Problems that I think young Haitian American girls face in Bridgeport is learning about who they are as a person. Some Haitian-American girls are afraid to let people know that they are Haitians due to the fact that a lot of people who don't understand the Haitian culture sometimes tend to make fun of others. Growing up, I was one of those girls who were afraid of letting people know that I was Haitian because I always heard people make jokes about how poor and corrupted Haiti is. So, as a child I didn't want anyone to know that that was where I came from. Now that I am older, I have learned to embrace my culture and love everything about it.
We have been blessed because they are a part of our mosaic." The evening festivities featured remarks from Haitian Consul General of New York Harry J. Fouche and Haiti's Ambassador to the United Nations Jean C. Alexandre. Entertainment was provided the Haitian American Association of Jersey City Inc., gospel singer [Felina Backer] and rap group Euneek Aroma Haiti. Additionally, the work of Haitian artist Lucien Bourdeau was displayed. The master of ceremonies was Yves Richar Blanc.
HAUP's Chairperson, Mr. Yves Merry Telemaque is counting on private matching contributions to provide desperately needed funds to keep the Queens Community Center functioning at its current location at 221-05 Linden Blvd. in Cambria Heights, Queens.
African American Research Center, Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Notes:
143 p, Uses U.S. and Haitian interview data, coupled with a broader analysis of Haitian rural conditions and the effects of foreign and domestic policy on their movement, to underscore the need for a comprehensive rural strategy for economic development in Haiti.
Haitian Catholic artists are as excited about this event as the rest of the community is. Some of them will attend the convention, and Jean Robert Themistocle, one of the pioneers of the organization of Haitian Catholic artists in the diaspora, composed a song based on the theme of the convention. The guests at the convention will be the first to hear and to sing this song with Jean Robert. It is a time of great grace for the Haitian community in the diaspora.
The presenters discussed topics ranging from democratic reform and transition in Haiti to health concerns in the Haitian diaspora. One presentation by Lunine Pierre-Jerome, Ed.D., titled "Identity Development among Low-Literacy Haitian Adolescent Newcomers: Collective and Integrative View of the Self" was particularly poignant. Dr. Pierre-Jerome's case study explored how low-literacy Haitian adolescent newcomers identify themselves; their perceptions of family, peer relationships, community and schooling; and their opinions about attending a literacy program.
These new citizens know they made the right choice. This day also offers the time to meditate about those less fortunate than themselves, like families and friends left behind in their country of origin, where the plague of daily insecurity has decimated whatever lifestyle remained of their easy going beautiful paradise, and where participation in the electoral process is not so easily accomplished. Reflections abound -- then reality sets in. Indeed, Haitian-Americans are delighted and proud to have adopted America as their fatherland. At the same time they are sad that their country of origin is in such turmoil.
