We Will Remember Haiti - In Their Voice

Hear the interview with Valerio St. Louis of Haitian channel Tele Image with now former Transitional Presidential Council member Fritz Alphonse Jean to explain the "back" story of happenings in the international political arena. We selected clips from this long interview in Haitian Creole but if you want to listen in Creole to the full interview, here is click on this ⁠link⁠.

What a privilege and honor to present another episode of dear colleague and guardian angel, Rocky Paurice. He’s a friend and co-founder of N a Sonje Vèt which has dedicated its work to the same philosophy of permaculture which is to take care of the earth and take care of people, wherever we are! N a Sonje

This is a very special episode for us as it is with our very special colleague, close friend and confidant, Rocky Paurice. His mother, unbeknownst to her, is also included, with her permission, her personal story of Rocky’s birth. This is our offering together with Rocky and his mother, full of interesting details and explanations of life here from these awesome people whose hearts glow even in the midst of these extremely dark and difficult times here in Haiti but entire world. It is an honor to Rocky’s and his mother’s voices with a few bars from another of our dear friends, Najee’s original song “Lamou” or love. N a Sonje

Remembering once again the tragic day January 12, 2010. 15 years ago but still trembling in the societal fallout today in 2025. Perhaps children lost in the rubble searching for parents, family members in that quake, have become the lost bandits of today wreaking havoc, creating quake after quake of devastation that was so engraved in their brains on that fateful day so many years ago-perhaps. Or perhaps its just the continuation of the catastrophe that civilization is wreaking on our planet?Our show notes include the total translation of the abridged audio of Mona Augustin's original song composed right after the earthquake "Haiti in Mourning" as well as our standard notes. N a Sonje!Haiti in Mourning When Ayiti was dancingAll her children were thinkingShe was dancing a dance of hopeTheir hearts had a folklore joyTheir lips had a galaxy smileAnd their eyes contemplated another lifeBut in a very short timeAyiti was beaten down on her kneesIt was Mr. CatastropheCrushing, wiping out, killingHaiti in mourningHer children are boiling leavesSo they don’t dieThey are so traumatizedHaiti Is sickPlease come and clothe herShe is tremblingShe is biting her nailsShe can’t any moreShe saw too many children dieShe’s going crazyShe calls out for helpWith her father, the sunWho always gives the best adviceAnd who said to herShe’s in troubleThe enemy is making warWith her mother who is the earthThe sun says my child I’ll give you lightTo bring your mother out of her sadness Now call your mother’s other childrenTo come help you and your childrenHaiti did thatAnd they came in willing to helpThey said, you are our auntWe owe you love Here, we’re helping youTo help yourselvesBecause today it’s your turnAnd tomorrow it may be oursYour problem could be ours too Haiti is remadeBecause it understand Mother earthWho smiledLife isn’t overNow it’s to workEven the night gave the unemployed workShe did thatBecause she’s behindHaiti is pregnantIt’s the time she needs more strengthFor her to give birthTo many children She called Father SunWho always give her good adviceTo ask for more energyTo replace those that were lostOn the earth, our dear mother⁠⁠our Youtube channel⁠⁠  The N a Sonje Foundation ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ (in desperate need of updating)The link to ⁠⁠⁠Najee's Etsy shop⁠⁠⁠Our band's award winning song "⁠⁠⁠Women⁠⁠⁠" video on our YouTube channelOur band's ⁠⁠⁠album⁠⁠⁠ on SpotifyFolk band "⁠⁠⁠Chouk Bwa Libète⁠⁠⁠" linksThe English translation of our theme song "N a Sonje" by Mona Augustin performed by our band "2 Roots or 2 Rasin":"We will remember, and not forget what happenedLet’s take a look back Into the world gone by and we’ll seeHow our ancestors were in Africa before they carried us away to AmericaRef: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for AmericaWho lost so many in the years long ago it wasn’t the natives of this land that did that to themIt was another nation who had as their mission to make others slaves, making so many cadaversPillaging, killing - Indians and Africans in making them work for nothingThis is how their countries became powerful by spilling so much blood.Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for AmericaWho lost so many in the years long ago"

We believe finishing the year with wisdom, knowledge and yet together with the anguish that exists so close to all of us will help bring more understanding to where we are for a new year to be lived with more compassion.Noam Chomsky is world renowned for his pioneering in linguistics but also his very astute study and experience of the world and in particular the US’s relationship to Haiti so his 96 years on the planet are extremely valuable and important!I tried to translate not just the words but the desperation from the voices of the women who ran from their homes the night of November 13-14 2024. May their voices tear at our hearts to take action so that no more illegal weapons smuggled out of the US!Excuse the less than perfect sounds and volumes of the audio, I’m still learning, and the environment is very active here and definitely not sound proof!Blessings to all!

