica get together to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the island’s independence, and explore the continuity and convergence of childhood and adulthood in Caribbean fiction. With Janet Morrison on A Different Me, A Better You, Jean Hawthorn-DaCosta on Leroy: Adventures of a Yaad Boy, and Juleus Ghunta on Rohan Bullkin and the Shadows. Moderating is author Opal Palmer Adisa, Portia Dreams. Media Partners…

Writers and illustrators from Cuba, Puerto-Rico, and Haiti put forth visions for a more expansive future in Caribbean literature for young readers. With Terry Catasús Jennings and Raúl Colón (Cuba) on The Little House of Hope, Lesléa Newman and Elizabeth Baez (Puerto Rico) on Alicia and The Hurricane: A Story of Puerto Rico/Alicia Y El Huracán: Un cuento de Puerto Rico, and M.J. Fievre (Haiti) on The Ocean Lives There.…

Writers with ties to Jamaica will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the island nation’s independence. Reading from their own work, Olive Senior, Hurricane Watch: New & Collected Poems, Dionne Irving, The Islands: Stories, and Jonathan Escoffery, If I Survive You: Stories, will ponder the past and present to speculate about the obstacles and opportunities that lie ahead. Moderating is Tanya Batson-Savage, Jamaican writer, filmmaker, and publisher. Media Partners…

Four Caribbean writers discuss the unreality of reality and the truth of the fantastic in their work. Jasmine Sealy (Barbados) on The Island of Forgetting, Opal Palmer Adisa (Jamaica) on The Storyteller’s Return: Story Poems, and Ayanna Lloyd Banwo (Trinidad) on When We Were Birds: A Novel. Moderating is Myriam J. A. Chancy (Haiti), author of What Storm, What Thunder. Media Partners…

Nick Douglas, author of Finding Octave: The Untold Story of Two Creole Families and Slavery in Louisiana, will be joined by Patricia J. Braynon, genealogist and Black Archives board chair, and Marvin Ellis, MBF African diaspora genealogy/family history program chair.                   Media Partners…