PRES RELEASE: Haitian American Author Cindy Similien-Johnson, Panelist at Women Empowerment Conference

New York, NY - On Saturday March 26, 2016, Haitian American Author Cindy Similien-Johnson will be one of the panelists at the EVE WITHIN CONFERENCE, a two-day conference for individuals fighting to bridge the gap between where they are and where they dream to be in life. The event will be held at Rise - NY Auditorium (28 West 24th Street, New York, NY 10010). Ms. Similien-Johnson will speak at two panels: the "Entrepreneurs Workshop" at 12:15 p.m.; and, the "Birthing Your Book Workshop" at 1:00pm.

The Eve Within Conference is organized by Ms. Imani Coles. She said, "I expect the Eve Within Conference to stir the hearts of every attendee and prompt them to pursue their dreams. I'm hosting it so that each participant will know they are not alone on their journey, God created them to live a life filled with purpose, and Eve Within will stand as a community to help them get where they are headed."

Ms. Cindy Similien-Johnson understands the importance of being the woman God created her to be. She said, "In 2014, my mentor, Karen Hoyos, the world renowned transformational coach and inspirational speaker, asked me, 'Cindy, if you had all of the money in the world, and did all you ever dreamt of - traveling the world, shopping, donating to charities, etc. - what would you do with the rest of your time?' She went on to say, 'The first answer that comes to your mind is your purpose - the reason why you are alive.'" Soon thereafter, Cindy founded CSJ Media Publishing as a platform to use her gifts and talents in writing to uplift others.  She's now the author of several books, including "How to Stay Motivated: Inspiration and Advice for Everyday Living." She's also the author of the bestselling e-cookbook series, "Cook Like A Haitian."

As recently appointed Board Member of the United Nations Association-Brooklyn Chapter, she engages her community to understand and support the indispensable role of the United Nations in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. She's also the founder of Goal Chic, an organization whose mission is to inspire, encourage, and empower women to understand their value, find their passion, and live a more purposeful life. Its first annual conference will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2016.She attributes her success to her faith in God. "With God I can do all things," she said, referencing a Scriptural verse found in Philippians 4:13.

"Yes, I know the importance of discovering one's purpose," she said. "The moment a person gets silent about what's important to her, she begins to die. This weekend, I will encourage all attendees to speak up and do what God created them to do!"

Other panelists include Rasheed Khan, Jeanelle Drysdale, Mary Jones, Chris Coleman,  William Coles, Renee Sealey, and Sharelle Cameron.

For more information, visit evewithin.splashthat.com.

PRESS RELEASE: Haitian American Author Cindy Similien-Johnson, Panelist at the "Her Image: Changing The Image of African Diaspora Women"

Photo Credit: JaJo Photography

On Tuesday, March 15, 2016, Haitian American Author Cindy Similien-Johnson will be one of the panelists at the "Her Image: Changing The Image of African Diaspora Women" Forum at 6:30 pm at  IMAGENATION's Raw Space Culture Gallery (2031 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard, New York, NY 10027).

The Forum will focus on misconceptions and negative stereotypes of African Diaspora Women  presented by corporate  and mainstream media. It  aims to reinforce alternative empowering representation.

The Her Image Forum is organized by Ntumba Mukendi, Founder and Executive Director of Ntumba Ntumba Apparel (NNA), a New York fashion-based non-profit organization that promotes gender empowerment. Ms. Mukendi said, "I want women to play more robust roles in all aspects of decision-making towards the betterment of educational, cultural, socio-political and economic development of the community. In a world that is uncomfortable with the word "ratchet," only Her Image dares to ask:  'What is the definition of a ratchet woman?  Where is sisterhood in the media?  How are these images affecting the youth?'"

Ms. Similien-Johnson founded CSJ Media Publishing as a platform to use her gifts and talents in writing to uplift others.  She's the author of several books, including "How to Stay Motivated: Inspiration and Advice for Everyday Living." In 2013, she founded Goal Chic to inspire, encourage, and empower women to understand their value, find their passion, and live a more purposeful life.