This episode, unfortunately held up by the low internet, includes a reposting of renowned Haitian historian, ⁠Eddy Lubin⁠ as he recounts the worldwide fateful events of November 18th-19th 1803 because it was the last battle for independence that all Haitians believe they continue to pay for their freedom to this day. It is quite detailed, enjoy the drama Eddy provides! We also include a very recent short speech by now former Haitian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mdm Dominique Dupuy as she decries the violent and forceful eviction of Haitians who had fled the terror the gangs in their homes to try and find refuge in the DR. Here are our links as well: (check other episodes for more links) ⁠⁠our Youtube channel⁠⁠   The N a Sonje Foundation ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ (in desperate need of updating) The link to ⁠⁠⁠Najee's Etsy shop⁠⁠⁠ Our band's award winning song "⁠⁠⁠Women⁠⁠⁠" video on our YouTube channel Our band's ⁠⁠⁠album⁠⁠⁠ on Spotify ⁠⁠

Part 2 of an episode featured on Earthkeepers podcast done with Ron and Carla during their forced "exile" The music from the stars recorded in space and sent to earth from Polaris Dawn crewmember and violinist  @Gillis_SarahE invites you to enjoy this music moment in support of @StJude & @ElSistemaUSA   http://polarisprogram.com/music Paypal: [email protected]  ⁠our Youtube channel⁠   The N a Sonje Foundation ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ (in desperate need of updating) The link to ⁠⁠Najee's Etsy shop⁠⁠ Our band's award winning song "⁠⁠Women⁠⁠" video on our YouTube channel Our band's ⁠⁠album⁠⁠ on Spotify Folk band "⁠⁠Chouk Bwa Libète⁠⁠" links The English translation of our theme song "N a Sonje" by Mona Augustin performed by our band "2 Roots or 2 Rasin": "We will remember, and not forget what happened Let’s take a look back into the world gone by and we’ll see How our ancestors were in Africa before they carried us away to America Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago it wasn’t the natives of this land that did that to them It was another nation who had as their mission to make others slaves, making so many cadavers Pillaging, killing - Indians and Africans in making them work for nothing This is how their countries became powerful by spilling so much blood. Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago"

An episode from an another podcast with permssion from Earthkeepers podcast from 2022, more of Ron and Carla's own personal story still relevant in 2024, unfortunately. Music from the stars on the Polaris star craft orbiting the earth accompanied by the youth orchestra in Haiti as well as in several other countries around the globe. Paypal: [email protected]  ⁠our Youtube channel⁠   The N a Sonje Foundation ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ (in desperate need of updating) The link to ⁠⁠Najee's Etsy shop⁠⁠ Our band's award winning song "⁠⁠Women⁠⁠" video on our YouTube channel Our band's ⁠⁠album⁠⁠ on Spotify Folk band "⁠⁠Chouk Bwa Libète⁠⁠" links The English translation of our theme song "N a Sonje" by Mona Augustin performed by our band "2 Roots or 2 Rasin": "We will remember, and not forget what happened Let’s take a look back Into the world gone by and we’ll see How our ancestors were in Africa before they carried us away to America Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago it wasn’t the natives of this land that did that to them It was another nation who had as their mission to make others slaves, making so many cadavers Pillaging, killing - Indians and Africans in making them work for nothing This is how their countries became powerful by spilling so much blood. Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago"

This episode brings more on the ground context to the cultural and political context of today’s extreme crisis, but also take a listen to the previous episode before this one, season 2 number 5, to get information about what you can do to help through democratic participation to the struggle to stop the smuggling illegal weapons into Haiti. You will hear our beloved staff member, Yaya (who has 3 previous episodes), another friend of ours of 40 years who’s been through it all as a peasant leader, and then a former cabinet member of a previous government all speak about the situation from their perspective. And the sweet greeting from my market lady friend and neighbor who used to sell vegetables to me from her donkey. She also provides her take on the situation as well. The very troubling and devastating loss of the young man who used to come every day and help me in the kitchen, of his untimely demise as the ultimate price paid every day by hundreds if not thousands of vulnerable young men and women, all because of the GUNS!!! A special tribute to Toto Bissainthe who sings the chilling song called “Dey” which means mourning or grieving as well as to the songs of the peasant farmers of the Artibonite.  ⁠our Youtube channel⁠   The N a Sonje Foundation ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ (in desperate need of updating) The link to ⁠⁠Najee's Etsy shop⁠⁠ Our band's award winning song "⁠⁠Women⁠⁠" video on our YouTube channel Our band's ⁠⁠album⁠⁠ on Spotify Folk band "⁠⁠Chouk Bwa Libète⁠⁠" links The English translation of our theme song "N a Sonje" by Mona Augustin performed by our band "2 Roots or 2 Rasin": "We will remember, and not forget what happened Let’s take a look back Into the world gone by and we’ll see How our ancestors were in Africa before they carried us away to America Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago it wasn’t the natives of this land that did that to them It was another nation who had as their mission to make others slaves, making so many cadavers Pillaging, killing - Indians and Africans in making them work for nothing This is how their countries became powerful by spilling so much blood. Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago"

