2007 HAITIAN CULTURAL EVENT

Photos by Francois Adrien

Photos by Rachel Moscoso Denis

Photos By Manny Ardouin

An evening filled with all of the elements the caribbean is known for and ...more

then some. Live music (Reggae by Code Red Band, Latin by Los Herederos, Creole by Erol Josue & Mecca Grimmo). Enjoy the display

Photos by : Rachel Moscoso Denis

Photos by Rachel Moscoso Denis

JüneFest is the ultimate destination for people that celebrate Car ...more

ibbean cultures while living today’s urban lifestyle.

Founded in 2006 by two sons of the Caribbean Diaspora, Alain Leroy and Eddy Joseph, this annual festival pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean during Caribbean American Heritage Month & Juneteenth.

JüneFest | 07 is produced by Carubbean Life in association with Caribbean Heart Menders Association.

Photos by Marjorie Duval for Pikliz.com

4th Annual HAMFA, Fos Baron pre-labor day festival that took place on Sunday, September 2nd at Eisenhower park, East Meadow, Long Island, NY.

Photos by F. Adrien, Manny Ardouin, Rachel Moscoso Denis

Artist of the Year : Sophia Lacroix
The event was sponsored by: Veuve Cliquot Champagne & Cola Couronne.

...more

Discovering the taste of Haiti.

What is about Haitian food that makes it so universally appealing that we are celebrating, this year, the taste of Haiti?

Haitian cuisine is a wonderful mix of West African and French culinary traditions. It's Caribbean food with haiti's magical touch. A well balanced combinationof hot and spicy flavors, the aroma of fragrant herbs and oils. It is a repository of Haiti's history of adaptatation as it combines old world recipes, to new world food and spices.Haitian cuisine includes national staples such as roast goat (Kabrit), fried pork (griot), jerked beef (tassot), Chicken Creole, diri Djondjon (rice with wild mushrooms) as well as regional delicacies. It is the bastion of traditionalist who seek to preserve it as a national treasure and the new frontier of young culinary experts poised to create modern delicacies rooted our rich traditions.

As you participate in the 7th annual celebration of the Haitian cultural Heritage Month, you will sample a" Taste of Haiti" and you will join the ever growing numbers of patrons, enjoying Haitian fares at the numerous Haitian restaurants located throughout Miami-Dade County. Get your taste buds ready....

But one word of caution, Pikliz is not Haitian sauerkraut...Bon Appetit!

Emeline Alexis

Photos by Rachel Moscoso Denis

7th Annual
HAITIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE MONTH

...more

Discovering The Taste of Haiti
Celebrons Le Gout D'Haiti

May 1st to May 31st, 2007

For Event information call (305) 412-9618
or log onto www.haitianheritagemonth.org


HAITIAN AMERICAN CULTURAL SOCIETY

The Haitian American cultural society is a non profit organization based in Miami-Dade County Florida whose mission is to research and disseminate all elements of the Haitian culture in order to bridge the gap between generations of Haitian Americans in the diaspora.The society is comprised of Haitian Americans and its objective ias to open an unprecedent window in south Florida onto the rich and diverse aspects of Haitian culture in a coutywide celebration of the fine and performing arts, literature,folk arts and cuisine of Haiti. This year we are celebrating the taste of Haiti.

HONORING THE PEOPLE OF 2007

SOPHIA LACROIX
DR MONA CASSION MENAGER
ANDRE FOUAD
CHEF IVAN
CHEF FIFI
GINA & GINETTE EUGENE

Think of the worst food you've tasted...the kind with all the taste and nutrition leached out of them.
No spice or texture, no freshness or goodness. Now think of the opposite and you have heavenly Haitian food. Fresh, spicy, sweet, with a variety of textures and temperatures (crispy and soft, hot and cold),Haitian food is a taste explosion in every bite. Once you've tried it, you will never go back to plain old cooking again. Try it today!!!

