“The Comfort of Receiving Goodies from a Haitian Mother” by Shaina Louis, Manman Kiskeya

Shaina is an intelligent young woman who has a natural entrepreneurial spirit. Shaina reached out to me on Instagram inquiring about some of our digital products. Since then, we've kept in touch on socials and I just had to share one of her projects here with you!

If you're like Shaina, the comfort of Manman is everything, especially when it comes to Haitian food. When she was away at college, she was feeling home sick and came up with the idea to create these boxes full of Haitian goodies and products that bring back a sense of nostalgia. You can read her full story and see what else she has for sale on her site.

Our box by Manman Kiskeya included:

• Dous Makos - from my husbands birthplace Peiti Goave, Haiti
• Tablet pistache 
• Tablet kokoye 
• Crackers
• Couronne 
• Nutrament
• Toro energy drink
• Pilon
• Custom bonnet cap
• Handmade Haitian greeting card

Thank you Shaina for the box that you sent to us! My husband and I had a great time hanging out eating the Haitian snacks while I listened to childhood stories he told. ​

Get your family together and watch SeJoe's live stand-up special, Nou Chaje ak Pwoblèm, on Amazon Prime.
SeJoe is a hilarious Haitian-American comedian who lives in New York. "Nou Chaje ak Pwoblèm" (We Got A Lot of Problems) is a one-hour stand-up comedy performance, written and produced by Sejoe. It is rooted in Haitian folklore traditions that emphasize the politics of both Haiti and America, the importance of language and the contradictions of religion. 

​Free for Amazon Prime members! Congrats to Sejoe on this huge accomplishment! 

When I met my husband Endy (then-boyfriend), he would tell me all about Haiti. He would tell me stories about growing up with his siblings, his best friends. He would tell me about the journeys they had to get to school, the funny stories of dressing up in their parents clothes and the soccer games they played on the roof of their house. He would tell me how beautiful "The Real Haiti" was. I mostly just listened, and quietly doubted that a place I always heard was a "third world country," could be beautiful. 

What? You're going to Haiti on vacation!? 
​It took years of convincing to plan a trip to Haiti...7 years actually! Endy planned everything for our 10 day adventure. Although I was excited, my worried mind kept playing questions over in my head like, "what if we can't find water to drink?" and "what if we get TB or yellow fever?" As I type these ridiculous things (that I never actually said out loud), I can't even believe I thought such judgmental things about a place I'd end up falling in love with! 

As an innocent Italian-American, red-headed, 28-year-old, I really had no clue what Haiti was really like. I had no clue that visiting Haiti would change my life. As our vacation plans neared, I secretly wanted to back out or hoped for some reason we weren't going to end up going (sad, but true). 

The time came and we flew from Florida to Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. My life was forever changed and my eyes and heart were opened like they had never been before. For more of an in depth look about what I saw and experienced, read my blog about things I noticed while in Haiti. Before my first trip, my husband encouraged me to start a blog about Haiti to share what we saw. I wasn't fully on board with the idea, but I did. When I was there and then returned home is when I started blogging about all-things-Haitian and really fell in love with the idea of blogging. I embraced the culture and through my experiences, I had to share all of the amazing things that were so new to me.

What's new with The Real Haiti
After developing a variety of digital resources about Haiti that focus on cultural education and celebration, we evolved into a membership style resource center called The Real Haiti Academy. You can now enjoy the option of a "pay what you can" model starting at $0. You have the option to pay $0, $15, $25, $50 or $99. No matter how much you pay, you will be getting the same access to the membership with all of the digital resources.

As a member of TRHA, you’ll connect with a community of Haiti lovers who are passionate about keeping the Haitian culture alive. Be proud of your (or your family's) heritage. Encourage multicultural diversity as you're raising your children at home and in your community.

Find out exactly what's included in The Real Haiti Academy.

In this time of uncertainty, one thing I am certain about is that I am not in control of anything. God is in control. I have been given a God-given talent and passion to develop this website and these resources. This is how I am sharing with my digital community who has supported The Real Haiti in one way or another.

The stigma of "mental health issues" continues to be a fight in the United States. So many are doing a great job in raising awareness by speaking out about their challenges when it comes to a variety of mental health topics like postpartum depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, etc. 

What about people in Haiti or of Haitian decent who suffer from mental health issues?
When it comes to speaking up about mental health concerns in the Haitian culture, it's often shut down, laughed at or simply made an excuse for certain "behaviors." Thankfully with education and understanding, now more than ever, people of Haitian decent are recognizing the importance of mental health.

