Kreyolicious.com :: The Haitian-American Lifestyle, Culture and Arts Magazine

"Where have you been??"

I've actually been doing a lot of reading here (among other places): Kreyolicious.com :: The Haitian-American Lifestyle, Culture and Arts Magazine:

I find this magazine most compelling because it is not written for me, a white, middle-class American girl with a proclivity for social causes. There is no (overt) political agenda and no real call to action; the magazine is simply meant to celebrate Haitian culture in a modern setting.

Also of interest is the fact that this is most definitely a magazine not an academic journal. The articles are relatively short, relevant and very readable. I find none of the hyper-emotional language or the dramatic photographs that usually accompany articles about Haiti. It is not particularly hard-hitting or challenging, it is simply pleasant.

Perhaps this doesn't seem very complimentary. Please believe me that I actually consider both of these attributes refreshing. Perhaps it may be ignoring the less pleasant parts of Haiti or maybe it is not an accurate depiction of what it means to be a Haitian living in Haiti (but then, it is a magazine for Haitian-Americans, after all), but, for some reason, this all strikes me as unpretentious and honest more than irresponsible or out of touch.

At the very least it shines a light on the pieces of Haitian culture that you rarely never see on the mainstream news or hear from Haitian advocacy groups. Sure, I'm still seeking most of my historical and political information other places, but Kreyolicious is a departure from the norm that I find delightful.

'via Blog this'

The Apparent Project

My sister in law read about the Apparent Project on a blog she follows and recommended it to me recently.

The project employs a network of Haitian artisans to make those rolled-paper beads that are getting so popular as well as journals, baskets and other hand-crafts and then markets these items via an online marketplace or home-hosted jewelry parties a la Pampered Chef or Cookie Lee (all the ladies reading this just sat up and sniffed the air).

While I am almost always a big fan of nonprofits that also support industry in Haiti, I was immediately impressed by how grounded this project seems to be. The administrators of the organization are in very close contact with their artisans, they are all friends and neighbors, and thus in touch with their needs. More importantly they strongly advocate the idea of solidarity, i.e. community with them.

I find this incredibly encouraging. Too many well-meaning individuals and nonprofits are moved by the plight of Haiti and attempt to meet needs without really understanding what those needs are. Generally speaking, as foreigners, we approach Haiti with a limited and often completely inaccurate understanding of her history, personality and culture (especially when it comes to foreign assistance) and bring with us our own history, personality, and culture. Until we can recognize that both exist and understand how fundamentally different they are, all of our relief efforts, even so-called sustainable efforts, are going to be short-lived  at best and harmful at worse.

You can read more about the challenges and pitfalls to humanitarian work at the Apparent Project Blog here.

I've struggled personally with the way people like me, incredibly wealthy by global standards, approach poverty, especially foreign poverty. I've talked about the effects of a culture of affluence and even how we hate the poor. My battle against ignorance, fear and judgement rages daily and becomes even more difficult each day I spend away from Haiti. Still, it is the passion of my heart to know Haiti and to earn the respect of the Haitian people. To learn about her, to listen to her and to share what I learn with those who also long not to save but to understand her.

I am very excited about the work that the Apparent Project is doing, their business philosophy and their personal investment in the people of Haiti. I hope that they continue to stay true to those philosophies and that their work multiplies not only economically but culturally as well.