She said, "There's always a story behind every book I write. I founded Goal Chic three years ago in 2013. It started as a blog (goalchic.blogspot.com) where I'd feature women who achieved their goals despite the obstacles they faced. I wanted it to be a place where other women could be inspired by the stories so that they can discover their own purpose. However, I put it aside to deal with other personal challenges.  About two years ago,  there was an incident where a group of girls who belonged to a gang pummeled a young woman at a local restaurant. The young woman was hospitalized. When I saw a picture of those girls on the news, I was in disbelief. They could have been anyone's sister. I could have passed them by on the streets. A local community leader/activist challenged us to be a part of the solution instead of the problem (i.e. castigation, shame, etc.) I thought to myself, 'What  can I do? I'm only a writer.' So, I decided to revive the blog, re-write and re-launch the book, 'Goal Chic: Changing the World, One Goal at a Time,' and create a program that will touch the lives of women and young girls."

"Something happens when you speak hope in the life of a young woman," Ms. Similien-Johnson continued. "When you plant that seed, no matter what happens, it will grow. One word of hope can change a girl's decision. Instead of committing suicide, she will choose to live. Instead of taking drugs, she will choose to respect her body. Instead of staying in an unhealthy and volatile relationship, she will choose to respect and value herself. The panelists and I believe we are our sister's keeper and we have a responsibility to be positive role models, defying the negative portrayal of women of African descent in the media."

Other panelists include  Social Worker Aminah Mosley; and, Michelle Michelle Hairston,  Hip Hop Educator and Historian, and the Founder of Unifying Through the Hip Hop Culture ad Harrisburg City Breakers.

PRESS RELEASE: Haitian American Author Cindy Similien-Johnson Elected as Board Member of the United Nations Association-Brooklyn Chapter

Left to Right: United Nations Association-Brooklyn Chapter President Margarette Tropnas
and Board Member Cindy Similien-Johnson

Cindy Similien-Johnson, a Haitian-American author and graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University, was elected as a Board Member of the United Nations Association-Brooklyn Chapter.

 

"I am very excited about being elected to the board," Ms. Similien-Johnson said. "I am concerned about what happens not only around the world, but also in my community. As a Brooklyn native, I grew up with an appreciation and love for all cultures, and I look forward to engaging the youth in my community to become more aware of global issues.”

Ms. Similien-Johnson has written more than three motivational books, including "Living Expectantly" and "How to Stay Motivated." Recently, she launched a cookbook series on Haitian meals called, "Cook Like a Haitian," in which she plans to give a portion of all sales to combat childhood hunger.

 

The United Nations Association-USA has 125 chapters and divisions of approximately 20,000 members throughout the United States who work to advocate, educate, and teach their communities of the need to support the United Nations in its global efforts for human rights, maternal health; and, ending conflict, combating climate change assisting over one million refugees and people fleeing war, famine or persecution, and vaccinating 58 percent of the world's children while saving 2.5 million lives a year and mobilizing the U.S. to provide a billion dollars in humanitarian and peacekeeping aid.

 

Through local events, social media, and advocacy, the United Nations Association Brooklyn Chapter inspires and mobilizes the community to understand and support the indispensable role of the United Nations in creating a safer and more just world. They also endeavor to raise money for and awareness about the work of NGOs that are dedicated to causes that supplement the work of the UN.

 

UNA-Brooklyn’s executive committee members include President Margarette Tropnas, Secretary Travis Hardy, and Treasurer Gabriel Levitt. Newly elected to the board also include Michelle Horne-Findley, Loretta Patton-Greenidge, Dr. Joan Tropnas, and Heidi West. Continuing board members are Peg Byron, Michelle Cuartas, Yuliya Gutkovskaya, Dr. Marceline J. Watler and Danny Jumpertz.

