Little Haiti Book Festival 2024

In-Person: Sunday, May 5, 2024 at Little Haiti Cultural Complex
Online:  Sunday, May 19, 2024 

Miami Book Fair and Sosyete Koukouy are proud to present the 2024 Little Haiti Book Festival! Join us in celebrating the rich culture and literary talent of Haiti and the Haitian diaspora. This year, the festival will be held both in-person and online, providing a vibrant platform for authors, artists, and community leaders to share their work and insights.

LHBF features a diverse program that spans storytelling and hands-on children’s activities, dynamic dance and music performances, traditional Haitian games, and a comedy showcase. Engaging panel discussions, complemented by interactive sessions, will delve into thought-provoking topics. A community meet-and-greet provides an opportunity to connect with esteemed guests and local leaders from Little Haiti. This curated selection of events is designed to both entertain and educate, reflecting the festival’s dedication to cultural celebration and intellectual discourse.

We welcome publishers, authors, booksellers, literary organizations, and vendors selling food, art, crafts, and other items related to the theme of LHBF. For more information about the festival or to get involved, please contact M.J. Fievre at littlehaitibookfestival@gmail.com. 

2024 IN-PERSON PROGRAM – MAY 5

MARKETPLACE

  • ALL DAY A bustling destination packed with exhibitors, food vendors, and a mini book fair featuring local authors and publishers with books in English, Haitian Creole, and French.

IN THE COURTYARD

  • ALL DAY HEART-PUMPING HAITIAN BEATS WITH DJ NICKYMIX – From the dynamic sounds of konpa to the soulful beats of roots and the ancestral echoes of rara, DJ Nickymix masterfully curates a playlist that embodies Haiti’s spirit. 
  • ALL DAY DISCOVER THE MAGIC – A cultural ambassador and creative advocate, Mecca “Grimo” Marcelin will entertain and guide you through the event as you enjoy DJ Nickymix’s heart-pumping beats.
  • ALL DAY FREE BOOKS FOR KIDS – Courtesy of Miami Book Fair and The Children’s Trust’s Books for Free program.
  • 11:30 A.M. LAUGHTER IN LITTLE HAITI: A STAND-UP SPECIAL – Get your giggles and guffaws ready for Paul Julmeus, one of the funniest comedians on the Haitian comedy scene!
  • 1 P.M. A PERFORMANCE FROM NSL DANCE ENSEMBLE – Featuring vibrant and authentic Haitian folk dances that will transport you to another time and place.
  • 3:30 P.M. LIVE MUSIC WITH TATI NUZI & FRIENDS – Join us for a vibrant musical performance by Inez Barlatier, aka Tati Nuzi, that connects, uplifts, and brings joy to families, celebrating the spirit of Haitian heritage together.

IN THE AUDITORIUM

  • 12 P.M. PANEL: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE ARTS – Dan Grech (Bizhack), Carelia Alvarado (The Online Bridge), and Yaddyra Peralta (Mango Publishing) will explore the revolutionary impact of AI across creative industries, focusing on its potential to enhance artistic expression and business strategies. Introduction by Dr. Kimberly Green, Green Family Foundation CEO.
  • 2 P.M. PANEL: HAITI IN THE MEDIA –  Elizabeth Guerin (Island TV), Patrick Eliancy (Island TV), and Jean Saint-Vil (jafrikayiti.com) will explore the challenges and responsibilities of media representation, the impact of international coverage on local realities, and the power of journalism in shaping the global narrative of Haiti. Special introduction by Jacqueline Charles (Miami Herald); Q&A with Haitian Times, a publication dedicated to providing news and analysis on Haiti and its diaspora.

IN THE DANCE STUDIO

  • 11 A.M. MEDITATION & YOGA FOR ALL AGES – Mindful Art educator Alexandra Jeanty-Leclerc will share simple yet effective techniques to calm your mind, reduce stress, and increase focus. Suitable for all experience levels, this workshop offers a welcoming and inclusive space to explore the benefits of a mindful yoga practice.
  • 1 P.M. CULTURAL PLAY & LEARN: OSLÈ, DOMINOS & PUZZLES – Take a journey through Haitian heritage with oslè, dominos, and historical puzzles.
  • 3 P.M. CONTEMPORARY HAITIAN DANCE WITH NANCY ST. LEGER – The founder of NSL Dance Ensemble will guide you through a series of movements and choreography designed to help you connect with the rhythm and spirit of Haiti, providing you with a deeper understanding of the art form.

