Despite the many limitations and expectations placed on women by Haitian society, women writers are finding their voices and inspiring others. Four motivational writers will offer a brief discussion of their varying journeys toward first-book publication, including manuscript preparation and working with their mentors. Each author will share their experience about what it takes to stand out from the crowd, explore the creative and practical possibilities of self-help writing, and discuss how they’ve broken free of cultural limitations and the (un)conscious biases that sometimes keep women from the transgressive act of writing honestly about their lives.…

The Haitian proverb goes, Moun ki pa manje pou kò l pa janm grangou. This panel delves into the art of Haitian cuisine and folk medicine. A professional chef and a medical doctor explore the various ways that Haitians preserve the cooking traditions of the motherland and use medicinal food to heal both body and soul. With Frantz Delva, author of The Art of Healthy Eating: Let Food be Your Medicine and Nadège Fleurimond, author of Haiti Uncovered: A Regional Adventure into the Art of Haitian Cuisine. …

In Haiti, many believe that the dead sometimes rise. Others see zombies as a metaphor for Haiti’s disconcerting, stagnant realities: for the loss of control – or worse, the loss of faith and hope – experienced by those whose difficult lives keep them in a constant state of stupor. In this panel, three authors and scholars will take a scientific, economic, political and socio-religious approach in exploring and demystifying the concept of zombification as part of Haiti’s cultural and religious identity,…

Georges Corvington: Port-au-Prince, my Unique and Only love is a documentary about Haitian Historian Georges Corvington, best known for his seven-volume work on the history of Haiti’s capital city, Port-au-Prince, entitled Port-au-Prince Over the Years, which was published from 1970 to 1992. Corvington’s one passion: Port-au-Prince. He patiently tried to decode the city’s DNA and to recreate its urban genome. Buried under the rubble for hours after the January 12, 2010 earthquake, Georges Corvington came out alive,…

A unique form of folklore, primarily oral in tradition, proverbs are expressions of wisdom passed down from generation to generation to impart common sense and valuable life lessons. Present in nearly every part of the globe, they constitute a powerful tool for educating a community on how to avoid mistakes of the past. Mgr. Pierre Andre Pierre, Prof. Max Manigat, and Dr. Emeline Alexis-Schulz will discuss the importance of proverbial education in maintaining harmony in personal,…

In Haiti, a wide array of religious groups coexist in harmony. Amongst all these religions, Voudou carries the most notoriety, and has been instrumental in shaping Haitian culture. Voudou guided the Haitian people through 300 years of slavery, and played an important role in the revolution that followed the Bwa Kayiman ceremony. Today, Voudou  preserves the deep connection that exists between present-day Haiti and various African cultures. Dr. Jean Fils-Aimé, Prof. Jean-Claude Exulien, and Ms. Leonie Hermantin will discuss how Voudou shaped Haitian society,…

They come from every part of Haiti. Most of them leave rural areas in pursuit of a better life in the city. They are called many names: Restavèk, bòn (maid), domestik (domestic servant), gason lakou (janitor), but in most parts of the world, they would be considered child-slaves. Prof. Claudy Delne, Dr. Goldsmith Dorval, and Ms. Gepsie Metellus will discuss the plight of the many Haitian child-slaves living and working in substandard conditions, and the economic and societal factors that lead parents to give up the responsibility of raising their children,…

In Haiti, The women known as Madan Sara work tirelessly to buy, distribute, and sell food and other essentials in markets throughout the country. Despite the obstacles faced by the women working in a sector that lacks investment, infrastructure and state assistance, the Madan Sara continue to be one of the most critical parts of the Haitian economy, and of who we are as a country. The Madan Sara are on the forefront of the battle for a more robust and inclusive economy in Haiti. …

This presentation by Dr. Jerry M. Gilles aims to explain how Vodou songs and dances were used by Africans in the “West Indies” as a tool to educate their children about their homeland on the West Coast of Africa. The songs also documented their aspirations in the Americas, composed in the context of how they viewed the universe and their role in it. It will be vital to explain certain African traditional concepts before we can interpret key songs. This approach will allow us to appreciate numerous Haitian proverbs,…

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 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,…

“Artificial Intelligence in the Arts: Empowering Writers, Content Creators, and Businesses in the Digital Age” features an exceptional lineup of panelists: Dan Grech, founder and CEO of BizHack, who brings a wealth of knowledge in digital marketing; Carelia Alvarado from The Online Bridge, renowned for her insights into the intersection of technology and education; and Marci Calabretta Cancio-Bello from Miami Book Fair. Together, they’ll explore the revolutionary impact of AI across creative industries, focusing on its potential to enhance artistic expression and business strategies.…