The Haitian-American Diaries

Have you ever took the time to reflect on your friendships growing up and the relationships that have lasted the longest? This week that is exactly what we did. We reflected on our past friendships and focused on the 20 year bond we share with our best friend.  The 3 of us form an unlikely TRIO two Haitian - American women and one Italian - American man.  We discuss our journey and the racial divide experienced by so many as we've remained closer than ever. 

2021 brought us some personal challenges but also some exciting professional opportunities. Let's recap the last few months as we slide into 2022. Check us out on  WFAE CLT pop-up Podcast Fest Giving Voice to Immigrant Communities Logo by Fine Artist & Designer Nerissa Tutiven

It's been a pretty difficult summer for the people of Haiti . On August 14, 2021 Haiti was hit by a 7.4 magnitude Earthquake. The epicenter was 94 miles west of Port-au-Prince and damaged many of the towns along the western coast and in the mountains. This earthquake really hits home for Jenny and I since our fathers town L'Azile was very badly affected. In this episode we share audio of a close family friend who experienced the earthquake first hand. We are asking our listeners to consider donating to a family in L'Azile to help them buy the necessities that they need. Please follow the link to our Go Fund Me: https://gofund.me/f378aab3   All of the proceeds will go directly to the families.Special Thank You To:Junior Bel Artist for sharing his poetry, music and most importantly his story.Anthony Price for lending his voice to translate for our listeners.  Follow him on Instagram @mindfulrhythmcoachingCody Haynes for our transition music. Follow him on Instagram @GumboRivers******************************Oh Sekou Lyrics Translation Artist *Drihana*We see too much in front of usEven The people close to us are dyingWe don't have enough strength we Have to keep running We need relief(Refrain)We need relief were asking for a reliefArtist: *King C-Mo*January 12 past and now there's another hitWe We feel the most when it happens to usHaiti is on its knees and wants to standIf yours can't Boil it will cut blank blank**Bring a tent to live underMedicine so We can stay aliveYou don't have to be from the nip to bring helpJust think you could have been here too(Refrain)We need relief were asking for a reliefInterview How many of you were in the house?It was five of us that were in the houseWe are hungry we don't have waterI have many children With meI have nowhere to put them we are sleeping under the open sky Artist: *Junior Bel Artist*January 12 at past on us and we were terrified There wasn't a person that was exempt In August it happened again Cities (Nip, the south, Grandas) let us stand upWe are asking for relief for the victims You could be the richest or the poorestLet's work together No matter how it is we can't give upArtist: *Dritchy*When you help you don't loseYou're lucky if you weren't touchedThere are people who are sickWho can't eatthere are people who are laying in hospital bedsYou could be in their placeIt's not because you're betterYou could've been in their place Let us cry for help (Refrain x4)We need relief were asking for a relief

Well A LOT has happened this summer and we wouldn't be a Haitian podcast without sharing our thoughts and feelings. From the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse to the recent earthquakes, Haiti is really getting hit hard. When will our people get a chance? When will we finally recover? Ayiti Cheri you are in our prayers. 

In honor of Pride Month our good friend came on and talked about his coming out story. His story is one filled with lots of love and support. So many are not as fortunate to be able to embrace their true identity but we hope this story will give someone the courage to live their truth. Happy Pride!This episode was recorded via Stereo App 

What are "Edouardisms" you say? Well simply put they are the made up language/words/ways of describing the indescribable that we have come up with over the years. We did a LIVE  show on the platform Stereo and had guests join in through out the episode to engage with us, it was FUN time.  

We talked to our friend who is a Fine Artist and true creative soul. She discusses how she reconnected with her Puerto Rican and Ecuadorian culture after growing up disconnected from her roots.  We also discuss our thoughts on colorism and development of cultural identity.If you are interested in seeing her artwork , Brand Coaching or signing up for one of her workshops you can do via her website/ Linktree  https://www.nerissatutiven.com/ https://linktr.ee/nerissatutiven 

We received our first listener suggestion to do a review/commentary on an episode of the Conan O'Brien Show in 2018 where he visited Haiti. If you missed it check out the link below Conan in Haiti 

This episode features a guest appearance Liz did on a podcast called Genx Voice. The host Trish was gracious enough to allow us to share her episode on our podcast. We talk about a variety of topics including the Black Lives Matter movement, mental health, and of course we discuss the Haitian culture. Check out the Genx Voice website, it also contains links to listen to her podcast https://www.genxvoice.com/?fbclid=IwAR0RaY3ADRTeDAOEMA4eUX8THiPpV8wpAs-Nu5y22d4LICBnky47LnUPVf0

This week we interviewed our cousin who is a published author,  new husband and soon to be father. He talks about the importance of preserving his Haitian-American identify and the new Haitian/Jamaican-American identity he and his wife are creating together as a family. Check out his blog: https://emmanueljeanpierre.blog/?fbclid=IwAR0Av_9JOYgg5y3K3nGkHX7hScxKncaAQ0Jrwb-lX_LYgSC9_7VKHVwVHmwOrder his Book here: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Elyon-Emmanuel-Jean-Pierre/dp/1496971027?fbclid=IwAR3qOL4f984VX3y5iAfXxB6qxhwv35B4u8xnh6egluJkCgBKi9QBJbz_yKY

We had a wonderful time connecting with K is for Kreyol author Kara Badette. We reminisce about her experiences growing up Haitian-American, her journey as an author, and the inspiration behind writing this book. Order your copy here: https://www.karabadette.com/k-is-for-kreyol 

Happy Holidays Haitian American Diaries listeners. This week we talk about our wonderful holiday memories growing up and some of the traditions we hope to have with our own families one day. We hope you all have a wonderful holiday season. 

Lets admit it, Haitians have some pretty interesting remedies but they SURE DO WORK! This week we talk about some of the most common Haitian remedies and struggles with our hair. 

We have another interesting Haiti to U.SA transition story this week. Our Aunt came on and told us some stories about her life. 

In this episode we were interviewed by Jarika, the host of The Blackpacking Podcast. We discuss our experience growing up as first generation Haitian American and our upbringing by our parents. We eat Haitian patties and we talk about what it is like to travel to Haiti. If you would like to watch the video you can see it here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgcAHmSFgnc&t=38s 

We ended season 1 then Kanye went to Haiti so....Surprise Bonus Episode!!!

Its our Season Finale!!! We had the opportunity to interview Savinia Exantus who is the Senior Producer of Boyo Film, a documentary showcasing Haiti in 30 days. Savinia discusses the mission of the documentary and shares her own experiences growing up in Haiti.

Our wonderful cousins came on to discuss their experiences growing up in Haiti and moving to the U.S. in the early 2000's. We talk about some childhood memories and their desire to go back to the country they love so much. 

Our First Remote Guest. One of our closest friends talks about his experiences growing up Jamaican American. We also take a small dive into current events and discuss the concept of Caribbean Privilege. 

Discussing our personal struggles with Mental Health and how we made it through. 

Surprise! Another part of our trips to Haiti episodes. Enough of our wild adventures, listen in to hear about the beauty and hidden gems in Haiti. 

Part 2 of our episode where we describe our trips to Haiti over the years. 

Part 1 of our trips to Haiti. Join us as we share our experiences visiting Haiti over the years.

Our first guest! We sat down with our Dad as he told us about his life in Haiti and his experiences moving to the U.S in the late 70's. 

Growing up Haitian-American in the early 90's had its share of challenges. We've come a long way but we still have a ways to go. 

Our introductory episode! We were working with one mic in the beginning but stick with us we promise the audio gets better.