“Join Us in Calling On The U.S. Government to  Stop Illegal Arms To Haiti”  This is a special edition to inform our listeners to a webinar, plus our own opinions about the disastrous policies that are causing the dear Haitian people to seek safety and work in a place they "thought" could give them those dreams for themselves and their families, all driven by the senseless destruction by heavy, sophisticated automatic weapons manufactured in the United States and primarily smuggled from Florida! Listen to learn how you can also participate in pressuring congress through your own representatives to promote more logical and just legislation to put into real law and practice.  Here are links to learn more for this advocacy that will be happening in DC on Sept 25th and 26th as well as a shout out to Welele (see his episode to know more), for his drumming tracks he so graciously gave me! Here's contact for one of the sponsoring organizations for the advocacy days you can contact for more info of how to get involved: Quixote Center, P.O Box 1950, Greenbelt, MD 20768 301-699-0042 www.quixote.org  https://jcor2030.org/stop-illegal-u-s-arms-to-haiti-advocacy-days/ Where you’ll find a summary of legislature proposals for weapons trafficking from June 2024.  The links for the guns and ammunition research: https://reliefweb.int/report/haiti/report-united-nations-office-drugs-and-crime-pursuant-paragraph-9-security-council-resolution-2692-2023-s202479-enarruzh https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/guns-ammunition-manufacturing-industry/ The links to the regular portions of our episodes are: The N a Sonje Foundation YouTube channel The N a Sonje Foundation ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ (in desperate need of updating) The link to ⁠⁠Najee's Etsy shop⁠⁠ Our band's award winning song "⁠⁠Women⁠⁠" video on our YouTube channel Our band's ⁠⁠album⁠⁠ on Spotify Folk band "⁠⁠Chouk Bwa Libète⁠⁠" links The English translation of our theme song "N a Sonje" by Mona Augustin performed by our band "2 Roots or 2 Rasin": "We will remember, and not forget what happened Let’s take a look back Into the world gone by and we’ll see How our ancestors were in Africa before they carried us away to America Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago it wasn’t the natives of this land that did that to them It was another nation who had as their mission to make others slaves, making so many cadavers Pillaging, killing - Indians and Africans in making them work for nothing This is how their countries became powerful by spilling so much blood. Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago"

Links to videos mentioned in all of Yaya's episodes: A ⁠video⁠ of Bertine singing and dancing while showing a group of visitors how to roast and pound coffee. The N a Sonje Foundation ⁠website⁠ (in desperate need of updating) A short ⁠video⁠ of Jutith’s commerce thank you.   Manno’s ⁠video⁠ on our Youtube channel  The ⁠N a Sonje Foundation YouTube channel⁠  The link to ⁠⁠Najee's Etsy shop⁠⁠ Our band's award winning song "⁠⁠Women⁠⁠" video on our YouTube channel Our band's ⁠⁠album⁠⁠ on Spotify Folk band "⁠⁠Chouk Bwa Libète⁠⁠" links And the English translation of our theme song "N a Sonje": "We will remember, and not forget what happened Let’s take a look back Into the world gone by and we’ll see How our ancestors were in Africa before they carried us away to America Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago it wasn’t the natives of this land that did that to them It was another nation who had as their mission to make others slaves, making so many cadavers Pillaging, killing - Indians and Africans in making them work for nothing This is how their countries became powerful by spilling so much blood. Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago"

The episode photo is of Yaya, his birth mother Clairdora Véillard or as affectionately called "Dodo" and myself at Yaya's going away to college party in 2016. All nicknames in Haiti originate from loving relations who grow up knowing that giving respect in this tender way makes one's nickname very special. Here are some links to see Yaya in action in a video and other supporting links: Yaya and I doing a fundraising video to rebuild our "beloved" choukoun The historical mime/drama "3 innocents and a spirit" from our 5 year anniversary celebration on our Youtube channel, though Yaya was already away at college in the US at the time. The N a Sonje Foundation, our home and Yaya's community on google maps location The link to the “Memory Village blog” that we started when the idea came about in 2002 where you can see a slide show of the vision. A short video of Judith’s commerce thank you. The link to Najee's Etsy shop Our band's award winning song "Women" video on our YouTube channel Our band's album on Spotify Folk band "Chouk Bwa Libète" links And the English translation of our theme song "N a Sonje": "We will remember, and not forget what happened Let’s take a look back Into the world gone by and we’ll see How our ancestors were in Africa before they carried us away to America Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago it wasn’t the natives of this land that did that to them It was another nation who had as their mission to make others slaves, making so many cadavers Pillaging, killing - Indians and Africans in making them work for nothing This is how their countries became powerful by spilling so much blood. Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago"

