My posts on Facebook give it away. I'm very proud to be Haitian-American. I listen to Haitian music constantly. Twoubadou and Kompa can't keep me still!! Shoutout to Carimi. In all seriousness let me explain why I'm so proud to be have connections to Haiti. Haiti is generally negatively covered in the media and is always spoken of as the "poorest country in the western hemisphere". What you don't see is how beautiful parts of my country are. Haiti is the first independent black nation in the entire world. If that's not something to be proud of then I don't know what is. Growing up in North Miami Beach. near Little Haiti, I was very much submersed in the Haitian culture but there was a time when everyone had a hatred for the Haitian people. I never understood why. I was hated for my ethnicity. throughout the hard times, I remained proud and engaged. My mother sent me to Haiti for vacation for the first time when I was three years old. I learned to speak the language. Creole. I tasted authentic Haitian dishes. I bought things at the market. I tasted Haitian cake and other deserts. I developed a love for banana soda and diri, sos pwa, et legume. (White rice, bean sauce and vegetable stew) I met my family members who lived in Haiti. Going to Haiti taught me to love my country even more. I love Haitian food, music, the language, the strong perseverance and ability to make things happen. The resilience of my people is what caused us to be the first independent black nation in the world. I love my country so much. Here's the main reasons why my love runs so deep.

1. The music

You can't tell me you didn't atleast shimmy to one of these!

2. The Food

My absolute favorite thing about my country is our food.

Griot, pronounced Griyo, fried pork chunks.

Haitian Macaroni and cheese. literally the best thing you can put in your mouth.

Diri ak djon djon (Rice with Haitian black mushrooms)

A platter consisting of diri kole (rice and red beans) banane peze (fried plaintains) Griot and Pikliz (spicy slaw)

This video does a pretty good overview!

3. The Country itself

This is the Citadelle. The Citadel was built by Henri Christophe, a key leader during the Haitian slave rebellion, after Haiti gained independence from France at the beginning of the 19th century.

Ziplining in Labadee.

Wahoo Bay Beach Resort in Carries, Haiti.

Bassin Bleu in Jacmel

4. Ridiculous sayings and sense of humor

I must say that Haitian people are very dramatic. We run things on our own time and are literally famous for being late to everything. Growing up if you're going to do something stupid you're told "Wap konn jojj" (You're going to know George) I still don't know who the heck George is to this very day but that's just our thing. This video explains our sayings.

So I know that I'm very obnoxious for Haiti but I'm proud. I may have been born in America but I'm as Haitian as a native. I'm so proud to belong to such a Strong, Resilient, Passionate, Driven, and Prideful Community! These are the reasons I proudly have my flag hanging in my room.

Vivre Ayiti! L'union fait la force!

Much Love from you favorite Beyonce lovin' Haitian-American Floridian,

Guerslande