Haitian-Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka has gained widespread attention and admiration in the Haitian community. On Saturday, 20-year-old Osaka defeated her childhood idol Serena Williams during the U.S. Open Women’s Final. Here are five things to know about the tennis star bringing pride to Haitians across the world.
We find very few young people investing in Haiti. Given the level of risk that exists on all platforms combined with the lack of financial means, young entrepreneurs are reluctant in this area. However, for Jude Celiscar, native of Montrouis, it is quite another thing. With the help of goodoo courier, a shipping company he co-founded alongside his peer, Jean Carlson Dor, Celiscar wants to use entrepreneurship to help the community from which he came; to help Haiti out of poverty and hunger by creating jobs.
Dr. Henri Ford’s appointment as dean of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is one for the history books. His new post is paving a path not only for Haitians, but all people of color in the field.
Haitian artist Nick Woolley is using his art to inspire hope one painting at a time. The 29 year old, who’s been painting for 10 years uses his creations to remind people that “light is everywhere” and we simply need to lean into it to truly harness its power.
Beyond the need for cultural awareness, Saint Paul thinks it’s vital that a different voice be heard when Haiti is discussed. He sees the Institute as playing part of that role: “The mainstream outlets will tell you about Haiti when there’s a catastrophe, but they will never tell you about stability in Haiti. It’s like Haiti has never been a country with a stable day-to-day life,” Saint Paul said. “It’s vital to use the Institute to show a counter narrative to this: beyond stigma and charity and disaster.”