​Have you searched Amazon for books about Haiti or resources in Haitian Creole? There are some, but nothing compares to the collection that our friends over at EDUCAVision Inc. have! There are tons of amazing books and resources for everyone of all ages, interests, and styles of learning. EDUCAVision is offering 10% off anything on their website with code real-haiti.

Check out the variety of multicultural books and resources in English and Haitian Creole here!

​HAPPY HAITIAN FLAG DAY!

May is Haitian Heritage Month!  What better way to honor our heritage than by looking back to the father of modern Haiti—François-Dominique Toussaint Louverture, also known as Toussaint L'Ouverture or Toussaint Bréda.  As the leader of the only successful slave revolt in modern history, L’Ouverture helped form Haiti’s constitution and win its independence from France. L’Ouverture declared black, white, and mixed residents of Haiti to be socially equal and paved the way for the United States to orchestrate the Louisiana Purchase from France.

Here are five ways to celebrate L’Ouverture, one of Haiti’s most legendary residents, by exploring his mention and history through contemporary culture:

Haitian Heritage Celebration & Unveiling of the Haitian Cultural Collection! Lantana Road Branch
Sat, May 13, 2:00 pm
Beloved Haitian author Jessica Fièvre will discuss her experiences as a writer. Enjoy a festive afternoon with dance performances by Dayana Dolne and more. Event offered in English and Creole. (90 min.) Preregister.

Haitian Heritage Month Film Lantana Road Branch
Thu, May 18, 2:00 pm
"Deported." ©Third World Newsreel. (72 min.) Follow the plight of Haitian criminal deportees from North America. Shown with permission. Not rated. Preregister.

Haitian Heritage Month Film Lantana Road Branch
Thu, May 18, 6:00 pm
"Deported." ©Third World Newsreel. (72 min.) Follow the plight of Haitian criminal deportees from North America. Shown with permission. Not rated. Preregister.

Celebrate Haitian Heritage Book Festival Main Library
Sat, May 20, 2:00 pm
Meet the winners of the School District of PBC Haitian Heritage Month essay contest. Join host, Bito David for a celebration of Haitian authors and literature. Featured authors include: Regine Coicou Stewart, Diane Allerdyce, Dovilas Anderson, Margaret Papillon, and others. Program offered in English and Creole. (2 hr.) Preregister.

Haitian Canvas Painting Lantana Road Branch
Thu, May 25, 5:00 pm
Paint a scene reminiscent of the beauty of Hispaniola to celebrate the rich culture of Haiti. Limit 24. (2 hr.) Preregister.

Coloring Club: Haitian Heritage Month Edition Lantana Road Branch
Fri, May 26, 2:00 pm
Coloring is not just for children! This fun activity fosters creativity and has stress-relieving benefits. (90 min.) Preregister.

Haitian, Am I: An Exhibition of Arts Lantana Road Branch
Sat, May 27, 12:00 pm
Exhibit Treal celebrates Haitian Heritage with the arts of the newest generation of Haitian artists. (4 hr.) Preregister.

Haitian Heritage Month: Book Discussion Lantana Road Branch
Tue, May 30, 2:00 pm
"The Farming of Bones," by Edwidge Danticat. Copies are available at the research services desk. (60 min.) Preregister.

Children's Classes & Events
Haitian Heritage Month: Interactive StorytellingBelle Glade Branch
Wed, May 17, 10:30 am
The Louines Louinis Haitian Dance Theater, Inc. presents "Dance-A-Story," a performance of traditional Haitian tales with audience participation, drums, dance and rhymes. All ages. (45 min.) Preregister.

Tales & Riddles From HaitiBelle Glade Branch
Sat, May 20, 1:30 pm
Telling stories around the fire is an important part of Haitian culture. Join us for a series of oral Haitian wisdom, proverbs, jokes, riddles and stories. All ages. (45 min.) Preregister.

Haitian Craft! Lantana Road Branch
Sat, May 20, 3:30 pm
Create a colorful Haitian Drapo sequin flag. Ages 5 & up. (60 min.) Preregister.

Teen Classes & Events
Haitian Heritage Month: Teen Book Discussion Belle Glade Branch
Tue, May 16, 10:30 am
“Untwine,” by Edwidge Danticat. Guest speaker: Lana St. Hilaire from the School District of PBC Multicultural Department. Copies are available at the children's desk. Grades 6 & up. (60 min.) Preregister.