Let's Discover The Richness of Haitian Culture and Traditions in a Month Long Festivities throught Miami Dade County.
Sponsors:
The City of Miami Dade County Florida
Galata
Alliance Francaise
WAVS 1170 AM
Kola Couronne
Le P'tit Resto
Miami Dade County Florida
Cultural Affairs Miami Dade County
Le Coin de Carl Parlant de tout et de rien
MR. COPY PRINTING ,Inc
Galerie D'Art Nader
Haiti En Marche
WSRF 1580 AM Planet Radio
Educa Vision Inc
Haitian American Cultural Society
Nuvo Kafe World Cuisine
The Children's Trust
Pikliz Productions
WLQY 1320 AM
Librairi Mapou
Moet Hennessy USA
Radio Mega
Island TV
Sakapfet.com
HON. Yolly Roberson
Congressman Kendrik B. Meek
CSGA
City of North Miami
RD Event Consultant & Planning CORP./Rachel Moscoso Denis

Photo Courtesy Sakapfet.com, Pictures by Ricardo St. Cyr (Part 1)

Photos by Rachel Moscoso Denis

MISSION AND PURPOSE
The Haitian American Historical Society (HA ...more

HS) is a 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization with the support of numerous public officials at the local, state and federal level. HAHS is dedicated to fully investigate any past instances where Haitian contributions have been identified. The organization seeks to establish truth and accuracy in historical events pertaining to Haitians and those of Haitian descent. This bold and ambitious goal will allow current and future generations to understand and appreciate the role and contributions of Haitians to American Society and other parts of the world. This is especially important for the next generation who are on the verge of losing their identities and connection to Haiti. It is our hope HAHS will promote understanding and positive cooperation between Haitians, Haitian-Americans and others of African descent toward a better appreciation of our common heritage.

HAITIAN MONUMENT OUTLINE

Theme: This monument will represent the Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint-Domingue, a regiment of soldiers who formed one-tenth of the allied army before Savannah in the fall of 1779. This unit was comprised of over 700 free men of color from the Island of Haiti and was the largest unit of men of African descent to fight in the American Revolution.

The central image of this monument will be the depiction of six soldiers, including a drummer boy of the Revolutionary War in Regimental uniform in a resolute and determined pose. The soldiers will be obviously of African descent. These soldiers will be realistically portrayed and historically correct in detail. The monument's figures will be greater than life size and elevated to a height consistent with the tree canopy. Through words and symbols these figures will be associated with the modern nation of Haiti. The figures under arms represent the ten companies of Haitian soldiers of the line who fought in the six-week-long Siege of Savannah; the drummer boy represents Henri Christophe who, as a teenager, participated in this event. He, like many of his comrades, later became a leader in the struggle for Haitian independence from French colonial rule. Young Christophe in fact was to become commander of the Haitian army and later King of Haiti; he was to be the second head of state in the Western Hemisphere to be of African heritage. Facets on the monument base will present other aspects of Haitian involvement in the American War for Independence and present the related aspects of the Haitian War for Independence and Haitian support for South American colonies in their efforts to gain independence from European rule.

a. How does the theme relate to Savannah Chatham County?

This theme is directly related to the most significant military engagement to occur in Chatham County, one that occurred during a point in the Revolutionary War when the fate of the United States was very uncertain.

b. What is the level of significance of the theme or subject matter?

This theme is of local, state, national, and international significance. It depicts the largest military engagement of the Revolution in Georgia, let alone Savannah. It is of national significance in that it depicts the largest unit of African descent to fight in the Revolution and draws attention to the existence of others. It is of primary international significance in that it refers to an event in Savannah that included many of the leaders of the Haitian War for Independence. These men received military experience and were exposed to the ideals of independence and self-government in Savannah. It also draws attention to the role of France, Spain, Holland, and individual foreign volunteers who assisted in the American Revolution.

c. What is the merit of the theme to warrant a public presence?

This theme deals with the origins of the United States and the complex and often misunderstood factors that secured our independence. It recognizes the contributions of soldiers of African descent in our war for independence. It recognizes the power of the ideals of liberty and self-government that spread from the United States to other nations after our Revolution. It recognizes the power of the individual in the rise of Henri Christophe from slave, servant, and drummer boy to commander of armies and king of his nation through the force of his character and natural ability.

d. Has the subject been portrayed in any other manner in a public space locally?

This specific theme has not been dealt with locally or anywhere else in the United States. There are other monuments in Savannah recognizing other aspects of the Revolutionary War.

e. Does the subject matter fit into any established thematic group (such as the military theme of the Bull Street monuments)?

This theme falls within two categories: military history and African-American history.

f. Does the theme reflect a larger connection to the community as a whole or only to a distinct segment of the community?

This theme directly relates to Haitian and African-American history but in context with an event in which all elements of 18th century America and Europe participated together. Pulaski and Jasper are commemorated for their exploits and sacrifice but they also represent the struggle for independence, as does this monument.