 

President Margarette Tropnas said, “I am eternally grateful to the board and all members of the United Nations Association (UNA)-Brooklyn Chapter for electing me as Chapter president. After four years as a board member, I humbly accept this new position as we work together as a team to mobilize and inspire Brooklyn to support the work of the United Nations. Many thanks to outgoing Chapter President Gabriel Levitt for the great precedent he has set and for his willingness to continue advancing our efforts now as Chapter Treasurer. We are hoping for another productive year, as we continue the hard work that Mr. Levitt and his team have been doing for the past six years.”

 

To become a member of UNA-Brooklyn and learn how to improve lives in our community and globally, please visit unabrooklyn.org.

What Motivates You?

Today, I was asked the question, "What motivates you?"

I paused to think about the answer. To motivate is to "stimulate (someone's) interest in or enthusiasm for doing something."

As you know by now, I live, move, and have my being in God, through Jesus Christ. I am because He is. I can't do anything without Him.

I answered, "People. I am motivated by people."

I am motivated by humanity - by their joys and sorrows, triumphs and struggles, and everything in between.

The person said he would get my book and offer his critical analysis of it. I thanked him for his comment. No matter how many times any of my books are criticized, the books are already written. They are already finished. Nothing else can be done to them - unless I do second editions, which I haven't been moved to do because... quite frankly, I have to keep moving towards the next assignment that God wants be to do in this "present" moment.

So, what motivates you?

It's the New Year: Note from Founder

Happy New Year!

 

 

 

We are six days into the new year.

 

2015 was a good year. Of course, it was filled with ups and downs, and mountaintop and valley experiences, but all in all, I made it through. We made it through!

 

Looking back, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and blessings which came my way. I also realized that one (...or every) decision I make can change the direction of my life. Back in 2014, I decided to pursue my passion in writing. I took that first step, and haven't looked back ever since. I launched CSJ Media Publishing as a platform to share messages of hope to inspire, encourage, and empower others. I met people, visited places, and did things which were beyond my wildest dreams or imaginations... all because I decided to pursue my passion. I also know I have many more miles to cross, and many more dreams to conquer, with the help and direction of God. Without Him, I can't do anything. With Him, I can do everything!

 

This year, I want to focus on Faith. This year, everything I think, do, and say will be based on Faith. I started this journey with faith, and I will be able to stay on it because faith. I look forward to all that God has in store for me in 2016!

 

Thank you for joining me on this journey. May your year be filled with God's love, joy, peace, mercy, and grace!

 

CSJ

PRESS RELEASE: Haitian American-Motivational Author Cindy Similien-Johnson Releases Third Book on Living Expectantly

What do you do when a friend is going through troubles and you want to give her hope? You write a book.

And, that's what Haitian-American Motivational Author Cindy Similien-Johnson did. Her third book, "Living Expectantly: 30 Days to Living an Authentic Life," was written to encourage her friend who was going through a crisis.

"Every week, I sent messages of hope to my friend, reminding her that life is still beautiful despite the mess. I wanted to plant seeds of hope in her heart,” Cindy said. “I believe that as long as a person has hope, he or she will find a way out of every situation. This book was written for people like my friend - people who need a gentle reminder that life can change for the better."

When asked what keeps her going in a world filled with despair, Cindy responded, "My faith in God, through Jesus Christ."

After suffering from depression and being hospitalized three years ago in 2012, Cindy found hope and healing in her faith. "I know what it's like to hit rock bottom. I've gone through trials which tested my faith,” she said. “However, God gave me a second chance, renewed my hope, and also gave me a purpose to continue living.”



A graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University, she founded CSJ Media Publishing in 2014 as a platform to use her gifts and talents in writing to uplift others. “There are so many people who have lost hope,” she said. “This book will prompt them to change their perspective on life. They will learn how to live expectantly and discover how their actions, thoughts, and speech can lead them to live an authentic life where daily miracles happen.”