The episode photo is in the Bluntschli home at the N a Sonje Foundation center in Gwo Jan with Yaya in the back far left with children from the local youth organization along with our 2 grandchildren in the mix. Here are some of the links I refer to in the episode: To see Yaya's mother/aunt in fine form on our YouTube channel here Yaya and I making a fundraiser for our "choukoun" or meeting house gazebo in the middle of the N a Sonje Foundation center. To visit the site of the school, LKM where Yaya is curerently employed. And just to see the area of Gwo Jan in relation to Port-au-Prince on this internet map. Of course credits to our songwriter Mona Augustin and band 2 Rasin for the song "N a Sonje" with the English translation below here and music video of UN award winning song "Women". The band Chouk Bwa Libete And our Etsy shop showcasing Najee's original art for sale and remember our listener support button to keep our friends and colleagues alive during this brutal time! Here's the English translation of the theme song, "N a Sonje" "We will remember, and not forget what happened Let’s take a look back Into the world gone by and we’ll see How our ancestors were in Africa before they carried us away to America Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago it wasn’t the natives of this land that did that to them It was another nation who had as their mission to make others slaves, making so many cadavers Pillaging, killing - Indians and Africans in making them work for nothing This is how their countries became powerful by spilling so much blood. Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago"

We're back for season 2! We thought we would have been able to go back to Haiti before this so we put a hold on our podcast thinking it would be disrupted if we were to go back but we're still waiting with hope! For more info about the music in the other sections of the podcast go to the episode "Ground Zero" but still a shout out to Mona Augustin and our 2 Roots band as well as "Chouk Libète". Peace and blessings to all! Here are the lyrics and the link to the awesome little reggae song by a dear friend who came to visit us in Haiti so he came to know us and our home where we actually do have a fire that we use to cook on! Lyrics Old man Ron with his locks so long Inna the world, he stand up strong - strong-willed Carla by his side with her sweet, sweet tone Humming songs to make their house a home Everyday, she shines her love, oh yes [Refrain] Ron, he's rough inna this town Lion soup on the stove a-simmer low Carla’s love, it make the hard man glow With his dreadlocks swayin’ he ain’t movin’ fast But with his Carla by him, their love's built to last [Verse 2] 'Round the fire, Carla plays her strings Songs of love, of life, of all simple things Past the fields where the wild irie blows Through the trials, their love only grows - grows strong Old man Ron with his heart on his sleeve Finds his calm in the tunes Carla weaves Inside, their spirits, they soar, endless bliss [Refrain] Ron swears he's a warrior, tough as the stone He's like the oak and she's the gentle breeze Carla’s care, it puts his mind at ease - ease his rage Smooth as the sea, her melody flows In the kitchen, where that lion soup's in rows [Rhythmic Bridge] Ron may be stern, but he's her anchor, her charm In Carla's arms, there's no need for alarm

The women of our community spoke about their reality in a recording I did in 2022 but still is relevant if not even more so in 2024! Enjoy the variety of ages and stories from their lives in this episode. We, of course, feature our band's award winning song "Women I'm Defending Women". It is a music video as well that you can see at this link And you can also find that song as well as the songs from the Intro and Outro portions of each episode at this link on spotify or on amazon here or at apple.com

Looking for some unique and original music for your Valentine's Day? Take a moment to listen to Mona Augustin's songs that our band, 2 Roots (2 Rasin (ra-seen in Haitian Creole) recorded a couple of years ago and Najee's beautiful song about the essence of love! We hope your day was filled with the love that is embued in our universe, we just have to tap into it! The music in the intro is from our album with the UN award winning song "Women, I'm Defending Women" as the title song which you can see our ⁠music⁠ video here and about our album ⁠2 Roots album.⁠

We Will Remember is the English version of the Haitian Creole phrase N a Sonje which we use to name our Foundation, the N a Sonje Foundation. Our first or Ground Zero episode is where we weave our own band's music, 2 Roots and music I recorded in Haiti over the years adding some of Ron's special fingerpicking audio together with the voices of co-hosts Carla and Ron (that's us), currently refugees in the US along with audio in Haiti from our Haitian colleagues, co-founders of N a Sonje Vèt, Rocky (see them in this video) and Najee. The music in the intro is from our band, 2 Roots', album with the UN award winning song "Women, I'm Defending Women" as the title song which you can see our music video here and about our album 2 Roots album. Here's the English translation of the theme song, "N a Sonje" We will remember, and not forget what happened Let’s take a look back Into the world gone by and we’ll see How our ancestors were in Africa before they carried us away to America Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago it wasn’t the natives of this land that did that to them It was another nation who had as their mission to make others slaves, making so many cadavers Pillaging, killing - Indians and Africans in making them work for nothing This is how their countries became powerful by spilling so much blood. Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago

This is/was a surprise edition dedicated to co-host Ron Bluntschli for his 69th birthday. Enjoy the diversity of voices, songs, wishes, and wisdom from our home community in Haiti, Canada, the US, the DR and even Costa Rica! Ron's guitar makes the day! The video Djalòki refers to is one that our granddaughter made while Ron was making his ritual ramen and egg breakfast, it's quite a hoot! Things you do when in exile! Blessings and many thanks to all the voices and well wishes from everyone and to those who take the time to give a listen. It's good to be connected even virtually! N a Sonje!

A UN designated day for Education, January 24th. To be educated, what does that mean, especially in Haiti, what does it take? Amazing stories from our community and this is just the tip of the iceberg. As always we believe that each life and each story on our podcast represents thousands of others, like precious gems in a toolbox, as well. Dieuny is staff with the N a Sonje Foundation and the photo for this episode is Dieuny, me and Mackencia in costume for a history presentation we were giving to a university in the Dominican Republic in 2018, I think. In Dieuny's story he tells about the play he saw for the fist time and then became a staff person himself as well as one of the actors too! There is a video of this play called "3 Innocents and a spirit" that was filmed for the Foundation's 5th anniversary celebration. And remember the listener support for this episode will go to help Dieuny finish his dissertation to finally get his degree! I hope you feel taken to location as you hear the children play and the wind blowing from time to time in Dieuny's story as he sits outside to record on his phone since the internet connection wasn't strong enough to do a direct conversation. 2 Roots music, uncut version plays another song as intro and outdo to Dieuny's story.

January 12th 2010 - 14 years ago a more than deadly earthquake hit Ayiti. As a memorial to the day, we offer this episode to the memory and the miracles that happened not ever forgetting the instantaneous death that has haunted the streets of the capital for years and perhaps to this day as we will share these stories of our community with you. To see the actual ⁠Discovery channel YouTube⁠ that I refer to and the damning evidence for the extreme level of death and destruction of "Goudougoudou" (Haitian's nickname for the earthquake) watch the video we watched even as we reeled from the effects in our own community and the psychological fall out of this event just a month afterwards.  Hear in full Mona singing and mournful howling out the anguish of this event in his song "Ayiti an Dèy" or ⁠"Haiti in Mourning⁠" that our band performed at the French Institute about a year or so after the quake. Here are his poetic words: "Haiti in mourning" (poetry is difficult to translate all of the cultural meaning, but I believe the beautiful expression of the spiritual and hopeful feeling comes through)   When Ayiti was dancing All her children were thinking She was dancing a dance of hope Their hearts had a folklore joy Their lips had a galaxy smile And their eyes contemplated another life But in a very short time Ayiti was beaten down on her knees It was Mr. Catastrophe Crushing, wiping out, killing Haiti's in mourning Her children are boiling leaves So they don’t die They are so traumatized Haiti is sick Please come and clothe her She is trembling She is biting her nails She can’t any more She saw too many children die She’s going crazy She calls out for help With her father, the sun Who always gives the best advice And who said to her She’s in trouble The enemy is making war With her mother who is the earth The sun says my child I’ll give you light To bring your mother out of her sadness  Now call your mother’s other children To come help you and your children Haiti did that And they came in willing to help They said, you are our family We owe you love Here, we’re helping you To help yourselves Because today it’s your turn And tomorrow it may be ours Your problem could be ours too Haiti is remade Because it understands Mother earth Who smiled Life isn’t over Now it’s to work Even the night gave the unemployed work She did that Because she’s behind Haiti is pregnant It’s the time she needs more strength For her to give birth To many children She called Father Sun Who always give her good advice To ask for more energy To replace those that were lost On the earth, our dear mother

A double portion episode as Independence was fought and WON and then Pumpkin Soup brought health and healing right afterwards until this very day!!! Some notes for the first part, Madison Smartt Bell's trilogy of the Haitian Revolution, if you don't have time for 3 books, the first, All Souls Rising, is well worth the time! If you want to know more about the author of the Act of Independence and his writings, he can be found with his name, Boisrond Tonnerre. If you want to watch a documentary about the real defeat of Napolean that the movie Napolean won't give you: Jean Jacques Dessalines, the man who defeated Napoleon is a great place to go! For the second portion of the episode, about Soup Joumou, or Freedom Soup, here's a link to a beautiful interview with Dominque Dupuy who was elected as the permanent delegate to UNESCO in 2021, when Soup Joumou was selected to the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. She says in the interview with NPR: DUPUY: "This soup means everything." And of course to know more about the Fondasyon Felicite and their work towards serving each Independence Day, Freedom Soup to thousands across the country. Thanks to RAM and Smith Joseph for the blast of spirit filled hope in the song "Nan Ginen o, peyi a chanje" With the spirits or angels of Ginen, the country is changed. And as always to the roots vodou band Chouk Bwa. And beyond thanks our dearest beloved "son" for his deeply inspiring words. May yours be blessed in every way! N a Sonje

