Gerard Fortune: Art Imbued With a Passion for Life, Nature, and the Gods

Gérard Fortune is one of Haiti’s most imaginative self-taught painters. He was born in 1925 in Petionville, Haiti. He was originally a houngan (Vodou priest) and pastry chef and did not start to paint until around 1980. His work has been exhibited the world over and is described in most books on Haitian art.

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Aid as a Trojan Horse: On the Anniversary of the Haitian Earthquake

By Dady Chery, Haiti Chery. Long before the word sustainable became fashionable, before Henry David Thoreau noted that “A man is rich in proportion to the number of things he can afford to let alone,” there was Haiti.

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Haitian Declaration of Independence, January 1, 1804

“Vow before me to live free and independent, and to prefer death to anything that will try to place you back in chains. Swear, finally, to pursue forever the traitors and enemies of your independence.” – Jean-Jacques Dessalines, January 1, 1804. In the present day: this means anyone who collaborates with foreign occupiers or even tolerates the presence of foreign soldiers on Haitian soil.

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Katia Cadet Sings Her New Song ‘A Mes Pieds’ | Katia Cadet chante sa nouvelle chanson ‘a mes pieds’

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Katia Cadet is a major talent who has come our way from Haiti via Montreal. She sings ‘A mes pieds,’ a lovely song that recommends–for those involved with a slick operator–giving him that final look at your beautiful back. Excellent start to a new year. (English | French)

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Mithra: The Pagan Christ

By S. Acharya and D. M. Murdock, Truth Be Known | Edited by Dady Chery for Haiti Chery. Mithra was born on December 25 of the virgin Anahita, wrapped in swaddling clothes, placed in a manger and attended by shepherds. Mithra became a great traveling teacher and master, with 12 disciples. He performed miracles. He sacrificed himself for world peace and ascended to heaven….

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Christmas Before Jesus: Birth of the Unconquered Sun

By Staff, Essortment | Edited by Dady Chery, Haiti Chery. Christmas’ origins can be traced back to winter solstice celebrations like the Babylonian Feast of the Son of Isis, Roman Saturnalia, and birthday of Pagan sun god Mithras. In 350 Pope Julius I picked Mithras’ December 25 birthday as the date to celebrate Christ’s birth, although he was probably born in September. Hearty celebrations of the rebirth of the unconquered Sun!

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Kambo, Frog Spirit of the Shaman

By Marcelo Bolshaw Gomes, Entheogene. Rare frogs are drawing a lot of scientific interest these days, partly because the slimes of some frogs contain important medicinal substances.

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Poetry of Anthony Phelps: ‘A Place for Writing’ | La poésie d’Anthony Phelps: ‘Lieu-dit de l’écriture’

By Anthony Phelps. “I ask myself, oh my country, what hand has drawn on the register of nations a little star by your name.” – Anthony Phelps. One of Haiti’s most important writers, with poetry and novels translated in tens of languages. (French)

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In Honor of Dessalines: Martha Jean-Claude Sings ‘Mwen Gen Fòs!’

By Martha Jean-Claude (lyrics, music) | Commentary and translation by Dady Chery, Haiti Chery. In celebration of Dessalines, who led the decisive battle for Haiti’s Independence, the Bataille de Vertières on November 18, 1803, listen to “Mwen Gen Fòs!” by Martha Jean-Claude. (English | Spanish).

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Excerpt from ‘La Belle Amour Humaine’ By Lyonel Trouillot | Extrait de ‘La Belle Amour Humaine’ par Lyonel Trouillot

By Lionel Trouillot | Translated by Linda Coverdale. The Grand Prix du Roman Métis was awarded last week to Haitian poet and novelist Lyonel Trouillot for his novel La Belle Amour Humaine, published by Actes Sud (2011). (English | French)

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Haitian Dance Performances by Karine LaBel & Company

Haiti Chery. Haitian dance: Karine LaBel & Company perform the Vodou-influenced Charaignee Caraibe and Namenlos.Karine LaBel & Company perform Charaignee Caraibe and Namenlos.Karine LaBel & Company perform Charaignee Caraibe and Namenlos.Karine LaBel & Company perform Charaignee Caraibe and Namenlos.

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