Cindy’s book, “Living Expectantly: 30 Days to Living an Authentic Life,” is now available on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle E-book. For more information, visit www.csjmediapublishing.com.

Caribbean Feminisms on the Page

On Thursday, September 17, 2015, I returned to my alma mater - Barnard College of Columbia University - to listen to a discussion between Haitian-American author Edwidge Danticat and novelist Victoria Brown on the topic of feminism(s) in the Caribbean and the diaspora. Assistant Professor of French Kaiama Glover was the moderator.

Returning to campus is always intriguing.  The campus has gone through tremendous changes over the years, but it still felt familiar.There's a sense of wonderment. This is the place where all of my ideas were born. This is the place where I first learned about the importance of being an educated global woman and not limit myself to the confines of my physical boundaries. Barnard will always be home.

I attended the event because I wanted to see my favorite childhood author - Ms. Danticat. When I was a teenager, and preparing for college, one of the reasons I chose to go to Barnard was because Ms. Danticat went there and I wanted to be JUST like her - a writer who tells the truth unashamed, a writer who is a voice for the voiceless.

Oftentimes, during elementary school, some of my classmates would tease me because I was Haitian. I've forgiven them a long time ago - we were children then, and they didn't know any better. Whenever someone mentioned Haiti, the first phrases which would come out of their mouth would be: Voodoo, Poverty, Poorest Country in the Western Hemisphere, Banana Boat, HBO, etc. No one wanted to admit that Haiti was also a beautiful country with beautiful souls. 

I don’t know when I stumbled upon her books, but I discovered her novel, “Krik? Krak?”, at a public library one afternoon. At the time, I didn’t know of any Haitian writers who told stories in English. In my household, most of the Haitian books of literature were written either in French or Haitian Creole. So, imagine my delightful surprise to find a writer who was Haitian, and wrote in English about the familiar places in Brooklyn and experiences of her Haitian upbringing. It was the first time I could relate to someone else besides my own family. Ms. Danticat touched me to the core of my “Haitian-ness” at a young age. Her words instilled a pride in me, and when I finished her book, I was no longer ashamed of my Haitian heritage, but had a desire to re-claim it. 

Once you know who you are and where you are from, there’s a certain kind of confidence that is reflected in everything you say or do. You refuse to accept other people’s definition of who you are. During my high school years, I came across the word, "Sankofa," which is often associated with the proverb, “Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi," which translates as: "It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten." I wrote about my quest of re-claiming my Haitian identity for my college essay. I think it was one of the major reasons why I got accepted into Barnard.

I thank God that Ms. Danticat had the courage to write about the untold stories. Yes, she received some harsh criticisms, but during the discussion, she mentioned that if it were not for her stubbornness, she would have stopped writing. Her dedication encourages women of Haitian heritage like myself to be unafraid about sharing our own stories.  As she mentioned, she’s only one voice. There’s a sweet-sounding chorus out there, and we’re all adding our voices. We thank Ms. Danicat, and those before her for going ahead of us, beating the drum. Yes, we have and will continue to answer the call! 

Here are some more pictures from the evening:

With Professor Mary Gordon, my college mentor

With Novelist Victor Brown

With Haitian American Author Edwidge Danticat

  

Novelist Victoria Brown, Haitian-American author Edwidge, and Assistant Professor of French Kaiama Glover

PRESS RELEASE: Haitian-American Motivational Author Cindy Similien-Johnson Scheduled to Participate in Brooklyn’s 2nd Annual International Day of Friendship Celebration

Haitian-American Motivational Author Cindy Similien-Johnson Scheduled to Participate in Brooklyn’s 2nd Annual International Day of Friendship Celebration

Photo Credit: JaJo Photography

Haitian-American Motivational Author Cindy Similien-Johnson was selected to participate as the 2015 Delegate to represent Haiti at Brooklyn’s 2nd Annual International Day of Friendship Celebration.