IN CHILDREN’S ALLEY 

  • ALL DAY CREATE! KIDS ART-MAKING STUDIO WITH GOGO MOAD – Immerse your children in Haitian art and culture while fostering their creativity! This year, artist Asser Saint-Val will guide participants through an engaging “ti kay” project, where they’ll craft their own miniature Haitian houses inspired by the iconic architecture of Little Haiti. 
  • 11:30 A.M. TIM-TIM, BWA SÈCH: STORIES OF HAITI – Through captivating tales, cultural ambassador Liliane Nérette Louis will guide children on a journey through Haiti’s traditions, humor, and wisdom. 
  • 12 P.M. STORYTELLING, RHYTHM & DRUMS WITH YANUI – Embark on a journey through the stories, rhythms, and dances that define Haiti’s spirited culture.
  • 12:30 P.M. ANSANM/TOGETHER: HAITI IN STORIES – Distinguished authors from the Ansanm Koleksyon will present their unique stories, each underlining themes of freedom, cultural identity, family bonds, and the beauty of diversity.
  • 1:30 P.M. STORYTIME: HAITI WITH MARIE KETSIA THEODORE-PHAREL – Unique narratives showcase the vibrant essence and heritage of Haiti, offering listeners a journey through its rich traditions and imaginative stories. 
  • 2:30 P.M. I AM A PRINCESS WITH DANIELA JEAN – Join us for a reading that promises to be as inspiring as it is enlightening, perfect for families looking to instill a sense of empowerment and self-worth in their children​.
  • 3 P.M. SPECIAL APPEARANCE: CITY OF MIAMI COMMISSIONER CHRISTINE KING Commissioner King will read The Ocean Lives There, written by Haitian American author M.J. Fievre.

IN THE BUILDING

  • ALL DAY DINO PRINTS & ROBOT ART – With prehistoric fossils and AI art, HistoryMiami Museum and Robohood bridge the gap between the ancient past and the innovative present, offering a comprehensive cultural experience for families. In the Science Room.
  • 12:30 P.M. CUPCAKES & CREATIVITY: YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS WORKSHOP – Join Delphine Nephtalie Dauphin, the young entrepreneur and author behind Joy’s Yummy Cupcakes by Delphine, for an interactive workshop that explores the basics of business planning, marketing, and financial management. In the Community Room.
  • 1 P.M. HAITI IN MY HEART: EKPHRASTIC POETRY WORKSHOP – Poets Fabienne Josaphat and Herold Pierre guide attendees in an exploration of poetic expressions as they interact with artwork by notable artists like Rachelle Scott, Sophia Lacroix, and Louis Rosemond. In the Art Gallery.

COMMUNITY MEET-&-GREET

  • 11 A.M. – 3 P.M. WE LOVE LITTLE HAITI – Get to know some of LHBF’s distinguished VIP guests! This is a unique opportunity to connect with individuals who have significantly contributed to their respective fields and the Little Haiti community – don’t miss this chance to engage in conversation, ask questions, and learn from these inspiring individuals. RSVP required. Email littlehaitibookfestival@gmail.com. 

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Little Haiti Book Festival, formerly known as the Haitian-Caribbean Book Festival, has been presented in part by Sosyete Koukouy of Miami Inc. for the past 10 years. The organization now partners to produce LHBF with Miami Dade College’s Miami Book Fair, widely considered to be the best book festival in the country.

LHBF relies on the generous support of our Prestige Patrons: the Green Family Foundation, Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center at FIU, and Libreri Mapou bookstore. We’re also profoundly grateful for our Prime Sponsors: the Florida Department of State Division of Arts & Culture,  Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs, the city of Miami, Miami Parks & Recreation, and the Little Haiti Cultural Complex.

We also benefit from the support of our Literary Luminaries: Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Board of Miami-Dade County Commissioners, County Commissioners Marleine Bastien (District 2) and Keon Hardemon (District 3), Miami-Dade County Goodwill Ambassadors; Miami City Commission Chair Christine King (District 5), City of North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme, The Children’s Trust Books for Free program and Book Club, Family Action Network Movement (FANM), the Center for Haitian Studies, and Ayiti Community Trust.

Special thanks to our Associate Sponsors: SANT La (Haitian Neighborhood Center), Dr. Angelo Gousse at the Center for Self-Sufficiency (CFSS), Haiti First, Excelsior Theater, Paul Novack (Attorney at Law), RoseMay Anglade (Realtor), MV ALMER Production, SEIU 1199, and Midgard Group. And we love our Community Champions, too: The Museum of Art and Design (MOAD)/Miami Dade College, HistoryMiami Museum, Iris PhotoCollective, Haitian Support Increscent (HSI), Logan Masterworks, the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce, Miami Mini-Bus | The Jitney, Madame Gougousse, Liquid Death, the Association of Exchange and Development of Activities & Partnerships Inc. (AEDAP), AdMax Servicing, Super Beauty Discount, and KLOTA. Our media partners include L’Union Suite and The Haitian American, Chokarella, Haitian Ladies Network, Pikliz.com, Radyo Lekòl, WSRF, Island TV, Imaginart, Haiti en Marche, Le Floridien, The Haitian Times, Miami Herald, Radio Mega, Radyo FANM, Radyo Gade Tèt Ou, BPX TV Reseau, Thelar Management Group, and M.I.A. Media Group/Legacy M.I.A.

Sosyete Koukouy of Miami – Established in 1985, Sosyete Koukouy of Miami, Inc. (Sos*ye*te Koo*Kouy), is dedicated to preserving Haitian culture in the United States through education and arts and cultural presentations. Its mission is to preserve, perpetuate and present Haitian cultural performances and exhibitions to Creole and non-Creole speaking audiences.In support of that mission, Sosyete Koukouy presents and produces cultural programs that increase awareness of Haitian people, their language, rituals and traditions, and their deep roots in the African continent. It also produces programs that foster greater understanding between Haitian people and people of other diverse ethnicities, cultures and heritage; and foster respect for the arts and artists of Haiti, African and Caribbean by raising awareness of their historical and artistic contributions to the national and international cultural landscape. Contact: Jan Mapou: 305-757-9922