​Haitian Heritage Month: Teen Book Discussion Belle Glade Branch
Tue, May 16, 4:00 pm
“Untwine,” by Edwidge Danticat. Guest speaker: Lana St. Hilaire from the School District of PBC Multicultural Department. Copies are available at the children's desk. Grades 6 & up. (60 min.) Preregister.

​Library website for more info and pre-registration.

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

Thank you so much for donating to the Art Creation Foundation for Children fundraiser that we hosted on May 4. The event was a blast and we raised $994 thanks to you. We have sent off the money to ACFFC! If you have a moment, please check their website if you haven't already: http://www.acffcjacmelhaiti.com.

MESI ANPIL!!!

I've been wanting to write that and say that for a while now! whewwwww….

In all seriousness, I did quit my day job which was a very comfortable and stable government job. I was 5 months away from being vested in a pension after working for "the system" for 5.5 years. Some told me to just "hang in there" so that I could be vested and collect at least something when I retire eventually. Well, here's why I decided to leave a "perfect situation" and follow my dreams…

We've all heard it so many times - "You can be anything you want to be if you believe in yourself." "Follow your dreams and your heart." Well, it's not always that easy. If we all followed our dreams on being just dreamers and not planners, we would all (or most) wouldn't make it.

A dear friend of mine, whom I met through my blog, Shannon Kelley Cherizier, gave me great advice when I was ready to quit (the first time) my day job a year ago. She told me to hang in there and to read:
Quitter: Closing the Gap Between Your Day Job & Your Dream Job Hardcover
by Jon Acuff.
So, I did and I followed his motto: suck it up as long as you can while working your day job and building your dream at night after work and on the weekends. I am so glad I did this because it has finally paid off. 

Although this post isn't about Haiti specifically, I just want you to know that you CAN follow your dreams and your heart, but it will take a lot of blood, sweat and tears in planning/setting yourself up for it. If I can be of any assistance to any of you, please hit the contact button at the top of my page and send me an email! I love to interact with my readers and give positive motivation!

I will dedicate more time to this blog while working for my other non-Haiti related clients for my marketing firm EMPOWER YOUR BRAND. Check it out when you have a chance :) 

Thanks for reading,
XOXO

It was a pleasure for us to meet all of the people who stopped by our tent at Taste of Haiti! Endy and I are grateful for your support! 

We were selling jewelry at the event this year, but we are most grateful for the interaction with you all! The Real Haiti is about empowering each other, not competing or getting rich. Knowing that we are responsible for reigniting your fire for your love for Haiti is the most rewarding part.

Thank you everyone for your support and love. We continue this empire to keep inspiring you! …and our hopes and dreams for Haiti! 

Mesi anpil! 
With love,
Diana & Endy

We shared a table with Ginen Creations by Sophie pictured below. Special thanks to our sister in law Martine for her help! 

During Palm Beach County's Haitian Heritage Month Celebration kick-off event, I had the pleasure of meeting Jhonny Pierre. He told me a story of his aspirations and dreams of re-entering medical school to become a doctor. Check out his bio and his book. He deserves the support!_

LINK TO PURCHASE BOOK

My name is Jhonny B. Pierre, a Haitian-American citizen living in south Florida.  I was born in Haiti and moved to the US in 1994.  I am a reserved, a respectful, a funny young man, and sometimes a comedian.  I love to help others; I love life, my Creator, family values, and love to write especially poetry.  I finished high school, attended Palm Beach States College, Florida Atlantic University, then Windsor University School of Medicine.  I completed my first two years there, and recently I had to let go because of financial difficulties.  As I already completed the hardest part of my medical studies, I refuse to give up and I am trying whatever it takes to find my way back to complete what I had started.

I decided to convert my words or my vision of the world to poetry, and published them hoping that I will gain support to continue pursuing my dream.  The book is called “Love and/in Poetry” which is based on love of relationship, family values, and love in general. 

Please support my work which will also mean supporting my dream as the main goal to finish my education.  I am absolutely confident that you will love the book as it can be used for many situations and occasions.  Thank you in advance for your support and may the Lord blesses you.

The book may be found on:

Authorhouse.com (the best site to get it)
Amazon.com
Abebooks.com
Barnesandnoble.com and so on…

Please like me on facebook at:  Jhonny B Pierre

And follow me on twitter and instagram at:  loveandinpoetry

I may be contacted as well at: johnbpierre@yahoo.com

And by phone at: (561) 306-9584 (as the best option)