Ms. Cindy, a native of Brooklyn with Haitian heritage, said, “I am proud and honored to represent Haiti at this wonderful event that celebrates diversity and the beauty of true friendship. This event inspires us to love, respect, and honor others no matter where they are from."

"The ribbon in the Haitian flag says, ‘L'Union Fait La Force.' In English, it means ‘Unity Makes Strength.’ It is true now more than ever. When we put aside our differences and come together, we become strong and can do great things in our community," continued Ms. Cindy, the President & CEO of CSJ Media Publishing; and, the author of two inspirational books, "Goal Chic: Changing the World, One Goal at a Time" and "How to Stay Motivated: Inspiration and Advice for Everyday Living."

The International Day of Friendship, which is celebrated around the world on July 30th, was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. With nearly one million foreign-born residents living in Brooklyn, Borough President Eric L. Adams recognizes that Brooklyn is a diverse melting pot, which makes it the perfect place to host an International Day of Friendship Celebration.

On Friday, July 31, 2015, Ms. Cindy Similien-Johnson will join Borough President Adams and delegates from more than 100 nations at an International Day of Friendship Press Conference at 1:30pm on the corner of Johnston Street and Cadman Plaza East in downtown Brooklyn.

Brooklyn’s 2nd Annual International Day of Friendship Celebration will be held at Cadman Plaza Park on Sunday, August 2, 2015, from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM, starting with an international unity parade where delegates from more than 100 nations will hold and display their national flags. There will also be cultural performances and continental cuisines.

For more information, please contact csjmediapublishing@gmail.com or visit www.csjmediapublishing.com.

Book Launch: Naomi Jackson's The Star Side of Bird Hill

On June 30, 2015, I attended the book launch of a fellow Caribbean sister - Naomi Jackson, who recently published her book, "The Star Side of Bird Hill." I first met Naomi at the Caribbean Book Fest a few weeks ago where she gave me a signed copy of her book! I decided to stop by her book launch today, and many showed up to support her! 

From the website: Born and raised in Brooklyn by West Indian parents, Jackson evokes 1980s Barbados with the story of sixteen-year-old Dionne and her younger sister Phaedra, sent to live with their grandmother Hyacinth in the town of Bird Hill. These three characters form an unforgettable matriarchal family buoyed by love and community and tested by heartbreak and betrayal. The Star Side of Bird Hill has been praised by fellow authors including Ayana Mathis and Tiphanie Yanique, who calls it “A book laced with pain but shimmering with hope. With care, the narrative addresses huge issues such as mental illness, mortality, sexuality and, at its very core, what it means to love another person as they are.” 

With Journalist Luvon Roberson, posing in front of Naomi's books

The bookstore was filled to the max - all the way to the back of the store.

What an awesome cake - it's her front book cover!

NYC Council Caribbean Heritage Celebration

On Tuesday, June 30, 2015, I joined the New York City Council, under the leadership of Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, with Council Member Williams, Council Member Mathieu Eugene and the Black, Latino & Asian Caucus, for a celebration of Caribbean Heritage at the Council Chambers of City Hall. The night was filled with Caribbean food (Diri Djon Djon was served), cultural entertainment by the Sesame Flyers, and the honoring of community leaders, including Hon. Sylvia Ash, Dr. Una Clarke, Neva Shillingford King, Raymond Luke, and Yvonne Stennet.

Haitian Dominican Unity Press Rally

On Friday, June 26, 2015, I attended my very first rally. I'm usually a behind-the-scenes person, but the situation happening in Haiti has challenged me to "speak up." Silence is no longer an option when an injustice is committed against the poor, the weak, the helpless, etc.

I believe God through Jesus Christ, who always talked about being concerned for the less fortunate in society. Proverbs 31:8-9 says, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice."

When I heard about the situation in the Dominican Republic where migrant workers (who are mostly of Haitian descent), I felt saddened by it. "What can I do?" I asked myself. I truly felt helpless.