In spite of the extremely difficult situation for the people and the country, we wanted to bring the variety of traditions in Haiti for this particular season, Noel or Christmas to honor the different types of the end of the year celebrations even though this season has all but extinguished some of them. Haiti's people are like a kaleidoscope of colors, traditions and beliefs coming from continents far away as well as ancestors native to the land. The recording quality varies due to the authenticity of each person's location so we hope you "enjoy" that as well as the music by the band and our good friends, Boukman Eksperyans. There's a dish referred to by Maquel called "Chaka" which is a traditional stew, possibly from the original Taino people, composed of hulled corn, beans, and squash know as the "3 sisters" of the gardens. Green leaves and other things are often added as well. Blessings from all of us at N a Sonje and hopes for a better New Year!

This episode is dedicated to the world but especially to Haiti at this time and offered as a prayer of simple hope. Many thanks for all 31 friends who participated in sending these aspirations through this podcast as a prayer of hope that someday they might become reality! N a Sonje!

Today's episode is in honor of the World AIDS Day, albeit one day after, that the World Health Organization has established in order to bring solidarity and more awareness to this pandemic since the 1980's. But for us it's more specifically about the stigmatization that Haiti underwent during the beginning stages of this crisis. You may be aware that Haiti was listed as one of the "4 H's" that were supposedly the causes of the disease, as if a person's land of birth could be the origins of a deadly virus. But, as most Haitians believe, their fight for freedom since the triumphant victory for freedom from enslavement in 1804, they have been considered as a deadly 'freedom" disease that could cause the death of the tyrannical subjugation of humans for the mere profit of other humans. The song "Je ne suis pas heureux" (I am not happy) by Mona Augustin is performed by our band, 2 Roots and on available on our album. To learn more about the research done by the highly esteemed but recently departed Dr. Paul Farmer in his book "AIDS and Accusation-Haiti and the Geography of Blame" And to learn more about the metaphorical term "zombification" that Mackencia uses this book it awesome and by Haitian university professor and author Jafrikayiti-follow this link: "Long live God, Down with Religion" And thank you for your support by listening to the voices (all kinds!) that yearn to be heard! And, of course, any other kind of support you can offer through the "Listener Support" button on the Spotify site.

This past weekend is a celebrated time of history not just for Haiti but for all the people and countries involved in the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Most remarkably, most US citizens probably don't know much about it but should know this story as it is the reason the continental US is what it is today!!! Listen, maybe follow the map, and Google the rest! This is a complicated history but nevertheless an absolute triumphant victory over domination!!! Please forgive some of the sound quality and small translation errors along the way and again, all in the effort to bring the voices, the history, and the mostly unknown but extremely consequential history as this one to those hearts and ears of all open to hear!!! N a Sonje! Many humble thanks to Haitian anthropologist and National program manager for the Historical restoration and renovation of national monuments such as the great fortress, the 8th wonder of the world, the Citadelle along with the city of Cape Haitian, Eddy Lubin. If you are a Kreyòl speaker you can follow and like his videos that Eddy has so kindly given us permission to translate and are found at this link.

