Distilling Heritage: Legacy in Spirit and Speech

This event explores the evolution and future of Haitian Kreyòl through the perspectives of scholars, writers, and community leaders. Haitian Kreyòl is more than the language in the traditional sense. Born from the convergence of African languages, French, and Indigenous influences, Haitian Kreyòl tells the story of Haiti. It is the language in which families share wisdom, artists create, communities organize, and generations pass down traditions. The panel discussion explores the evolution and future of Haitian Kreyòl through the perspectives of scholars, writers, and community leaders. Together, the panelists will examine questions of language preservation, cultural authenticity, education, literature, and identity while highlighting how Kreyòl continues to unite Haitians across borders and generations.

Panelist: Jan Mapou | Co-founder Sosyete Koukouy and Owner of Libreri Mapou
Panelist: Leonie M. Hermantin | Director of Special Projects at Sant La
Panelist: Nicolas “Tiko” André | Professor and Founder of Akademi Kreyòl Ayisyen
Panelist: P. Castro Desroches | Author and Cultural commentator

Whether you speak Kreyòl every day, understand it but rarely speak it, or are reconnecting with your Haitian heritage, this discussion will celebrate the richness of Haiti and the impact of Kreyòl in shaping the Haitian experience. Guests will also have a chance to experience the current show at Green Space Miami – COUNT IT ALL JOY! , a group show of 14 Miami artists curated by Donnamarie Baptiste and Arsimmer McCoy. The proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to ProDev, a nonprofit based in Haiti, that mission is to ensure access to quality education for under served children.

Program
06:00 PM – 06:30 PM – Welcome, view the exhibition, Open Bar and Light Bites
06:30 PM – 07:00 PM – Part I: Haitian Rhum and Chocolate Pairing
07:00 PM – 08:00 PM- Part II: Haitian Kreyòl Panel Diescussion