Imagine for a second that your grandfather came to a new country when he was a teenager. He worked so hard to have a better life for himself. He learned the language until it became his own. A few years went by, and he found the love of his life.They got married, and had two children in the new country. Each child grew up, and had children of their own. Now, these children (and everyone dating back to grandfather's time) are being asked to go back to a country they've heard about only in the stories that grandfather shared. They don't know the language. They've never been to the place. The only place they've called "home" was this new country - the place of their birth. Now, they are being asked to leave everything behind, to leave behind heir jobs, their friends, their schools - everything that described their very existence, their being.

Essentially, this is what's happening in the DR right now. It's a sad situation, and as a person of Haitian heritage, my heart aches for the people who are facing these unfortunate conditions.

"So, what can I do?" I keep asking myself. "What can I do?"

On Friday, June 26, 2015, I joined elected officials and community leaders on the steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall to stand in solidarity with people of Haitian descent threatened by mass deportation from the Dominican Republic at the Haitian Dominican Unity Press Rally. It's just the beginning... I am also praying to God that He grants mercy on the afflicted, and place compassion in the hearts of  the oppressors.

All human beings deserve dignity, respect, and honor. The situation in the DR is a human rights issue. I am reminded of the words of the words of Martin Niemöller, a prominent Protestant pastor who emerged as an outspoken public foe of the Nazi regime.

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— 
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— 
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

PRESS RELEASE: Haitian-American Motivational Author Cindy Similien-Johnson Scheduled to be at Haitian-Dominican Unity Press Rally in Brooklyn, NY

Haitian-American Motivational Author Cindy Similien-Johnson Scheduled to be at Haitian-Dominican Unity Press Rally in Brooklyn, NY

Photo Credit: JaJo Photography

Haitian-American Motivational Author Cindy Similien-Johnson is scheduled to join elected officials and community leaders at a Haitian-Dominican Unity Press Rally to be held in solidarity with people of Haitian descent threatened by mass deportation from the Dominican Republic.

Born and raised in New York City and proud of her Haitian heritage, Ms. Similien-Johnson said, "Silence is no longer an option. The Holy Bible says, 'We must speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.' All human beings deserve dignity, respect, and honor no matter their creed or color."

Ms. Similien-Johnson is the author of two motivational books, "How to Stay Motivated: Inspiration and Advice for Everyday Living" and "Goal Chic: Changing the World, One Goal at a Time." (Her third book on Haitian cuisine and culture is scheduled for release at end of  summer 2015 to commemorate the legacy of her 104-year-old grandmother.)

The Haitian-Dominican Unity Press Rally will be held on the steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall at 209 Joralemon Street (between Court Street and Boerum Place) on Friday, June 26, 2015 at 12 p.m.

NYS Senator Jesse Hamilton, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, NYC Council Member Mathieu Eugene, and NYC Council Member Laurie Cumbo will also be present, including community organizations such as Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees, Brooklyn Dominicans for Hope, and the Haitian American International Chamber of Commerce.

Marie Claudine Mukambano: A Woman of Courage

Marie Claudine Mukambano: A Woman of Courage

by Cindy Similien-Johnson

After losing her parents, sister, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, loved ones, friends, classmates and fellow countrymen during the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, Ms. Marie Claudine Mukambano’s Catholic faith inspired her to seek the answer to the question of KUKI NDIHO? (Why do I exist? Pourquoi J’existe?).

This question now serves as the name of her organization which has helped thousands of women and children who were affected by the genocide. Ms. Claudine witnessed the gruesome killing of her mother. Her sister was raped, and then murdered by machete. As the years went by, Ms. Mukambano learned that there was a healing power in forgiveness.

