Thanks to James L-C for permission to reprint the following list of famous people of Haitian descent. There were some surprises for me on this list. Anyone know of any to add? ~ed.
UPDATE: J.S. Alexis has emailed the following to the editors: “In your list of famous people of Haitian descent, you should add actor Sydney Poitier. His father was a Haitian farmer.”
POLITICAL
W.E.B. Dubois – Famous American Civil Rights Leader whose parents migrated from Haiti
Toussaint Louverture “The Black Napoleon” – Black Freedom fighter who in 1803 would open the way for the First Black Republic in the World, Ayiti (Haiti). He died in a french jail before seeing a free Haiti, which in 1804 became the 2nd country in the Americas after the U.S. to become independent
Jean-Jacques Dessalines – Leader of the First Black Republic in the World
Alexandre Petion – Haitian Leader who would help the founder of Latin American Independence, Simon Bolivar (The country of Bolivia is named after him), by providing weapons and soldiers with the promise Bolivar would free all the slaves in places he liberated. The flag of Venezuela was actually sewed together in Haiti
Henry Christophe – Famous Haitian King who build the Citadelle in Haiti which is a huge fortress representing freedom. As a young boy, he was one of many slave soldiers recruited by the French in then the colony of Saint Domingue (which would later become Haiti) to fight alongside the Americans in the American Revolution in 1779 against the British in Savanah Georgia. Today, there is a Statue in Savanah Georgia representing the little known fact of Haiti’s small contributions in U.S. History
ARTS & CULTURE
John James Audubon – Was born in Haiti and would become a legendary, revered bird watcher and art enthusiast in America. The Audubon Society is named after him
Jean Michel Basquiat – Son of Haitian and Puerto Rican parents who was a graffiti artist in NYC using the tag SAMO who would later become one of the most successful, controversial and glamorous artists in the world
Jacques Stephen Alexis – Haitian writer who is a descendant of Jean-Jacques Dessalines. One of his works is GENERAL SUN, MY BROTHER
Ludovic Lamothe – A graduate of L’Institution Saint Louis de Gonzague in Port-au-Prince Haiti, he was sent to Paris to study music composition. He is one of Haiti’s most renowned classical composers
Wyclef Jean – Musician, singer and producer who founded the Fugees
Praz – The other guy from the Fugees
Won-G – Haitian American Rapper who has a video out with Paris Hilton. Wait…Not that kind of video (imagine the outrage of P.H. caught doing it with a black guy). This one is actually not rated X and is a music video
Edwidge Danticat – Famous Haitian American writer of such books like THE FARMING OF THE BONES and KRIC? KRAC?
Quddus – Haitian Canadian MTV VJ / Model
Oswald Durant – Haitian Poet who wrote “choucoune” which would later become the lyrics for the songs “little bird” by Harry Belafonte.
Alexandre Dumas – French writer who is the son of a Haitian slave woman and a French soldier. His famous writings includes, THE THREE MUSKETEERS and THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO
Gabrielle Casseus – Actor in movies such as BLACK HAWK DOWN, and BEDAZZLED
Vanessa Williams – Not the singer, but the one who acts in SOUL FOOD the series.
Tyrone Edmond – Famous Haitian model
Jimmy Saint Louis – Famous Haitian actor / model. He was in THE BOURNE IDENTITY, TEARS OF THE SUN, and soon to be released THE GAMES OF THEIR LIVES where he plays the role of Haitian Joe Gaetzens (see sports below). {I have a cameo in this movie by the way, where I play the role of soccer players Eddie Pope and Robin Frazer J
Garcelle Beauvais – Born in Haiti and moved to NY. She would become a model than an actress on NYPD Blue
Gary Dourdain – Actor from CSI Las Vegas. His parents or grandparents came from Haiti. Sadly enough, his older brother died in Haiti (there are questions as to whether he was pushed off a balcony, or simply fell) while on a visit there to research his Haitian lineage
Marjorie Vincent – Daughter of Haitian immigrants who would become Miss America in 1991
Raoul Peck – Haitian Film director who has many films in his credits. One of which is the famous documentary LUMUMBA: Death of a Prophet
Josephine Premice – Haitian born American actress/dancer/singer. Some of her acting credits is THE JEFFERSONS, THE COSBY SHOW, A DIFFERENT WORLD…
Rene Depestre – Famous Haitian writer of many books, one of which is THE FESTIVAL OF THE GREASY POLE
Jacques Roumain – Famous Haitian writer and one of his most famous work is GOUVERNEURS DE LA ROSEE
Jean-Jean Pierre – Haitian composer, musician, journalist, and playwright, who was profiled on the New York Times Public Lives segment in December 23rd 2004
Ronal and Rony Delice – Haitian Brothers who are acclaimed fashion designers in New York City
RELIGION
Pierre Toussaint – Haitian born slave who is under consideration by the Vatican for canonization for his humanitarian work in New York
Elizabeth Clarisse Lange – Freed slave who first migrated to Cuba then to Baltimore, Maryland. In Baltimore, she founded the first Catholic school for black children, the St. Francis Academy. Today, she is also being considered for canonization by the Vatican
OTHERS WORTH MENTIONING
Jean Baptiste Pointe Du Sable – Free Black Slave from Haiti who would become a very successful trader in America. In 1779, he established the first permanent settlement of the city of Chicago. He is known today as the founder of that city.