We return to the south of the country again to hear from a young man, a child grown from the moutains outside of the town of Bainet. A searcher of truth, tradition and roots, sharing what he finds with all who have ears and hearts to hear. Although steeped from his upbringing in Catholism, along the way he felt those gentle arms of Ayiti taking him even deeper to find more of himself. We were and still are blessed to be on his path and to have his physical, cultural and spiritual presence in our home for many years. There is another town that we refer to called "Sodo" in the Artibonite department that hosts a yearly pilgrimage to it's gorgeous and divinely imbued waterfall for which it gets its name. He refers to the tour we took with the Foundation's historical mime/drama with a presentation for the Foundation's 5 anniversary "3 Innocents and a spirit" and the descriptive blog for background.. To see, hear and learn more about Welele - here's his part of a documentary about our band on our Youtube channel. His first published book of original poems in his native language Kreyòl "Libere La Pawòl" or "Free the Word". The voice over translation was done by my own brother, Robin Van Dusen as we continue our refugee status in Texas where my two brothers live. Another addition, 2 new features to our podcast, will be to share positive actions and words that happen spontaneously or recorded afterwards, called "Onè Respè Peyi a" or "Honor and Respect to the Nation" as well as short pieces of historical translation by Haitian anthropologist and National program manager for the Historical restoration and renovation of national monuments such as the great fortress, the 8th wonder of the world, the Citadelle along with the city of Cape Haitian, Eddy Lubin. If you are a Kreyòl speaker you can follow and like his videos that Eddy has so kindly given us permission to translate and are found at this link. We hope as you continue to follow our episodes that Creole greetings, "Bonjou" and "koman ou ye", will become second nature to your ears! Some links to our music: for the Intro and Outro portions from our band ⁠⁠⁠⁠2 Rasin or 2 Roots album⁠⁠⁠⁠, our award-winning music "Women, we're defending women" ⁠⁠⁠video⁠⁠⁠. The short audio clips of the conch shell blowing at the very beginning and for the call to action portion with N a Sonje Vèt's colleagues ⁠Rocky and Najee⁠ are ⁠⁠⁠⁠Chou Bwa Libète⁠⁠⁠⁠, a Haitian cultural band and then there's just some of Ron's sweet fingerpicking of the Haitian folksong, Ayiti Cheri. We are still novices at this audio editing but believe that you, the listener, will forgive the bleeps, bumps, hiccups especially from international calls and authentic "on the ground" street noises along the way, and the patching in of translation audios, all in the name of remembering and hearing the voices of the remarkable people of Haiti. Here's the English translation of the theme song, "N a Sonje" "We will remember, and not forget what happened Let’s take a look back Into the world gone by and we’ll see How our ancestors were in Africa before they carried us away to America Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago it wasn’t the natives of this land that did that to them It was another nation who had as their mission to make others slaves, making so many cadavers Pillaging, killing - Indians and Africans in making them work for nothing This is how their countries became powerful by spilling so much blood. Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago"

We continue the story that pays tribute not only to the Theus family but to the thousands of women and men who give their lives' energies, who give up their dignity and freedom to work in the cities so that they can feed and provide education for their children. Their lives represent the determination and force of will in spite of the dangers, disappointments and often betrayal in the midst of the struggle for survival where the most profound wisdom is learned and shared! Many thanks to the voice over translations by, of course, Rachel Stoltzfus for Dieula's voice and my dear, dear brother, Peter Van Dusen, for the male voice over of the tv correspondent on Metropole Le Point Television program. We hope as you continue to follow our episodes that Creole greetings, "koman ou ye", will, at least, become second nature to your ears! Some links to our music: for the Intro and Outro portions from our band ⁠⁠⁠2 Rasin or 2 Roots album⁠⁠⁠, our music "Women, we're defending women" ⁠⁠video⁠⁠. The short audio clips of the conch shell blowing at the very beginning and for the call to action portion with N a Sonje Vèt's colleagues Rocky and Najee are ⁠⁠⁠Chou Bwa Libète⁠⁠⁠, a Haitian cultural band and then there's just some of Ron's sweet fingerpicking of the Haitian folksong, Ayiti Cheri. We are still novices at this audio editing but believe that you, the listener, will forgive the bleeps, bumps, hiccups especially from international calls and authentic "on the ground" street noises along the way, all in the name of remembering and hearing the voices of the remarkable people of Haiti. Here's the English translation of the theme song, "N a Sonje" "We will remember, and not forget what happened Let’s take a look back Into the world gone by and we’ll see How our ancestors were in Africa before they carried us away to America Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago it wasn’t the natives of this land that did that to them It was another nation who had as their mission to make others slaves, making so many cadavers Pillaging, killing - Indians and Africans in making them work for nothing This is how their countries became powerful by spilling so much blood. Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago" . 

It is a duty and an honor to provide this episode as a remembrance on this day, October 17th to one of the greatest heroes of Haiti, Jean Jacques Dessalines. Professor Bayyinah Bello shares with her audience history rarely exposed taken from her deep dive into forgotten historical documents and puts together an inspiring story of a fearsome and courageous man. Also enjoy the 7 minutes plus of music played with permission by the Haitian traditional roots band "RAM" from their 2008 Carnaval hit song "Papa Dessalines" as well as the Haitian/Dominican band Azuei and their song "No Discrimination". The band formed by local musicians on each side of the island with the intention of helping to bring unity to the island. Azuei is one of the native names for the lake that spans both Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