She said, “After hearing or understanding that the people in my country, particularly the survivors, don’t really quite understand forgiveness on the same level, after having different conversations about forgiveness with the survivors, after doing research and talking to everybody (most from different capitals), I realized how people misunderstood and misinterpreted forgiveness. Sometimes, people think that to forgive is to give a right to a person who did wrong to you. Others think that to forgive is to forget. Therefore, they don’t want to forget the horrible things that happened to them. They don’t want to forget the memories of their loved ones. Therefore, they try their best to stay away from forgiving.”

She continued, “I felt I needed to do something to help them. Forgiveness heals us. It helps us to heal. Heal! Forgiveness heals the healer first. It positively changes the life of the forgiver first. Forgiveness helps the forgiver to benefit from joy and happiness. Forgiveness doesn’t prevent justice to prevail. Because someone who did wrong to me (for instance, the case of genocide in Rwanda), killed my relatives and did horrible things to me, he did horrible things to my country, to himself, and then to God. If I can get to the point, I can say that he did quadrupled wrongs. Therefore, he should face the consequences.”

“If I forgive him or her, he still needs to face the rest of the elements. I’m free. I don’t want to seek revenge. If you seek revenge, you either try to bring revenge to do wrongs and if you don’t find the person, you breed revenge inside of you. Sooner or later, you will bring revenge to your loved ones, or you will bring revenge to yourself. When I did research in my country, I saw that some people were confused about the meaning of forgiveness. ‘Why should we forget?’ they ask. ‘No, we don’t want to forget. We want to remember in order to prevent this from happening again.’ “It is true, if you don’t know where you are coming from, you don’t know where you are going. In order to be clear about your future, you need to understand your past. You need to deal with it, and to accept your past. It’s your past. There’s nothing you can change about it. It’s your history. It made you the way you are.”

Ms. Claudine’s past has made her the way she is, and it hasn’t deterred her from bringing peace, sustainability and empowerment initiatives for orphans in Rwanda. Nor messages to women and men enslaved by violence and violators from day-to-day, right here in the United States.

For more information about Marie’s organization, “WHY DO I EXIST? / KUKI NDIHO RWANDA ORPHANS SUPPORT PROJECT,” please visit whydoiexist.org. Her book, a work-in-progress, is scheduled to be published in late 2012/early 2013.

(Originally published in the October 11-17, 2012 edition of Our Time Press)

My First TV Interview: African Caribbean Radio & Television (ACRTv)

On Thursday, June 11, 2015, I had the opportunity to be interviewed on the African Caribbean Radio & Television (ACRTv).

ACRTv foster the leadership of accountability, solidarity, and cultural awareness of the African and Caribbean nations via the television and radio medium. At ACRTv, they embrace the daunting task of informing the African and Caribbean people by developing the necessary synergy to enhance their understanding of their history and to fully contribute to the world’s cultural mosaic.

With hosts Rouguiatou Komah Toure and Mamzo Barry

It was my first television interview. My hosts were Mamzo Barry and Rouguiatou Komah Toure from the Tam Tam Show where Mr. Mory Kouyate is the Executive Producer. 

    

With Mr. Mory Kouyate, the Executive Producer

 The questions were insightful, and we discussed topics which touched upon my writing career, sources of inspiration, my faith in God, and the work I do in the community, particularly with women and young girls.

During the interview, I could see that the audience members were engaged, and one could literally hear a pin drop. The production team was professional and very fun to work with. Each one of them brought something to the table with their awesome gifts and talents!

I met other guests on the set, including Sekouba Bolomba, an Ivorian reggae musician; and, Fatima Diallo, the 2nd Runner Up of Ms. Guinea.

  

With Fatima Diallo, the 2nd Runner Up of Ms. Guinea

10th Anniversary of Caribbean American Heritage Month

On Friday, June 12, 2015, I attended the 10th Anniversary of Caribbean American Heritage Month at Brooklyn Borough Hall, New Your City, which commemorated the Congressional adoption of the Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

It was a time of celebration of the culture that this rich region and their people have brought to Brooklyn. As a proud Haitian-American, I was glad to be a part of the festivities. The event stressed the importance of the education and economic empowerment of future generations, particularly among the Caribbean community in Brooklyn. The event was sponsored by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and Dr. Roy A. Hastick, Sr., the founder and CEO of Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In June 2005, the House of Representatives unanimously adopted H. Con. Res. 71, recognizing the significance of the Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States. On February 14, 2006, the resolution similarly passed the Senate.