Dr. Rose Marie Toussaint – One of only two women liver transplant surgeon in the world
Joseph Laroche – Haitian businessman traveling with his french wife and kids on the Titanic which was somewhat of a choc to people to see a black man and his white wife traveling aboard a very expensive ocean liner at that time. He was taking his family to live in Haiti when he died with many others on the sunken ship. We all know what happened. She along with their 2 kids survived. He didn’t. He was the only black man to die on the Titanic. His wife and kids never made it to Haiti as they decided to return to France
Dr. Carole Berotte Joseph – She is the new president of MassBay Community College in Massachussetts
SPORTS
Joe Gaetjens – Haitian born soccer player who scored amazing goal for the underdog U.S. in match against mighty England in 1950 World Cup of Soccer in Brazil. This game is still today one of the biggest upset in sports history. He would later die under mysterious circumstances in Haiti under Papa Doc (see below). In 1976 he was inducted into the United States Soccer Federation Hall of fame.
William Joseph – DT for NY Giants
Jonathan Vilma – LB for NY Jets
Samuel Dalembert – C for Philadelphia 76rs
Mario Elie – Former G for Houston Rockets
Olden Polynice – Former NBA player
Bruny Surin – Haitian / Canadian Track and field star
WISH THEY WEREN’T HAITIANS
Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier along with his father Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier, combined to ruled Haiti under a brutal dictatorship for about 30 yrs. Papa Doc was the inspiration of Graham Greene in his book and movie adaptation of THE COMEDIANS. When Baby Doc left for France in 1986, it is estimated he took most of the country’s wealth with him. Today he lives broke in the South of France with his wife having taken most of the stolen money before leaving him
WISH THEY WERE HAITIANS
Danny Glover – American Actor and Activist who’s been working for the past decade to get Hollywood to make a movie on TOUSSAINT LOUVERTURE. Unfortunately, Hollywood thinks the story is too black.
Jonathan Demme – Film Producer who just recently released THE AGRONOMIST a story of Haitian journalist Jean Dominique who died under shady circumstances
Lauryn Hill – Much love for you girl. Can’t wait for the FUGEES reunion concert this summer in Haiti. You bet I will be on the plane to PAP
Katherine Dunham – The Matriarch of black American dance, she spend many years in Haiti studying Haitian dances. She incorporates many Haitian dances in her works. If you found this instructive, let me know. If I am missing anyone from this list, let me know. My job is to promote my culture in a positive light and if you have learned something new, than I did a good job. Like we say in kreyol, “deye mon se monâ€, which means behind every mountains is many more mountains – in short, the struggle continues.
Peace! J
70 Comments
NAAHD is is working for the betterment of Haitians, please join forces with us in protecting our community’s future…
the information was on point, as haitian living in the Bahamas such vital awareness is useful and the negative feedback concerning what it is to be a haitian is insulting to our heritage and forefathers that contributed so much. guess what the first black politician in the house of assembly was a haitian by the name stephen dillet who has a school named in his hour.
long live haiti the land that thought blacks freedom!
Thank you for writing this. This is very informative and shows that Haitian people can do anything that they set there minds to. And as young haitian or haitian americans need to stop messing around stay focused and handle your business in school. And do the best to make these haitian people proud who paved the way for us to do what ever our hearts desire.
Big up to all the haitians that are representing us to the fullest!
Um, I don’t mean to be a nit pick, but DuBois definitely wasn’t Haitian. His grandfather was white and his father was born there leaving soon after. His popz was a dead beat vagabond. I know ya’ll prolly get upset but if you put a cat in a garage, does that make it a car?
The struggle continues is right! As a Haitian, I am sadden by what I am seeing in my hood. Kids not going to school, cought up in gang activity, thirsting to live like yankees. Growing up, it was not cool to be Haitian; often had to hide my identity in fear of what others may think. It made me a better man, completing college, not getting cought up with the BS and now working for one of the greatest companies in the World. I walk with my head high. Don’t forget where you came from… the struggle continues.
what about christopher columbus?
It is beautiful to say the least that our haitian people have found another avenue to highlight the accomplishments of us…..In addition to what I have come across I would also like to share with you a poet/rapper/actor/activist that has contributed to the elevation of our pride on many spectrums. MECCA aka GRIMO…You can get a lot of information about him at his website for those interested…www.meccaakagrimo.com
Peace Love and L’UNION FAIT LA FORCE
this is a really cool web page. I was proud to see some of the names such as: W.E.B dubois’s parents were from haiti. I’m sure that there is more famous haitian people out there whose names are not recorded and why not you who is reading this note?
I’ve never feel so pround in my life to say with a loud voice to say I am a haitian…
I really apreciate your effort, I just you good luck and also which there more individual like.
thank you much luck brother.
I’ve never feel so pround in my life to say with a loud voice to say I am a haitian…
I really apreciate your effort, I just which you good luck and also which there’s more individual like you.
thank you and much luck brother.
Thanks for your comment, Gontrand. I’m very happy you found this site worthwhile.
How about more information on the influence of Haitian Culture on the city of New Orleans, L.A.? The Haitian influence was profound to say the least.
We need to find a way to unite as Haitians. We need to create a network of professional that can help and support our future leaders.
We need to talk to all our friends that are Haitians and start to make sure people understand that us as Haitians, we are here in this country to make this country great. We cannot allow our young children to feel embarrass about being Haitians…
It is imperative that Haitians in the Diaspora are committed to the development of Haiti (political, economic, social and otherwise), and the current needs of the people there. As long as Haiti is the poorest nation in the western hemisphere, the image of Haitians everywhere will continue to be negative. We, who are the first and second generations of Haitians abroad, must understand that it is blaspheme to rep the country and do nothing for the people. Your/our success lies on the backs of those who came before us, who fought for our (and the whole Black world’s) freedom from slavery and oppression, we owe it to them to have the interests of Haiti’s people today and in the future at heart. Haitians have got to be the proudest people in the world, I look on facebook and myspace and there are nearly a hundred group’s reppin Haiti- we need to put that pride to work for the best interest of our people at home and abroad.
