Why I Unapologetically Claim My Space for Collective Healing.

Today, on the 8th anniversary of the earthquake that devastated Haiti, I am being overwhelmed with emotions making it truly difficult to meditate, reflect, and pray for peace, for solace. The Resident-Alien-In-Chief continues to test these God-given nerves of mine with comments that, at minimum, solidify his existence as the Anti-Christ, as a racist bigot, and as the pink version of the mucous in the Mucinex commercials. 

Today, on the 8th anniversary of the earthquake that devastated Haiti, I am furious. I am contemplating ways to gather my Haitians and Haitian diasporans to tap into that ancestral work like...CASH ME OUTSIDE #SHITHOLE.

Today, on the 8th anniversary of the earthquake, despite this chaos, I still find space to be focused. To be set on really and truly CLAIMING MY DAMN SPACE. I understand that I do not need the approval of a potentially sick man in office to know the power of the history that creates that fear and hate within him. 

I am not confused. Haiti is PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE for more than just Haitian people and Haitian descendants. Let's all not be confused about that. This land, this country, this hemisphere has its histories and endeavors intertwined with the greatness of my Ayiti cheri. I can't help but feel that we are the true chosen people. We are the ones who have suffered and struggled but still will see the promise land at any cost. We will get there. Don't sleep on us. And know that you cannot stop it. 

​​Just a few days ago, my aunt, Ruby Valme, sent me a chain message that was yet echoed by my Godsister Soraya Denis. It read:

Make sure, to let all your children, all your friends, and everyone you meet know that, WE . HAITIANS are not only BOAT PEOPLE, we've made HISTORIES.
We've fought in  the WAR FOR THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
We've fought in the WWII as TUSKEGEE AIRMEN, THE RED TAILS SQUADRON (ALIX PASQUET SR.)
We are THE FOUNDER of the CITY OF CHICAGO. (JEAN BAPTISTE POINT  DU SABLE) 
WE ARE THE FOUNDER OF NAACP. (W E B DU BOIS)
WE ARE THE GORVERNOR GENERAL OF CANADA. (MICHAELLE JEAN)
WE ARE THE VICE PRESIDENT AND CEO OF CHRYSLER MOTORS. (RALPH  GILLES)
The designer of CHRYSLER  300.
WE ARE THE ONE WHO SCORED THE "ONE" AND ONLY GOAL FOR THE UNITED STATES SOCCER TEAM IN 1950 AGAINST  ENGLAND'S SUPER TEAM. (JOE GAETJENS)
WE ARE THE FIRST REAL BLACK MISS AMERICA 1991. (MARJORIE VINCENT)
SO WE ARE NOT ONLY BOAT PEOPLE WE'VE MADE AMERICA GREAT ALREADY. 
WHERE WERE YOU IN 1776 THRU 1779 WHEN WE WERE HERE FIGHTING FOR AMERICA'S FREEDOM? 

My sentiments are captured in the message and here in this video, but not as the speech from Obama but as the Haitian speech to the #SHITHOLE.

So I'm not taking this shit. I'm keeping in tradition and doing the work.

Upcoming opportunities to do the same are as follows:
​
This afternoon, Kriyol Dance! Collective will be hosting a 1-hour open dance class for the community and we will be observing the Haitian Embassy's moment of silence at 4:53pm. 
Class Time: 4-5pm
Location: Brooklyn Fete, 1515 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226 
More information via Instagram: @_kriyoldance_

Saturday, Haiti Global Village will be presenting "Ayiti: A Modern Revolution" in remembrance of the earthquake. with a Historical look at Haiti to the Present. Some of NYC's most talented performers will be lending their voices during the night: myself, Claire Judine Saintil, Schneider Laurent, Ludwine Joseph and more. Get your tickets here: http://ayiti.eventbrite.com/
Time: 7-10pm
Location: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd, Flushing, New York 11354