“Brooklyn,” according to Borough President Adams, “is the center of Caribbean life in America. Many of the small businesses are run by hard-working Caribbean-Americans, whose entrepreneurial spirit is moving One Brooklyn forward in new and exciting directions.”

Bishop Hugh Nelson offered Reflections. Deputy Borough President Diana Reyna gave the Welcome. Rev. Hilton O. Smith was the Keynote Speaker. George Hulse, the VP of Healthfirst, and Assemblyman Walter T. Mosley also gave remarks.

Program

Deputy Borough President Diana Reyna Presenting Citation to Mr. Roy Hastick

With Sandra Chapman, Chief Program Officer at Office of the Brooklyn Borough President

Flags of the Caribbean nations

WORD! – A Caribbean Book Fest

On Saturday, June 6, 2015, I attended “WORD! – A Caribbean Book Fest” in Brooklyn, NY. It was an afternoon-long celebration of Caribbean letters and thought. The program highlighted the range and diversity of literary work emanating from the Caribbean and writers invested in the Caribbean Diasporic narrative.

I made new friends, and re-connected with old. The panelists shared timeless wisdom, and provided a “behind-the-scenes” look into their writing careers. I got to meet veteran and newbie authors, and learned a thing or two about this industry, both as an author and publisher.

I attended a Panel Discussion on "Book Business - First Book Journeys - I Have Learnt from Books." The authors shared their experiences about having their debut novels being printed. Panelists included Elsie Augustave (Haiti), The Roving Tree; A. Naomi Jackson (US/Antigua &Barbuda), The Star Side of Bird Hill; and, Annette Vendryes Leach (US/Panama), Song of the Shaman.

Naomi gave me an advanced copy of her book, The Star Side of Bird Hill!

 

I got to meet Elsie. I admire her work and courage. In two weeks, she will quit her job and go into writing full-time!

 

I also got to meet my favorite Haitian Children's Author, Ibi Zoboi. She wrote, "A Is For Ayiti."

PRESS RELEASE: Haitian-American Author Cindy Similien-Johnson Releases Second Book To Help Young Adult Women Discover and Fulfill Their Purpose

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

CSJ Media Publishing

Email: csjmediapublishing@gmail.com

Haitian-American Author Cindy Similien-Johnson Releases Second Book To Help Young Adult Women Discover and Fulfill Their Purpose

 

Haitian-American Author Cindy Similien-Johnson  has announced the release of the second edition of her book, "Goal Chic: Changing the World, One Goal at a Time," a guide that empowers young adult women to discover their purpose, understand their worth and value, and create purposeful goals.

Ms. Similien-Johnson, a native of Brooklyn, NY and the daughter of Haitian parents, once suffered from low self-esteem and depression. She attributes her success in overcoming obstacles and challenges to her faith in God and the support of  family and friends.

She said, "If a woman doesn't know who she is, life can be a real struggle. But, once a person has a full understanding of her purpose - the reason why she exists,  she will not make poor and negative decisions. I wrote this book to help other women to not make the same mistakes I did.  I want them to understand they have worth and value, and they can make positive changes in their community and around the world through their gifts and talents."

As an alumna of Barnard College of Columbia University, Ms. Similien-Johnson is the first person in her family to graduate from college. In 2014, she founded CSJ Media Publishing as a platform to inspire, encourage, and empower others through her positive messages. Her first book, "How to Stay Motivated: Inspiration and Advice for Everyday Living" was written as a way to cope with the unexpected death of her friend. The book deals with 12 ways in which one can remain positive in everyday life.