By the way… this sort of thing is Great! It needs to be expanded upon, I am sure there is lots more infornmation out there. Our children need to know these things.
PROUD TO BE A HAITIAN! WOULD NOT WANT IT ANY OTHER WAY…...........
i won`t say we are in this country to make it great but i `d say we are in this country because no other country want us to be too confortable in our homeland because we are the first black republc and the 2nd country to declare his independence after the usa .so haiti won`t be a good example for porto-rico,jamaica,martinique,turks and caicos ect…if you are from haiti you know better than me that a good government that can provides security ,amnisty,education,good welfare program,and help the peasants so they can stay in the country side haiti would be perfect for me to migrate back. i know one thing for sure haitian loves haiti not because of the panorama but because of our legacy, our history,sense of partage,the smile onthe faces,i love my country and i`m a proud haitian , ialways say i`m haiti to everyone that i met because i keep only REAL FREIND AND I TAKE ONLY OPPORTUNITY THAT NOT BASED ON MY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN NOR MY RACE. IF BY HIDING YOU ARE HAITIAN WORKS FOR YOU MAY BE YOU DON`T EVEN EXIST.
To all of my Haitian people out there who are living in Haiti, USA or the West for that matter.
Fear not, it takes only one day to the monkeys of our backs. And when that day comes? Haitians sons and daughters will no longer be yours. Remember,We are doctors, inventors, scientists, administrarors, leaders, entertainers, and so forth. So my Haitian people, keep hope alive, and the great spirit for a better Haiti.
MY mother, father, and older sister are from Haiti I would love to know more about the culture and to maybe meet more Haitians where I live and I know nomatter what people say about me I will always be an American Haitian its in my blood.
I am a 34 yr old woman who came here at a very young age. I have always been proud to be from this wonderful country. I know right now we are poor. financially. look at all the richness being from our country provides. things that can never ever be bought. When I have the time, I research “us” . It is too bad that a country that, within it’s people have so much to say, so much history, it is hard to trace our ancestry. I believe within each family there is a long bloodline. Researching or families would put us in a good position to then see what we are and who were are as a whole. It is hard to come across information that is useful to our pride. Our bloodlines are rich, our spirits are rich. Within every family of people from Haiti, there is so much to learn thereby coming away with pride. I have time and time again asked my mom of everything she knows. That is my advice to my generation and the ones that come after. ask, seek, find the answers to your questions about “us”. We should be the proudest Brown people in the world. We should walk around like there is nothing we can’t attain. we are powerful. we need to use this. I find that being from Haiti is a mystical thing. there is no other brown nation like us, yet we can identify with many. I am of course speaking from my own point of view . I am of a biased opinion, towards my people.
Thank you so much Stuart Maxwell for this. I have printed this page to place on my wall, so myself and my son can see what Haiti has produced. I look forward to seeing more of what’s in store here.
yours truly,
M. Augustin
Thank you, Marie. I’m so glad that people continue to find this page and find it a source of inspiration. I want to thank James L-C once again, who compiled the original list.
I regret that my schedule has kept me from updating this blog lately. I hope to post an account of my recent trip to Haiti’s Nord Ouest before long. In the meantime, your comments here are most welcome.
You should add the names of:
Entrepeneur and Fashion designer Patrick Tardieu see http://www.bgbogosse.com
Writer Louis-Philippe Dalembert, autor of several books published in many languages, and recipient of several literacy awards in Europe. He attended College St Martial, Ecole Nomale, and Sarbone on a scholarship.
Mario Ellie who won a total of 4 NBA championship rings with Houston and San Antonio. He was recently an assistant coach of the Golden States Warriors
Roger Dorsainvil. He is the son of the haitian historian who spent almost his entire life in exile in Senegal during the Duvalier regime. He owns a Doctorate in physics from russia and has been conducting research and teaching at The City University Of New York
Dr Messac, PhD in Mechanical Engineering. Teacher of nuclear Engineering at Notheastern Universty, and RPU.
I could go on for ever.
Cassendre Xavier a.k.a. Amethyste Rah is a famous Haitian singer and author. Her website is http://www.cassendrexavier.com
Where is the name Roanld Agenor under the topic famous sports? He is the biggest professionals tennis player Haiti has ever had and he’s world famous. He is a former top 20 tennis player in the world. Visit his website at http://www.ronaldagenor.com Please add him to your list. Thanks
MY NAME IS SENATUS J. VENET, ARTIST AND COMPUTER GRAPHIC ARTIST I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY AND LET ME KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON. I WILL BE HAPPY TO HAVE MORE INFORMATION
My name is Hermite(Her-Meet)I was born in Nassau Bahamas by both Haitian Parents, but raised In Cap-Haitien, Haiti, I’m always proud to tell everyone I meet that I am Haitian, even though now I am an American Citizen I spent most of my times in Haiti, because I love that country very much, that’s where my heart is. Thank you so much for this information, there is another Haitian actor Jimmy Jean-Louis, I think, he was in the movie with Mo’Nique ( Phat Girlz) very good movie.
Thx!
Hermite
Hey! N. Pierre, W.E.B Dubois is Haitian by the law of the blood. You don’t have to be born in Haiti to be Haitian.
Subject: Stars d’origine haitienne
Je vous transfère un email assez interessant que j’ai reçu d’une amie…Bonne lecture
Nous ne produisons pas seulement la pauvreté et la misère, mais aussi des vedettes internationales… Haiti ne mourra jamais dans l’esprit de ses enfants…
JMM
Comédiens et personnalité du spectacle [modifier]
Sidney Poitier, acteur américain dont le père est haïtien.