Marie Valsaint is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Alliant University (San Diego). She's conducting a study and is looking for a participant for research regarding early childhood separation. Please see the flyer below and contact her for more info or to participate! Thanks so much, Marie, for your work on mental health in the Haitian community. 

Marie also runs an Instagram page @haitiansthrive. 

May is here and it is Haitian Heritage Month! Here is a list of Haitian Heritage Month events in South Florida: 

Palm Beach County Haitian Heritage Month events - 

• http://events.pbclibrary.org/events-and-classes/haitian-heritage-month
• https://allevents.in/mobile/amp-event.php?event_id=200017112812109

If you don't live in South Florida or your area doesn't have any organized events, we have tons of resources on this website about Haiti and the Haitian culture like tourism, culture, food and so much more. We also have an eWorkbook, free printable worksheets and memberships full of great Haitian culture info! 

Happy Haitian Heritage Month! 

If someone says to you, "you don't look Haitian," here are some responses I came up with to answer back:

• What is a Haitian supposed to look like? 
• What does that mean?
• Have you ever been to Haiti?
• That's not a compliment
• I am proud to be Haitian!
• Let me educate you on the diversity of Haiti's people

Again, it's really not their fault for thinking a certain way. The media teaches us only about things in Haiti that scream drama, disaster, corruption or poverty. As our son grows up, I am finding different ways to be creative in teaching him. These crayons are one way we can draw ourselves in different shades. I also have created activity worksheets to do with him that expose him to Creole and the Haitian culture. I plan on making lots more, so stay tuned! If you'd like to purchase a shirt below (What Do You Mean I Don't Look Haitian tshirt), click the button below!

​How do you respond when people say "but you don't look Haitian!" 

___________________________________________________________________
The Embassy of Haiti in Washington DC Responds to the
Haitian Migration Issue
In light of the recent decision taken by the United States Government to deport Haitian
nationals apprehended at U.S. ports of entry who are deemed to have unlawfully entered U.S.
soil, an increasing number of Haitians have been placed in detention centers and are facing
immediate removal.
Given the circumstances, we understand that the families of detainees will be seeking
information about the status of their relatives. The Consular Section at the Embassy of Haiti has
activated a hotline to provide updates on the status of detainees as we are in communication with
U.S. authorities. We encourage family members who are seeking information on their detained
relatives to contact the Embassy’s hotline.
Hotline Number:
(202) 549-8712
An email can also be sent to amb.washington@diplomatie.ht
Subject Line: Detainee Assistance
_______________________________________________________________________
L’Ambassade d’Haïti à Washington DC Répond au
Problème de la Migration Haïtienne
Suite à la décision du Gouvernement des Etats-Unis de refouler les ressortissants Haïtiens
appréhendés aux ports d’entrée des EUA qui sont considérés avoir foulé le sol américain
illégalement, un nombre de plus en plus croissant d’Haïtiens sont placés dans des centres de
détention et sont en passe d’être déportés immédiatement.
L’Ambassade d’Haiti à Washington est en communication avec le gouvernement
américain sur le statut des détenus. La Section Consulaire de l’Ambassade d’Haïti a activé une
ligne téléphonique spéciale afin de fournir des informations. Les membres des familles de ces
détenus à la recherche d’informations peuvent utiliser la ligne spéciale suivante:
Numéro Spécial:
(202) 549-8712
Un courriel peut aussi être envoyé à: amb.washington@diplomatie.ht
Sujet: Detainee Assistance

Join us for the 3rd Annual cultural and food event Taste of Haiti showcasing everything Haitian in the heart of North Miami! An entire afternoon filled with family friendly activities! Come enjoy great food, music, arts and crafts! 

Taste of Haiti website

Rewind to 2004 when I started dating Endy (who is now my husband). He brought 2 friends with him the first time to meet my parents because he was nervous. While my mom cooked an Italian feast, my dad played cards with the guys. It all went very well and my parents were very supportive of our relationship, thank god. This wasn't a bad first-encounter, but shortly after that we experienced something that would forever make us stronger.

The rest of my extended family weren't so welcoming of Endy. They told me to "be careful" and that "you will have social problems in an interracial relationship." It was a big deal that scarred me for years. Endy just reminded me of their ignorance and to only worry about what we felt and what my parents thought. (Thank you Endy for not running away as fast as you could, lol).