"Ma" is my oldest and "bestest" friend since the first day our family arrived in Haiti January 19, 1985 as volunteers with the Mennonite Central Committee. That's a relationship nonstop for 38 years! It's also when we met MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) directors Eldon and Rachel Stoltzfus who had chosen us as volunteers so they are responsible for all of this! Madame Antoine was born and raised in the mountains of the southern side of the Department of the South known as the Tiburon Peninsula. You can google that area here and perhaps follow some of the areas she talks about to see the distances! Dieula's story is representative of thousands of women like her who came out of very isolated village communities and gained skills and capacities from their innate intelligence and unfailing faith to work hard for many years without much rest or compensation to raise their children and support their entire families. We hope as you continue to follow our episodes that Creole greetings, koman ou ye, will, at least, become second nature to your ears! Some links to our music: for the Intro and Outro portions from our band ⁠⁠2 Rasin or 2 Roots album⁠⁠, our music "Women, we're defending women" ⁠video⁠. The short audio clips of the conch shell blowing at the very beginning and for the call to action portion with Rocky and Najee are by ⁠⁠Chou Bwa Libète⁠⁠, a Haitian cultural band and then there's just some of Ron's sweet fingerpicking of the Haitian folksong, Ayiti Cheri. We are still novices at this audio editing but believe that you, the listener, will forgive the bleeps, bumps, hiccups especially from international calls and authentic "on the ground" street noises along the way, all in the name of remembering and hearing the voices of the remarkable people of Haiti. Here's the English translation of the theme song, "N a Sonje" We will remember, and not forget what happened Let’s take a look back Into the world gone by and we’ll see How our ancestors were in Africa before they carried us away to America Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago it wasn’t the natives of this land that did that to them It was another nation who had as their mission to make others slaves, making so many cadavers Pillaging, killing - Indians and Africans in making them work for nothing This is how their countries became powerful by spilling so much blood. Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago .

We continue with Djalòki sharing from his life and experiences that embody important aspect's of the Haitian story in just a few minutes that captures generations of history of the Haitian people! And all with the unfailing attributes in the face of collapse, of hope! Respect for Djalòki, Ayibobo pou Djalòki!!! Visit his website to know more about his work. In the best way we could possibly have imagined we began our "on the ground" interviews for this podcast bringing Haitian voices to the public, when we were honored to have our very long time and dear friend, Djalòki. Djalòki Dessables (he/him) is a Creole from Ayiti (Haiti) with Taino, African, and European ancestry, Ayisyen 1,000%, to share about his life, his family, his vision of Ayiti, complete with his special vision for humanity. Djalòki's current work is as he describes on his website: "If you feel that there is more to you, to life, and to "reality" than what you are told, what you perceive, and what you think you know, and you want to expand your experience and understanding of how you fit in and are connected with the universal webs of consciousness, ⁠Djalòki The Awareness Expansion Coach℠ ⁠may help you tap into your inner knowing and capacities that will allow you to remember and manifest your Soul purpose. The time is now, if that is your choice.” Some links to our music: for the Intro and Outro portions from our band ⁠2 Rasin or 2 Roots album⁠, our video. The short audio clips are by ⁠Chou Bwa Libète⁠, a Haitian cultural band and just some of Ron's sweet fingerpicking of the Haitian folksong, Ayiti Cheri. We are still novices at this audio editing but believe that you, the listener, will forgive the bleeps, bumps, hiccups especially from international calls and authentic "on the ground" street noises along the way, all in the name of remembering and hearing the voices of the remarkable people of Haiti. Here's the English translation of the theme song, "N a Sonje" We will remember, and not forget what happened Let’s take a look back Into the world gone by and we’ll see How our ancestors were in Africa before they carried us away to America Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago it wasn’t the natives of this land that did that to them It was another nation who had as their mission to make others slaves, making so many cadavers Pillaging, killing - Indians and Africans in making them work for nothing This is how their countries became powerful by spilling so much blood. Ref: Sing for Africa, Sing for America Honor for Africa, Honor for America Who lost so many in the years long ago

In the best way we could possibly have imagined to begin our "on the ground" interviews for this podcast to bring the Haitian voices to the public, we are honored to have our very long time and dear friend, Djalòki. Djalòki Dessables (he/him) is a Creole from Ayiti (Haiti) with Taino, African, and European ancestry, Ayisyen 1,000 percent, to share about his life, his family, his vision of Ayiti, complete with his special vision for humanity. Djalòki's current work is as he describes on his website: "If you feel that there is more to you, to life, and to "reality" than what you are told, what you perceive, and what you think you know, and you want to expand your experience and understanding of how you fit in and are connected with the universal webs of consciousness, Djalòki The Awareness Expansion Coach℠ may help you tap into your inner knowing and capacities that will allow you to remember and manifest your Soul purpose. The time is now, if that is your choice.” Some links to our music: for the Intro and Outro portions from our band 2 Rasin or 2 Roots album, the short clips are by Chou Bwa Libète, a Haitian cultural band and just some of Ron's sweet fingerpicking of the Haitian folksong, Ayiti Cheri. We know we are still novices at this audio editing but believe that you, the listener, will forgive the bleeps, bumps, hiccups and authentic "on the ground" street noises along the way, all in the name of remembering and hearing the voices of the remarkable people of Haiti.