Anthony Kavanagh, humoriste québécois d’origine haïtienne
Will Smith acteur, producteur, chanteur, d’origine haitiano-jamaicaine (il le confirme dans le show “Russel Simmons one music beat”)
Tyrone Edmond, modèle américain, née au Cap-Haitien.
Garcelle Beauvais, actrice américaine, née à St-Marc.
Denzel Washington, acteur et producteur d’origine haïtienne (confirmé dans l’émission “Hollywood stories” sur Paris Première)
Les Wayans, acteurs, cinéastes, producteurs, ont des origines haïtiennes du côté paternel
Gary Dourdan, né Gary Robert Durdin, acteur (Les Experts), a des origines haïtiennes
Ben Quddus Philippe, présentateur sur MTV, dont la mère est haïtienne
Jimmy Jean-Louis, acteur rendu célèbre par son rôle dans Heroes
Marie-Anna Murat, journaliste et animatrice de télévision québécoise
Toto Bissainthe, comédienne et chanteuse, née au Cap Haitien.
claudine orval, comédienne québécoise origine haïtienne
Cinéastes [modifier]
Arnold Antonin, cinéaste et producteur
Raoul Peck, cinéaste et producteur
Chanteurs [modifier]
Lenny Kravitz, chanteur, auteur, compositeur, dont la mère qui vient des Bahamas est d’origine haïtienne
Missy Eliott, chanteuse, auteur, compositeur, a des origines haïtiennes (confirmé dans l’émission “Cribs”)
André 3000 (né André Benjamin), chanteur, auteur, compositeur du groupe Outkast a des origines haïtiennes
DJ Whoo Kid D..J. américain membre du groupe de rap G-Unit, de son vrai nom Yves Mondésire.
Usher, le « prince » du R’n’B américain, de son vrai nom Usher Raymond.
Tony Yayo rappeur américain des G-Unit, de son vrai nom Marvin Bernard
50 cent rappeur du group g-unit, sont vrai nom est Curtis Jackson
Wyclef Jean et Pras Michel, rappeurs américains membres du groupe Fugees.
Gage chanteur de R’n’B canadien découvert par Corneille, est d’origine haïtienne et jamaïcaine.
Alibi Montana rappeur français de son vrai prénom nickarson habitant la ville La Courneuve dépt 93 en France.
Kery James rappeur français de son vrai nom Alix Mathurin.
Sean “P.Diddy” Combs, le plus influent des rappeurs US, a des origines haïtiennes du côté maternel
Téri Moise, née à Los Angeles de parents haitiens, chanteuse nu soul
LL Cool J, rappeur, a des origines haïtiennes de par sa grand-mère
Snoop Dogg, rappeur américain, issu d’une famille d’origine haitienne comme l’atteste son cri de guerre “Coté Bouzin Yo ?!!
Dr. Dre, producteur et chanteur de rap, né d’un père américain et d’une mère haitienne (d’où son prénom Romel)
Warren G, rappeur américain demi-frère de Dr. Dre (même mère)
DMX, rappeur américain dont le père est d’origine haïtienne
Hommes politiques et militaires [modifier]
Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable, métis qui serait le fondateur de la ville de Chicago aux États-Unis.
Le général Alexandre Dumas, métis, père de l’écrivain français Alexandre Dumas.
Michaëlle Jean, gouverneure générale du Canada, immigrante d’Haïti.
W.E.B. DuBois, acti
Meme quand on nous critique severement mais nous produisons aussi de bons fruits.
Thank you for such wonderful info. i never knew the existance of some of them until now. I will indeed share with others.
AYIBOBO!!!
being an haitain, attending high school in the united states takes a whole a lot of courage. for the reason,at school they’re so many trash talking about haitains. it’s almost like it’s ok to be haitain at school as long as your the thug. which compel numerous students to say that they’re not haitain. however, i still don’t see this as an excuse to be ashamed of being haitian, nothing irritates me the most. why should care anyway, i’m haitian and i’m proud of it!!!!!
Thank you for such valuable information. This is very informative. I never knew we have so many talented people. I will definitely share this information with my kids. Thank you once again, and keep up the good work.
Hello!! Thank you so much for this soulful, inspiring list of people of Haitian descent who have made an impact in the world.
I stumpled across your site after flipping to the first page of “The Count of Monte Cristo”. I never knew Mr. Dumas was of Haitian ancestry!This is awesome that you have this list and I would like to share with other Haitians just to uplift them. This shows that…
We Have Been Making An Impact All Across The World. ET JUSTE COU NYA NAP BOULE TOUJOUR.
From Asia to You,
Danielle
Buyeo, Chungnam Province, Republic of South Korea
Pursue Your Haitian Passion
by Makendal
We live in a time where obstacles in the path of the journey of our life come like wolves in sheep’s clothing, and they sometimes/often times appear in our mirrors although we may not see or recognize their reflections. They appear as the voices in our heads or the voices from our peers, friends, family and mates.
Our hopes and dreams and our desires when we started off as starry-eyed children in Haiti or here in the United States, these hopes and dreams were always changing, always mobile, sometimes infantile, but always we aspired to go higher, higher than our own one-story roof, further than the galri front yard, further than the front porch, further than la ville (downtown and capital).
