Echoes of Heritage: Haitian Diaspora in Focus at SummerStage

For the past few years, I've consistently attended Michael Brun's 'BAYO' tour in New York. I observed that the audience is mainly youthful, comprising both first-generation Haitian Americans and recent immigrants. Intrigued, I conducted brief interviews with some attendees. The following is what ensued. The interviews have been minimally edited for better clarity.

Fitgi, 34

JM: What was it like growing up as a first generation Haitian American?

Fitgi: Being in America specifically in New York is an amazing place to be a first generation Haitian because your whole community is here. From the birthday party to the baby showers to the celebrations we do everything together in the spirit of the Haitian culture in a new place. And we’re able to connect with other Caribbean countries. In Elmont where I was raised it was 90% black but everyone was striving for the best and we get to come to amazing events like this summer stage where we celebrate our culture together.

Nani, 26

Nani 26

JM: Did you have strict parents growing up?

Nani: [I had] very strict parents. You have strict guidelines to follow [so] you have to find your own identity and have fun!

Christie, 33

JM: Talk to me about being a Haitian millennial. What makes us unique?

Christie: I don’t know how to answer that actually. Like being a Haitian millennial. I feel like I am still trying to figure out my Haitian Identity while still managing being a single American mother right now you know?

I think that I am stuck in between the culture of America. Especially being a New Yorker and trying to grasp the culture of being Haitian. Trying to make sure that not only myself but my child stays within that tradition of being a Haitian American.

Do you speak creole?

I do. When I was younger I was very deep into it. But my parents brought us into a catholic private school and my language kinda changed. My accent was gone so I sound very american.

Steve, 34

JM: Talk about growing up as a first generation Haitian American. Is it hard?

Steve: Extremely tough. Not for the weak.

Have you run into family members here?

I spotted a few a few so far. I’m spotting more. So I’ll see them, I’m sure.

Is it wild to you that you can come to the same event, talk about being a Haitian Millennial specifically, listening to old konpa but listening to updated versions of it.

I think it’s crazy like. I’ve been listening to Konpa more and more as I got older.

Wow! Do you feel like you’re reconnecting with the music that your parents would play when they were cooking?

Absolutely. I think of the radio playing in the kitchen. Radio soleil!

Gessie, 39

JM: Have you run into any family members here today?

I came with my friend and she’s not Haitian. She’s fuckign white. And she’s enjoying herself so much and I love it.

JM: What was it like growing up as a first generation Haitian American?

Oh my God. I mean I started ...I mean I saw Emeline Michele today and that was the highlight of my [day]. I grew up with her in the 80s. So, it was...it was I don’t even know how to say it. It was different. But it was something that I will [never forget] every song remind me of growing up in Haiti.

When did you leave Haiti?

I came here in 1999. I’ve never been back since then but i’m going next month for the first time ever in a very long time. When I came here I was 14. So I don’t remember anything at all.

I hope you enjoy it!

Yea! I’m doing everything I can do. I’m going straight to Okap. So I’m so fucking excited.