(LITTLE HAITI) – The 2024 edition of the Little Haiti Book Festival was a tremendous success. Blessed with beautiful weather, the vibrant Little Haiti Cultural Complex, which hosted the event, came alive with the sounds of celebration, the rustle of pages, and spirited discussions among literature enthusiasts.
Marking a decade of cultural enrichment and community engagement, this year’s festival demonstrated the growing interest in Haitian literature and culture. It drew an impressive number of participants and authors, with over 60 renowned authors, poets, and storytellers in attendance. From emerging voices to established literary figures, the lineup offered a rich tapestry of storytelling, poetry, and insightful discussions, showcasing the depth and diversity of Haitian literary talent.
The festival kicked off with a lively opening ceremony, featuring traditional Haitian music and dance that set the tone for the day. Attendees were treated to a plethora of activities, including author readings, panel discussions, and book signings. The marketplace was bustling with vendors selling Haitian crafts, books, and delectable cuisine, creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrated the culture and heritage of Haiti.
One of the highlights of the festival was a panel discussion entitled “HAITI IN THE MEDIA,” where panelists Elizabeth Guerin (Island TV), Patrick Eliancy (Island TV), and Jean Saint-Vil (Jafrikayiti.com) explored the challenges and responsibilities of media representation, the impact of international coverage on local realities, and the power of journalism in shaping the global narrative of Haiti. Miami Herald reporter Jacqueline Charles was responsible for introducing the panelists and setting the tone of the discussion, while Macollvie J. Neel, Haitian Times’ editor-in-chief, handled the Q&A portion.
While Guerin and Eliancy remained focused on the subject, Jean Saint-Vil, who presents himself as an activist, deviated slightly from the topic. Many attendees even questioned his presence on the panel. Saint-Vil expressed anger particularly against the United States, France, and Canada, holding them responsible for Haiti’s dire situation. He also went back two decades in history to condemn what he called “the kidnapping” of former president Jean Bertrand Aristide in 2004.
Marcus Garcia, founder and editor-in-chief of the weekly newspaper Haiti en Marche, who was previously announced as a member of this panel, was present in the room. However, his presence was bizarrely not acknowledged at any point, until he left the auditorium. Many attendees expressed their regret at not having the opportunity to hear a perspective from this veteran journalist.
The panel “Artificial Intelligence in the Arts,” Cultural Play & Learn: Oslè, Dominoes & Puzzles, Create! Kids Art-Making Studio with Gogo MOAD, and Storytime: Haiti with Marie Ketsia Theodore-Pharel were among the other activities of this 2024 in-person program.
The Little Haiti Book Festival is an event full of fun and laughter where readers meet their favorite Haitian authors and find new authors and seasoned authors they never discovered before. It is true that it is an excellent opportunity for authors to meet book buyers and reviewers, interact with fellow authors and publishers, meet their readers, and find new ones too.
Many respected and new authors displayed their books at the event. Authors like Angie Bell [The Adventures of Yaya which is a 12-book series focusing on history, culture, and language, specifically Haitian Kreyol, co-authored with Tico Armand] ; Marie Pierre [JACOB & JONATHAN Defeats the Dragon] ; Wanègès [Nostalji] ; Mister Figg (Orange Oragutan] ; Andre Fouad [ Valse des Onbres] were among the authors who participated at the Book festival.
The discussion delved into the historical and contemporary influences on Haitian writing, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the rich literary tradition of the country. The audience engagement was palpable, with many taking the opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts.
Children were not left out of the festivities. The Kid’s Corner was a hive of activity, featuring storytelling sessions, puppet shows, and arts and crafts workshops. These activities not only entertained the young attendees but also instilled in them a love for reading and storytelling.
Delphine Nephtalie Dauphin, the young entrepreneur and author behind Joy’s Yummy Cupcakes by Delphine, served as an inspiring role model for the children participating in the book fair. She led an interactive workshop that explored the basics of business planning, marketing, and financial management. This engaging session highlighted the potential for young minds to turn their passions into successful ventures.
Nathalie Fievre, a breast cancer survivor, shared a booth with her well-known sister, author Jessica Fievre, at the book fair. Representing the “Group de Support Contre le Cancer,” Nathalie was there not only to raise awareness about this nonprofit organization but also to educate festivalgoers about cancer. Her presence with other members provided valuable information and support, emphasizing the importance of awareness and early detection.
The festival’s success was further underscored by the sheer number of participants. Over 2,000 people attended the event, reflecting the community’s strong support and enthusiasm for Haitian literature and culture. The organizers expressed their gratitude to the attendees, authors, and volunteers who made the event possible, highlighting the collaborative spirit that has driven the festival’s growth over the past decade.
“I am really excited about how today turned out, with the community coming together and book lovers showing up in great numbers,” said acclaimed author Michèle-Jessica “MJ” Fièvre, who coordinated this year’s edition. “A big thank you to the authors, panelists, partners, media, and amazing readers for making the Little Haiti Book Festival a huge success this year again.”
The 10th Annual Little Haiti Book Festival not only celebrated a milestone but also reinforced the importance of cultural exchange and literary exploration. It was a day that left participants inspired and looking forward to future editions of this cherished event.
Dessalines Ferdinand /Le Floridien