Years ago many had dreams of being doctors and lawyers, and some children, while playing lago kache, woslè and dominoes, they looked up at the stars and dreamt with eyes wide open of being astronauts. Others wanted to become surgeons and engineers, race car drivers, Olympic divers and soccer stars…they weaved their dreams upon their personal stars…and at an early age, kicked a ball around a school yard, read books on medicine, played doctor, ran bicycles like they were in the Indy 500…some sat on top of their roofs and dreamt of walking on the moon, circling Mars, seeing the earth from above, inventing life-saving medicines or become the most world renowned detective…their minds raced across countries and jungles escaping and fighting evil, fixing cars and building airplanes, being airmen in the Air Force…and of course, being President.
But something always seems to happen…some obstacle always seems to rear its head within their vision…a voice always seems to drown out the sound of their wishes being made as their dreams are played out on the stages of their mind. Parents force them to stop thinking about being a chef, a cook and focus on being a doctor or lawyer. Parents and society team up together and deter them from even thinking about being a doctor or lawyer and focus on running the family business…or resigning themselves to believing the words that are echoed in their ears and minds constantly, jack hammered into their soul:
Ou Pap Janm Anyen.
If the ones who came before you are still doing things the old fashioned way…if they are not truly making a difference and if they are hurting more than helping the community when you know you can and will do more…PURSUE YOUR PASSION, no matter the obstacles.
no matter if they own the city, no matter if they have the city officials, radios or television stations in their pockets…PURSUE YOUR PASSION and do…DO!
The little Haitian girl with dreams of being an actress is told that she better learn how to be a good maid because that’s all she’ll ever be. And so, she steals glimpses of her role models on TV and dreams until one day her dreams get deferred somewhere between the outside tub where she washes her employer’s clothes and the inside kitchen where she cooks for her employer and has to wait until they are finished eating and no longer need for her to serve them before she can have her own meal. The little Haitian boy who was told that a musician is a vagabond…and will never amount to anything, will never be respected, his dream was also deferred…deferred by stereotypes and negativity, even jealousy.
And although he could play a guitar very adeptly at age 6 and was writing music by age 8…although he dreamt of playing in his country’s palace for international dignitaries, and had dreams of Carnegie and Radio City, he followed the OTHER path that he was sent on and went to work in the family business…went to college and got his degree in something…started working for someone.
Many have a passion for cooking, for fashion, for writing, modeling or dancing, law or medicine…maybe even art…yet are forced by various reasons and chains of events (pregnancy, money, loss of partner or family members, self-deprecation, marriage, divorce) to just “get a job†and make ends meet, not realizing that the ends are not really meeting mentally and emotionally. Their PASSION was created, fed by their dreams, hopes, desires and aspirations…and then starved by family and society until these same passions and dreams were deferred and finally locked away in some dusty trunk in the back of their mind.
Later on in their years, they will let their thoughts open that trunk where they discarded their passions and dreams, and look at what could have been. But I say to you…why not pursue your passion? Why not shun what your family thinks is best if you feel, think, know, love and are happy with the inner you and what you THINK your inner you and you can accomplish what you set your mind to?
Yes!
Pursue your passion!
Fulfill whatever academic necessities are required of you!
Follow your path and your dream, so that when you rise like the sun and shine in the sky, you can look at the darkness that wanted to hold you and smile with pride!
PURSUE YOUR PASSION!
Just because you are poor or middle class…or your parents may be semi-literate and you come from a supposed poor nation…just because you are labeled as “moun monnâ€, “moun andeyo†or your adolescent years were that of farming, barefoot, tattered clothes, restavek…HERE YOU ARE NOW…with the same dreams still in your mind being weaved, dreams of going to college, being the first of 5, 10, 15 siblings of an entire family to walk through the doors of University…PURSUE YOUR PASSION!
FOLLOW YOUR DREAM!
Pursue it with intensity and tenacity like Dumarsais Simeus, the eldest son of peasant rice farmers from Pont Sonde in Lâ€Artibonite, Haiti. He grew up working the land in Haïti to feed himself and his 11 siblings. In 1961 His family sold some land so he could fly to the United States to pursue a college education at Florida A&M University and an MBA from the University of Chicago…although society and life and negativity could have made him just continue in the footsteps of his parents and those around him, casting his dreams and his hopes and aspirations aside for that of status quo.
No…he pursued his passion and let his passion be the catalyst that he needed to become the President and CEO of Simeus Foods, Inc providing food products for national multi-chain restaurants and large institutions like El Pollo Loco, Denny’s, T.G.I.F’s and Burger King in the United States and Canada generating $155 million a year.
So the next time you have a Burger King burger, know that it probably was seasoned with the dreams and passion of a little boy from Pont Sonde , Haiti .
PURSUE YOUR PASSION!
Like the preacher’s son who was told to stay in the church, when his passion was in hip hop and music.Now, he’s a world ambassador for Haiti , and pursuing his passion, loving the moment and enjoying his life! Happy! And still telling people to pronounce his name correctly, not “Jeen†but Jean! Wyclef Jean!
Pursue your passion to help others…to make a difference. Do not fall into the trap that anyen pap janm chanje (nothing will ever change).
Pursue your passion and make a difference like Marleine Bastien did, organizing to help Haitian women and families in South Florida and becoming a household name not only in Haitian homes, but in government too!
Pursue you passion like Edwidge Danticat…work for it, live for it, work for and with it!
Pursue your passion, pursue your dreams, pursue your pen, your violin, your dance steps, your lyrics, your rhyme, your rhythm, your poetry, your culinary desires, your business savvy, your fashion designs, your communication skills…LIFE IS THE ARMY WHERE YOU SHOULD BE ALL THAT YOU CAN BE!
Be that chef!
Be that lawyer!
Be that dancer!