PART I: THEMATIC REVIEW

A. AREA OF SIGNIFICANCE:
Military, politics/government, power of the individual

B. STATEMENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE:

1. Military

The Siege of Savannah on October 9th, 1779 presents the Revolutionary War as a world conflict more than does any other engagement of the Revolution. The memory of this battle also reminds us of the fact that significant foreign resources of men, money, and material contributed to the eventual success of the cause of American independence. French, Polish, Native Americans, African slaves, free men of African descent, Germans, Hessians, Austrians, Scots, Welsh, Irish, English, Swedish, and American and West Indian colonials also participated as individuals or whole units in this most culturally diverse battle of the war. For six weeks this diverse force was assembled in three armies to contend for the possession of Savannah. This battle resulted in the largest number of casualties the allies suffered in a single engagement.

The presence of the Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint-Domingue as the largest unit of soldiers of African descent to fight in this war is worthy of commemoration. The fact that their number was made up of free men who volunteered for this expedition is startling to most people and surprising to many historians. Their presence reminds us that men of African heritage were to be found on most battlefields of the Revolution in large numbers. As a new and relatively inexperienced unit, the Chasseurs participated in the siege warfare including the battle of September 24th and the siege of October 9th. Twenty-five of their number has their names recorded as wounded or killed during the campaign. Over 60 were captured in the fall of Charleston eight months later. The British Navy captured three transports carrying Chasseurs; these soldiers were made prizes of war and sold into slavery. Other members of this unit were kept on duty away from their homes for many months as part of French garrison forces. A subsequent unit of Haitians was a part of the French and Spanish campaign against Pensacola where they faced some of the same regiments of British troops that their comrades faced in Savannah.

The efforts of Haiti to secure its independence from colonial rule beginning in 1791 are remarkable for the fact that what began as a slave revolt was to ultimately succeed in prevailing over the resources of the French Empire and to form a government of Western Hemisphere Africans. Haiti, much smaller in population than the United States, was attacked by armies as large as those sent against America by Britain. The Haitian victory over the legions of Napoleon was achieved with much less foreign assistance than the United States enjoyed.

Many key figures in the Haitian War of Independence gained military experience and political insights through their participation in Savannah -- most notably Henri Christophe, a youth at the time but in his adult years a general of Haitian armies and king of his nation for fourteen years. There is little appreciation in the United States for the events that led to the formation of the Haitian nation. Influenced by both the events of the American Revolution and the rhetoric of the French Revolution, the people of Haiti began a struggle for self-government and liberty. The first nation in the Western Hemisphere to form a government led by people of African descent, it was also the first nation to renounce slavery.

2. Politics/Government

The concepts of self-government and independence from European colonial rule were obvious elements in the Siege of Savannah. To see these concepts tested on the battlefield was to be an experience that would be carried far afield from this and other Revolutionary War battlefields.

3. Other; The power of the individual

The figure of Henri Christophe as a young drummer participating in the campaign to take Savannah is an important figure in Haitian history. His rise from slave to king demonstrates an incredibly rare occurrence in human history. To rise to national leadership from the lower landowning and educated class like a Jackson, or a Washington, or a Lincoln is a celebrated event. To rise from lifelong, multigenerational bondage and to assume the role of soldier, officer, general, and then national leader and political architect is truly an almost unique human achievement. Henri Christophe accomplished this in the violent and turbulent times of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century.

C. FORMAT:

This organization proposes a sculpture of a group of figures on a significant base. Those to the rear are adult armed soldiers of the line; the figure in front will represent the teenager Henri Christophe in the role of military drummer. These figures are to be greater than life size and elevated consistent with the surroundings. A scale similar to the Oglethorpe monument is envisioned. The figures will represent Revolutionary War soldiers in a realistic and historically accurate manner. Their pose will suggest resolution and determination. Their gaze will be drawn to their front at the events of the battle they participated in. They will, in a manner suggested by the artist, be obviously portrayed as men of African descent. The base or pedestal for this monument will have on its facets additional representations of related Haitian history (see significance) executed in a manner compatible with the design of the figures, the design and execution to be the suggestion of the sculptor. It is the intention of the organization to commission the noted sculptor James Mastin to perform this work.

D. LOCATION:

After consultation with the City Council, City Manager's office, the Coastal Heritage Society, the First African Baptist Church, and the Civil Rights Museum, the applicant suggests that Franklin Square be the location of this piece of public art. This is due to the association of this square with the African-American heritage of Savannah and its proximity to the well-visited city market area.

