It’s officially Haitian Heritage Month, which brings a flurry of events celebrating the richness and diversity of Haitian culture and heritage. One of the annual mainstays of the month is the Little Haiti Book Festival, which will take place this coming Sunday, May 5, at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex in partnership with Miami Dade College’s Miami Book Fair and Sosyete Koukouy of Miami.
The Haitian Times caught up with M.J. Fievre, the festival’s coordinator, to get the inside scoop on this year’s festival and why promoting Haitian literary works is important.
THT: How did the Little Haiti Book Festival come to be? What inspired you to launch it?
MF: The Little Haiti Book Festival was inspired by the need to celebrate and promote Haitian literature and culture while combating negative stereotypes. Activist and author Jan Mapou founded the festival in 2014 through his bookstore, Libreri Mapou, a cultural landmark in Miami. The festival began as a platform for Haitian authors to present their works and interact with the public, embodying the theme “Together, We Are Little Haiti” by fostering a sense of community and shared cultural pride.
In addition to fostering literary growth, the festival was conceived to provide a space where the community could gather to celebrate its heritage in an authentic and inclusive way. The festival’s growth mirrors the increasing visibility and recognition of Haitian culture in the wider literary world, serving as a rallying point for not only Haitians but also non-Haitians interested in Caribbean culture. The hope was to create an annual event to sustain the vibrancy of Haitian cultural expression for generations.
THT: Can you share more about the inspiration behind this year’s Little Haiti Book Festival theme?
MF: This year’s theme, “Together, We Are Little Haiti,” emphasizes unity and the collective celebration of Haitian heritage. The festival aims to unify the diverse aspects of the Haitian experience through literature, art, and cultural exchange. Our programming is intentionally diverse, featuring activities encouraging community engagement and deepening connections with Haitian culture, reflecting the festival’s commitment to collective identity and mutual appreciation.
The theme also reflects a broader goal of reinforcing the Little Haiti community’s perseverance in the face of challenges. By drawing on the collective strength and creativity of the Haitian people, the festival not only showcases their cultural contributions but also stimulates dialogue about issues that affect the community. It’s a way for the festival to act as a bridge, connecting different generations and backgrounds in a shared celebration of Haitian life and its diaspora’s contributions.
THT: In what ways does the Little Haiti Book Festival contribute to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Haitian culture and literature, both within the local community and beyond?
MF: The festival is pivotal in enhancing the cultural dialogue by showcasing a wide range of Haitian literary and artistic talents to a local and global audience. It reaches individuals worldwide through in-person and online events, offering a platform for the Haitian diaspora and others to explore and connect with Haitian culture. This initiative supports our theme by demonstrating that “Together, We Are Little Haiti,” reinforcing the bonds of cultural heritage and shared human experience no matter where we are.
This endeavor also plays a significant role in educational outreach, providing workshops, readings, and discussions offering deep insights into Haitian history and arts. These interactions are crucial for younger generations, who may be far removed from their heritage. They provide a learning bridge that enriches their identity and fosters a deeper sense of belonging and pride in their cultural roots.
THT: What’s the biggest misconception about Haitian and Black literary works that needs addressing?
MF: A significant misconception is that Haitian and Black literature predominantly focuses on adversity. However, these works are incredibly diverse, exploring a broad spectrum of human emotions and experiences, from triumphs and joys to challenges. The Little Haiti Book Festival seeks to dispel these stereotypes by presenting various works highlighting Haitian culture’s richness and resilience. Our festival theme, “Together, We Are Little Haiti,” reminds us that our collective stories are not defined solely by hardship but also by our shared strengths and joys.
Further, addressing these misconceptions opens doors for new narratives that illuminate the diverse and multifaceted realities of Haitian and Black lives. It challenges the single-story narrative that often dominates mainstream perceptions and celebrates the complexity and richness of these cultures. The festival aims to create a more nuanced understanding that can influence both literary circles and the general public, paving the way for a greater appreciation and respect for Haitian and Black creativity.