Be that business owner, spa owner, restaurant owner, multi-million dollar real estate broker, singer, song writer, guitarist! Don’t let anyone, anything or any stereotype, status quo or past history….nor the color of your skin, no handicap or class notation stop you from aspiring to be YOU or accomplish what you have been dreaming about ever since you were a child, looking up at the ceiling at night before you went to sleep or day-dreaming in your backyard while playing marbles or staring out into the sea and skies.
If you love to cook…THEN COOK! Become the chef that you want to be…never mind what Haitian society might think! If Emeril listened to negativity, there’d be no “Bam!†on TV, no Emeril…and we have Cordon Bleu Emeril’s in the making in Haiti…soon-to-be chefs who are turning maymoulin, legumes or lanbi into exotic meals…future Emeril’s and future Betty Crockers who will have their own food show on Comcast cable! As long as they, as long as YOU pursue your passion!
Pursue it the same way that little boy many years ago pursued his jump shot and alley-oops…pursue it the way he pursued his dribbles and fakes…and do not let anyone tell you ke Ayisien pa jwe basketball, se futbol ke nou jwe…because if that were true, Olden Polyniece wouldn’t have been signed to the Utah Jazz , Samuel Dalembert wouldn’t have come from Port Au Prince to play for Seton Hall and be drafted by the 76’ers 1st round draft pick babyyy!
PURSUE YOUR PASSION, never give up, the same way that Mario Antoine Elie never gave up trying and failing and trying and failing to get into the NBA…his passion was basketball, and he pursued it…pursued it in Europe until finally in 1991, Elie played his first NBA game, first for the Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers before being traded to the Houston Rockets in 1993. He went on to pursue and feed his passion and won NBA championships with the Rockets first in 1993-1994 and again in 1994-1995, making some incredible three-point field goals and getting the nickname Super Mario and “Junkyard Dog.” doors will be closed, failing once, twice and a third time is a possibility…but the biggest failure is TO NOT PURSUE YOUR PASSION OR TO GIVE UP! William Joseph Defensive Tackle for NY Giants…pursued his passion! Jonathan Vilma Linebacker for NY Jets…pursued his passion!
Ladies…you want to pursue dance or acting? Find out who Josephine Premice was! You’d be shocked and surprised that a Haitian woman, graduate of Columbus University , was on Broadway and Carnegie Hall several times and even appeared on The Jeffersons and A Different World!
Pursue your passion even when your wife or husband tells you it’s a waste of time because when you think of it, TIME is yours and no one else’s! As long as you try…you’re not wasting. Thinking about it and NOT pursuing it, not attempting it, NOT doing it…THAT is the waste.
Where would we be if some our people sat back in the community and decided NOT to start that music website? Where would we be if someone did not pursue the thought of having the one of the the United States ’ biggest Haitian festivals drawing thousands to its display of culture and music to honor our Haitian Independence and our Flag day?
Where would be be if Musique En Folie in Haiti was just that…”folie” never pursued.
What would our art be if our many artists like Tiga, Dambreville, Jean Rene Jerome, Wah, Turgo Bastien , Guy Syllien, Cadet, Florence Arboite, Kristo, Daniele Mangones, Myrthelle Chery, Arlene Magloire did not listen to the passion in their hands?
...and those two little boys that were told they would never amount to anything in Haitian music and they were just a fad…that other young man that they told should go to medical school instead of music…how many years ago was that? Now T-Vice and Sweet Micky are accomplished household names with a long list of albums, sold out shows, festivals and carnivals! Would we even be dancing a konpa rhythm if not for the passion pursued by Webert Sicot and Nemours Jean-Baptiste?
One little boy born in Haiti had a passion for spending his days watching birds. They would yell at him, “Sispann gade zwazo ti gason!”. James Audubon! The Audubon Society is named after him as well as one of the longest stretches of road in Europe !
Fashion? Sewing? Couture? That’s not for boys! Right? Wrong! Just ask famous Ronal and Rony Delice, who live in NY and are top fashion designers now with worldwide acclaim!
Could there even be a Haitian Heritage Museum in Miami, Florida if the not for the passion pursued by two young Haitians, Serge Rodrigue and Eveline Pierre, who had a vision, a dream and a blind eye/deaf ear to the signs and sounds that said “You Can’t”. Tmorrow there institution will be a standing, living icon and monument just like that of Daniel Fils-Aimé whose dream was to erect a monument in the city of Savannah, Georgia as a dedication to the heroes of Haiti and their participation and aid to American history and liberty!
Robert Frost wrote a poem, “The Road Less Traveled” and it was one of the first poems I read in my youth. Find it…read it. The road less traveled, the road that many do not take because no one has trailblazed that road, the road that brings apprehension…TAKE IT…for it is most assuredly the road leading you to the destination of YOUR passion, filled with roadblocks and obstacles that you can and will overcome no matter what others tell you.
Our forefathers had a passion for Freedom. if they didn’t…if they listened to the slavemaster…if they listened to France and Spain …if they believed that they were born to be slaves…if they did not listen to the voice of freedom in their ears, heart and soul…WHERE WOULD WE BE! So pursue your passion! Set yourself free a la maniere de Toussaint, Dessalines, Chrsitophe, Petion, Boyer, Boukman, Makendal, Marie Jeanne, Defile, Sanite, Cecile and Grann Toya!
PURSUE YOUR PASSION! DREAM! Because you can make your dreams come true…if you believe in them!
About The Author: Prosper “Makendal” Sylvain Jr., Multi-lingual Spoken Word Poet, Motivational Speaker presently resides in South Florida . Makendal performs at various venues and events in South Florida and across the eastern seaboard articulating and performing the beauty of his roots through poetry and motivation speaking/teaching. To contact him, email (makendal30@yahoo.com).