In 2009 (pre-Haiti earthquake), Endy and I were eating a feast at my parents house (a common thing!) and my dad started telling us about a friend who had a blog about rating/reviewing different golf courses around the world. We got to talking and Endy mentioned Haiti and how he wanted to tell people about the other side that he (heard) about and experienced some of as a kid growing up there. He said, "I just want people to know about The Real Haiti." This is how the blog was born.

We took our first major trip to Haiti as tourists in 2010. We visited 4 hotels on that trip and reviewed them and our experiences on the blog. 

Kibo blan an ye?
Fast forward to today, my dad took his first trip to Haiti with Endy for vacation and had a blast. All of the pictures below were taken by my dad. Here are some of his experiences…and I quote him…

While he experienced Haiti outside of a hotel at a family members house, he got to take Haitian showers, eat home cooked meals everyday and also see parts of Port-au-Prince as they ran daily errands. He and Endy walked up and down mountains where he saw a rock mine and people washing their clothes in the river. 

He expected a lot of the scenes of PAP to look the way they did (thanks to cable news), but couldn't believe the other side of Haiti that is not shown in the media. Most shocking thing he experienced: Caribbean Supermarket in Petionville. He mentioned the workers uniforms nicely pressed and buttoned up with smiles on their faces. He was also shocked at the school kids walking to school looking fresh with pressed uniforms. These are just some of the things he shared with me over a few hours of chatting. He even said, "next time I go to Haiti…"…

Lakay se lakay!

Haitian American Author Nadege Fleurimond created HAITI UNCOVERED, a full color coffee table culinary book with photos, recipes, history and culture to be used as a reference for Haitians and Non-Haitians. Check out this Q&A with her and The Real Haiti! 

- Did you grow up in Haiti? Where are you from?
I was born in Haiti, but left at the age of 7. I was born in the capital city of Port-au-Prince, but my family is from the South Department in a city called Les Cayes. That is usually the city that I represent when anyone ask me where I am from. But from 7, Brooklyn has been home. The only time I moved out was when I attended college across the bridge in Manhattan at Columbia University.

- Who were the biggest influencers in your life, especially related to cooking?
Funny enough, my father. He is an amazing cook. As much as he is against this culinary career that I have chosen, he really is my big inspiration. I saw what he was able to do with food, and I was inspired at a very young age.
 
- What was your "ah-ha" moment that made you trade the courtroom for your passion, the culinary industry?
I grew up first wanting to be a doctor. That was mainly because, as Haitian person that's your first calling. So when I attended Brooklyn Tech, I was on this Bio-Chem track full of math and sciences, then I realized I hated it.
 
Upon attending college, all my friends would praise my analytical skills and ability to keep calm and collected in situations. They loved how fair I was in most situations, and we all agreed I should be a lawyer. And it made sense to me, because I am thinker.
 
I don't think I ever gave up my law dreams. I am not one of those people who believe that we all only have one calling. I still have aspirations to go to law school. I may never practice, but I honestly think my mind was made to function as a lawyer.
 
The kitchen chose me. It initially started off as, let me give this a try. To oh, lets see where this will go. 12 years later, I still don't think I have chosen this as my sole path. But I have enjoyed this journey thoroughly and I will continue to do it to the extent that enjoyment and fulfillment is there.

- How would you describe your cooking style?
Diverse. I love real food. I love food that touches your marrow. It has to taste good. Often time people make pretty food that doesn't taste that amazing. I believe you need both. I love amazing, real food, that taste awesome. I love cooking in ways that reminds you of your grandmother, mother, or amazing master uncle cook.
 
- When traveling in Haiti while doing research for your book, what was the one place that you visited that inspired you the most? Or had the most impact?
I think food wise it has to be Jeremie. Jeremie is in the Grand-Anse region of Haiti. The Grand-Anse is the southern Western tip of Haiti. It is very isolated from the rest of Haiti as the road to get there are not the very best. They are just plain bad. So just the travelling was inspiring, but the food culture there is very distinct.  They have items that are very unique to their region such as tom tom, which is a dish made out of mashed bread fruit with a tasty slippery okra sauce. Pisket is another loved dish from the region, which is a dish made of tiny fish, sautéed in oil, tomato paste and seasoning.

- Tell us your favorite part of the real Haiti and why we need to keep spreading awareness of this beautiful land.
The people. While the food is amazing and down right knee buckling good and the beaches and various scenes are a sight to behold, the people of Haiti are the real charm of the country. The humor and candor of a Haitian person is one of the most amazing experiences one can encounter. 

The book is currently available via our website at http://www.nadegefleurimond.com and also on Amazon.com