I was bored, and I decided to do something productive by researching materials for my upcoming cookbook with a scheduled release for July 2014. I googled the words, "Haitian" and "Brooklyn," so that I can find local Haitian individuals who might be interested in contributing their thoughts to my project.
I came across this organization called "Flanbwayan Haitian Literacy Project." I went on their website, and I was fascinated that such an organization existed in Brooklyn, NY!
According to their website, Flanbwayan's mission is to transform the lives of Haitian newcomer youth through education and leadership development and to raise awareness of immigrant education issues both in the community and citywide.
I remember growing up Haitian in Brooklyn, NY. I considered myself a "Haitian non-immigrant immigrant." My parents were born and raised in Haiti, and my first language was Haitian Creole, but I was born here. I actually didn't know how to read in English until I was about six or seven years old. I always had such difficulty with languages. Haitian-Creole would be spoken at home while English was spoken at the schools. For a child like me, I was confused. In due time, I decided to put on the robe of American-ness because deep down inside, I felt like I didn't belong anywhere except for the American soil was born on.
My trek to discovering my Haitian roots began when my 102-year-old grandmother paid a visit. I hadn't met her in over 20 years! She looked angelic even as she sung Christian hymns in her native tongue. It was amazing to be in a presence of centenarian! When I touched her, her skin was velvety soft! Her hair was white and beautifully soft. She shared stories of living in Haitian, advice on marriage, and her laughter was contagious. I could hardly believe she was more than 100 years old! She was full of life!
So, I decided to write a book -- a Haitian cookbook to commemorate my grandmother and her legacy. I wanted to capture the recipes of meals I grew up eating. The earliest memory of my childhood was of sitting in her backyard in Haiti in the midst of mango and banyan trees with roosters crowing, and chickens scattering about. I wanted to incorporate other people's memories of eating Haitian food.
Here I was, riding the B41 bus, and I came across Flabwayan's website. I checked out their Events Page and noticed that they were having a Haitian Flag Day celebration. I wondered if I could make it. Lo and behold, the bus stop was only two stops away on Parkside! I decided to get off, and stop by the celebration for a short time.
As I entered Flanbwyan's office, I was ushered back to my childhood memories of hearing Creole. A group of young students sat in a circle and discussed (in Haitian Creole) their experience in schools, Haitian culture, the significance of Haitian Flag Day, etc.
It was amazing, and I was inspire by these young people! It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon, and they were indoors talking about such important topics! I was amazed! At the end, I told the young men and women how I was inspired by their wisdom and tenacity to hold a gathering to discuss Haitian culture and issues!
At the end of the program, I was invited by Darnell Benoit, the Executive Director of Flanbwayan, to speak at the graduation of one of the organization's programs on June 2, 2014. Who would have known that a slight detour would lead me to this amazing opportunity!
Spontaneous is defined as "coming or resulting from a natural impulse or tendency; without effort or premeditation; natural and unconstrained; unplanned." It was definitely a Spontaneous Saturday. I ended up not buying the jewelry supplies as originally planned, but I got so much more in return -- an inspiration and a determination to publish the Haitian Cookbook and to live to inspire others to be the best they can be!
With Flanbwayan Haitian Literacy Project 's Executive Director, Ms. Darnell Benoit (May 17, 2014)
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