Haitian ALl DaY
what happened to haitian scientists?
Yet I am still not convinced that Sidney Poitier is a haitian or a haitian descent at all, as many, many haitians claimed. In my encounter with him, probably in the late 60 or early 70, during my tenure at United Artists Corp., a financing movie company, he never claimed or pretended to be of haitian origin, but only Bahamanian. Fritz Baron, my cousin who was also with that company longer, might be in a better position to confirm or clarify this matter for all HP readers. By the way, carrying a french name doesn’t mean is french or haitian. We all know the proverb” l’habit ne fait pas le Moine”. So are many other stars or actors Dubois, Dumas etc…,etc… Now they turn on to the flashy and spectacular stars as the Wayan brothers, Usher, Celia Cruz, etc…, etc… and claim them as haitians. They probably did it for fun or confusion, who knows?
Yes indeed, there are a lot, a lot of Haïtians stars or celebrities which are still unknown, meanwhile they accomplished some good deeds in Haïti.
Therefore, I salute and thank them in the names of all Haïtians.
Unfortunately, we as haitians, have a tendency to claim, repeat or by hearsay, try to convince the public for rumors or street news and swear to be true or rreal. These news had never been researched or confirmed for anthenticity.
Due to some hideous events,circumstances impede some people not stars to associating themselves with anything that is haitian.
They should rather be in the forefront to disclaim and fight this stereotype attitude but they hid behind their light skin color or with their ease of masterizing a foreign language or simply shut up in the company of foreingners and pretended not being haïtians. We express no grudge towards them but only history will be the judge of that attitude or behavior.
My primary questions to the haïtian celebrities or stars: How many stadiums, schools or hospitals they built in Haïti or carry their names? Zip..! They should follow the good example as Motumbo from Africa with his 30 million dollars hospital built in his home country, Oprah with her expensive school in So. Africa, the dominican baseball star, I forget his name, etc..,etc… What about our Samuel Dalembert, Mario Elie, Olden Polynice etc..,etc..,? None. Please enlight me if I am wrong.!!!!
we have more superstar from haitian descent. people like jay-z, his mother’s name gloria carter, and jay-z ’s name is shawn carter he put his mom lastname his father was haitian but didn’t raise him. people like beyonce her mother is haitian and her father is jamaican , rapper rick ross his haitian descent.denzel washington haitian and canadienne, ll cool j his grand mother haitian just to name a few. i want your to ceck for yourself.
go to http://www.fr.wikipedia.org then go to the left side where it says rechercher then type any of this artist you will see all the information. don’t go to the english wikipedia because it won’t give you the true just go to the one i gave u which is the french one. we should always walk with your heads up because if u let other put their feet on your neck that’s when they gonna take you as shit. Me i fought a marocan guy before when he try to put my country down he tried to insult me i puh him hard since then he never talking shit about my country when he sees me there, maybe when he sees other haitian but not me.haitien nou toujou ap bay lot nation monte sou nou se nou ki pou fe respe haiti wi, si le yon neg ap pale kaka de pey nou epui nou rache mo a nan djol li ak yon per kalot lap toujou pran pye sou nou. ou pa we neg jamaica yo pa gen neg ki janm pale pei yo mal paske yo pa ranse ak moun peyi yo gen mize menm jan ak haiti mrn yo toujou pran poz yo kanpe ro men haitien toujou panse le li lage ol gen moun ki pral charite l yon bagay. menm si ou nan mize se pou ou toujou fre pa janm at pou ou bese tet devan lot nasyon. mwen as yon capois mwen fye de peyi mwen kote m ye pa gen kenn vagabon ki ka pale peyim mal paske se nan dessaline mwen soti mwen toujou sou kombat when it come to defend my country. i don’t play with that nou menm neg okap si tout haitien te fe tankou nou haiti te dwe plus lwen . se nou ki pou fe lot nasyon respekte nou gen neg la li toujou kenbe menm sistem andeyo a li pap achete yon bon rad pou l mete,anpil etranje konn ap gade epui yon gentan identifye ou haitien, why haitien so easy to identify. because nou toujou kenbe system rural haiti yo fe nou habiye, al lekol, epui pa janm bese tet devan lot nason kelkanswa peyi ou te nan mize se pou ou toujou keep your heads up. and don’t panic pa american or jamaican kap bay presyon someime se pe yap fe nou pe yo depi ou kanpe ou demontre yo ou kap frape yo to epui yap vin ba ou lamen.
see the truth, google Haitian History: roots of leadership, and I love what you did with this, I’m gonna do the same to find the lineage of all those pioneers.
I really appreciate the infos you put out there for us proud haitians,thank you but Istill want to know are Lil Wayne, Gabrielle Union really haitians?
I will always be haitien because my mom and dad were born in haiti.
Kenny cesar
8 years old
the actual Governor general of Canada born in Haiti of Haitian parents.
first black woman host of a TV show in Montreal, Canada.
Dr Monestime , medical doctor graduate in Haiti, became a Canadian medical doctor and MAYOR of Wawa in the province of Ontario.
you miss an haitian writer jean ricardy who wrotethe books dont blame the black cause the slavery system still exists and the other one the loss of vision of the modern world
Il y’a thiery Henry le reve francais du foot c un capois pur et dur
To True Haitian-
Denzel Washington and Beyonce’s mother are not Haitian! We need to stop claiming these people just because they, or someone in their family, bare French last names. And second of all, if they were Haitian, they sure as hell ain’t claiming it, so why should we claim them. I am also sick and tired of hearing Haitians claiming Usher…he is NOT Haitian!
Lastly, Wikipedia is not a trustworthy link. Anyone can go in there and change things.