E. SPONSOR:

Your financial support is needed to accomplish our goal. Send your contribution to:

Organization: Haitian American Historical Society

Contact: Daniel Fils-Aimé, Sr., Chairman
9822 NE 2nd Avenue, Suite 3A, Miami Shores, FL 33138
Telephone: 786.621.0035
Fax: 305.759.0800
Email: HaitianHistory@bellsouth.net

Pictures by: Rachel Moscoso Denis & Manny Ardouin ((Part 2))

Photo By Francois Adrien et Harold Staco (((Part 3))) La Guadeloupe

La Guadeloupe fait partie de ...more

s Antilles , ou Caraïbes, elle est située entre l’Equateur et le Tropique du Cancer.C’est un archipel composé de deux îles principales : la Grande-Terre, ouverte sur l’océan Atlantique, et la Basse-Terre, ouverte sur la mer des Caraïbes .Grande-Terre (583 km2) km2) et Basse-Terre (848 km2) sont séparées par un bras de mer appelé Rivière Salée. Cinq îles complètent l’archipel : au Sud, Marie-Galante (158 km2) et les Saintes (14 km2), à l’Est, La Désirade (27 km2), au Nord, Saint-Barthélemy (24 km2) et Saint-Martin (52 km2 pour sa partie française). Le chef-lieu du département est Basse-Terre,également préfecture de région ;Pointe-à-Pitre, située en Grande-Terre, est la sous-préfecture du département. L’espace géographique est dispersé, Saint- Barthélemy et Saint-Martin sont situées à 200 Km de la Guadeloupe proprement dite, il est de ce fait très diversifié.

Parmi les plus belles des Antilles, la Guadeloupe compte une cinquantaine de plages toute aussi différentes. Pour information il y a 180 couleurs de sable sur l'île en comptant celui des rivières. Vous pourrez trouver sur les plages des étoiles de mer, des oursins blancs, les seuls comestibles ici, de nombreux coquillages dont les lambis, les casques
ou les Tritons sont les plus grandes espèces. Muni d'un simple masque et un tuba vous pourrez d'explorer les récifs coralliens présents sur pratiquement toutes les plages et souvent même dans une eau peu profonde, mais toujours chaude et limpide. Avec un peu de chance vous apercevrez une langouste qu'il est interdit de chasser au fusil ou avec des bouteilles, ou même une tortue, espèce protégée. Sachez que la récolte de coraux vivants est interdit.

Le petit punch est la boisson nationale . Melange de sucre , citron et de rhum blanc.

Une ile à visiter . Regardez les photos

Photos by Francois Adrien ((Part 2))

Le conseil général de la Guadeloupe a présenté du 11 au 14 A ...more

vril 2007, sur le terrain de Belle Plaine Gosier, en collaboration avec la ville du Gosier et l’OMCCS la 5ème édition du Festigo 2007.

Depuis sa création en 1997, ce festival populaire organise tous les deux ans dans la ville de Gosier, favorise la rencontre entre les musiciens invités de la Caraibe et les locaux.

Des groupes en provenace de Cuba , Haiti , La Dominique , Saint Domingue ,la Martinique et Barbade sont venus présenter un spectacle qui a permis d'admirer encore une fois la richesse de notre musique, de notre art , échanger et débattre sur la musique et la danse dans la caraibe

La délégation Haitienne était ainsi composée: Mr. Harold Staco de Orun Entertainment, Mr. Francois Adrien de Pikliz .com et du groupe musical Jacky & Strings

Photos by Francois Adrien (Part 1)

Le conseil général de la Guadeloupe a présenté du 11 au 14 Avr ...more

il 2007, sur le terrain de Belle Plaine Gosier, en collaboration avec la ville du Gosier et l’OMCCS la 5ème édition du Festigo 2007.

Depuis sa création en 1997, ce festival populaire organise tous les deux ans dans la ville de Gosier, favorise la rencontre entre les musiciens invités de la Caraibe et les locaux.

Des groupes en provenace de Cuba , Haiti , La Dominique , Saint Domingue ,la Martinique et Barbade sont venus présenter un spectacle qui a permis d'admirer encore une fois la richesse de notre musique, de notre art , échanger et débattre sur la musique et la danse dans la caraibe

La délégation Haitienne était ainsi composée: Mr. Harold Staco de Orun Entertainment, Mr. Francois Adrien de Pikliz .com et du groupe musical Jacky & Strings