My interest in joining the Haiti Cultural Exchange (HCX) team began with my first trip to Haiti during the Spring of 2017. As a Haitian American, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, the prospect of finally getting to visit my “Motherland” was exciting. Despite being there only four days, I was able to immerse myself in the culture and history of Haiti in a way much better than reading content online or out of a book. I was able to touch and see the colorful buildings my relatives lived in, to smell the poultry being cooked with fresh vegetables on the road and through the windows of homes, and to hear, first hand, the language, music, and movement of my people. Being in Haiti completely changed my understanding of the culture.
On my return home to Brooklyn, I was looking for ways to reengage with the energy I felt while in Haiti and also rediscover my appreciation for art. Whether it be through drawing, writing, or filmmaking, I searched for ways to continue being influenced and inspired by Haitian art while home in NYC. My search led me to find HCX, whose focus on the cultural appreciation of Haitian art and artists of the diaspora fell right in line with my interest. Being in the presence of individuals who strive to preserve and promote Haitian art improves my relationship with the culture and my heritage. Joining the team gives me the opportunity to further immerse myself in the arts while being inspired by my culture and learning how to interact with the community in impactful ways.
With my graduation from Brooklyn College approaching this fall, I would like to be able to take what I learn here and apply it to my future in a meaningful way. I hope the programs and initiatives by HCX can inspire me to use my English degree creatively in diverse spaces. The programs implemented by HCX help to bring together people in the diaspora by spreading their stories and positively impacting communities in ways they may not have been able to do on their own. I am excited to see how these artists use their mediums to shape their own creative voices and create a dialogue around Haitian culture. In joining the HCX team , I look forward to pushing both the organization and myself to grow in ways that will continue to benefit the community.
Comments