I hope you guys realize, what you are doing.I read nothing but great things but, we must first admit to ourselves.That the only way Haiti can ever be a great nation like any other country that is develope haitian will have to take a real hard look at themselves.let’s think about it for one second, we are always talking about what others have done .what have we done for Haiti, that’s the question. Have we done all that we could have done to make haiti a great nation or lip service.the sad truth lip service is what Haiti get over in over.let us as a nation look at ourselves hard in the mirror.To everyone that read this post:” What have you done for Haiti to make it a great nation beside lip service”,beside Haiti belly is full of lip service. to be proud is to admit Haiti is in a coma and badly need of a make over.
love, peace, understanding.
stop the lip service in do something
Elizabeth Lange, founder of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, was never a slave. Her planter father was a practicing French Jew and her mother was his ex-slave.
Dawn A Richard, model on cover of latest “Creole Amour” magazine is Haitian.
Another famous Haitian: CNN commentator/ Radio Show host Roland Martin.
Roland martin is Haitian descent 4 real go to youtube.com type roland martin he was in a conference i beleive it was in new york when he mentioned he was haitian descent. just type it roland haitian descent in youtube u will see the videos where he was saying that.
Haitian people is a great nation men nou gen kelke moun nan nasyon nou an ki really ignorant or nou te ka di yon seri neg ki swa dizan al etudye nan gro university paret damn pase yon seri moun ki pat gen chans pou yal lekol. se sak fe peyi a pap ka ale pi lwen neg sa yo tro selfish they want everything for themself se yo kominote sevi ak yo pou yo kraze peyi. depi neg la gen jwen yon million nan etranje a yo pa care sa peyi a devenir just pran yon mile dola ba ti pep nan mize al kreye dezod epui se konsa wi ou we nou nan eta nou ye a. se se Haitian yachte pou lajan yo. My point is haitian need to stop being damn pa kite lajan pran nanm nou pou n kraze peyi nou. PRoblem haitian an yo toujou panse al maron nan lot peyi se pou te gen lwa pou transmet tout moun ki fe yon dezod pou tounen lakay pou al juge epui lot yo tap mache sou lod paske yo patap gen kote pou yo al kache, pou mwen menm i think haiti pap janm change paske 3/4 pep la damn menm si yo al lekol yo toujou rete damn mantalite haitian envlope tout moun fe yo fe tenten. se sel haitian yo pa respekte paske they don’t keep their heads up. neg la ka kon li men li toujou paka panse . i don’t know i am sick and tired with some haitians. Don’t get it wrong i am proud to be haitian but some haitian bay problem 4 real.
kominote internasyonal
This is a very good idea to put that as a memory of history.
Correction of Victor Nazaire’s Wednesday, October 15, 2008 note – corrected statement: Dr Monestime , medical doctor graduated in Haiti, became a Canadian medical doctor in 1951 and in 1963, was elected Canada’s first Black MAYOR in MATTAWA, Ontario. A book on Dr. Monestime has been written by historian Doug Mackey, called “Where Rivers Meet”. For further info please see http://www.pastforward.ca
I’M A HAITIAN PRODUCER I LIVE IN CALIFORNIA,BUT MY BEST TIME WERE IN HAITI. I LOVE MY COUNTRY!
I’m proud to find this list tonite, I wish you all the best, I’m in Arizona I wish to have more name like: Professor Rodney Montreuil,Pere Gerard Jn-Juste, Richardson Donnat and some others name
I know!
Do u have a son named noe donnat. I see that u live in arizona. I remember him saying something about his fathers name being francois.
OMG I am so proud of this site and the content written on this site keep up the good work. I would like to add Ralph Gilles the maker of chrysler 300,Daniel Edouard an Haitian-American boxer ,and also Joachime Alcine ,and Adonis Stevenson both Haitian-Candian boxers
Maxwell is Haitian. His mother was born in haiti…Wikipedia.org look up maxwell the singer of pretty wings bio…
was joe dumars haitian former nba players , guibert arena currently playing for the wizzard ,prince marke d from the fat boyz rapper group in the 80. great job of inspiring the up coming ones break that fear not because you from haiti you cant make it great examplethanks for a positive search great job
my name is steven! For short.
I’m 63 years old. ‘ve studied U.S.History.
American Government,U.S.Politics and The Constitution of The United States Of America. I thank God for your service of enlightenment
It is my prayer that God will continue to bless you in this service. Your’s Truly S.W.H. January 17th, 2010
Henry Christophe was actually born in Grenada migrated to Haiti at an early age and later become its leader.
Henry christopher although he grew up In haiti; he was born In the island of Grenada. According to historian Christopher was very rebellious at a young so he was traded to Haiti for more severe and brutal treatments. As he arrived In Haiti he became a changed and well liked boy by his master. He later on became a freeman.
In light of the recent devastation to this historical country, this is a brillantly crafted webstie…
Thx 4 Sharing…!
67. Yes Sydney Poitiers is of Haitian descent. He mentioned it in one of the books he wrote. He is born of a Bahamian mother and a Haitian father. He was born in the US but raised in the Bahamas. See one of his biographies at http://www.belfim.com/bio.php/3694; others mentioned it as well.
I THINK YU DID AN EXCELLENT JOB BY PUTTING THOSE NAMES ON THE NET. IN MUSIC TONY YEYO, RICK ROSS,JAY-Z “ACCORDING TO AN INTERVIEW FROM HIS FATHER SIDE/ BEYANCE ” FROM HER MOTHER SIDE”
One of Robert Nester Marley, aka Bob Marley, wife is a haitian living in jamaica.
Tony yayo, the rapper, is also haitian.
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