CCCADI ANNOUNCES HAITIAN CULTURE WILL BE AT THE CENTER OF ITS 2024 PROGRAMMING

From January through November 2024, the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute will pay homage to the legacy of Haiti, the first Black independent republic, through its theme, Lakay se Lakay, which translates to “Home is Home” in Haitian Kreyòl (Creole). This year-long cultural odyssey puts a spotlight on Haitian history, culture, sacred traditions, storytelling, and revolutionary impact on the global Black experience. 

The phrase, Lakay se Lakay, captures the profound connection to Haiti as a motherland – despite migration or displacement. Through signature CCCADI program series as well as specially curated experiences, we will explore the concept of home as a space for refuge, building family and community, preservation of traditions, a foundation for cultivating joy, and the roots of sovereignty.

“With this year’s theme we are intentionally taking a moment to highlight Haiti, the first Black independent republic, the first to make the strongest of statements that we are home wherever we are and whenever we are united in the quest for liberation. We remember that as an African Diaspora, we (re)create and hold on to home wherever we go, whether it is the Caribbean, Latin America, Southern U.S., Europe or El Barrio, through our cultural preservation and innovation.” - said Melody Capote, Executive Director of CCCADI.

The year kicked off on Premye Janvye, or January 1st, recognizing the 220th Anniversary of Haiti’s independence on CCCADI’s social media platforms and will follow with a virtual video series by Her Royal Majesty Queen Mother Dr. Dòwòti Désir (Queen Mother of the African Diaspora, Bénin Republic who lives in the United States of America and West Africa). HRM Queen Mother is CCCADI’s Scholar-in-Residence and contextualizes why it’s necessary for the global African descendant community to be anchored in the revolutionary spirit of Haiti for Diasporic solidarity and advancement. 

Lakay se Lakay is also a call to the shared heritage of the broader African Diaspora — especially in the western hemisphere. As the first Black independent republic, Haiti is a freedom home for people of African descent. 

“Now, more than ever, it’s important to celebrate and learn from what Haiti, Our Black Nation, represents in the global Black experience. We do that by centering joy in how we keep our traditions alive and roots us all back home to Africa,” said Sabine Blaizin, Director of Programs at CCCADI and Founding Producer of Lakay se Lakay.

In February, for Black History/Futures Month, a new exhibition opens at the CCCADI Firehouse, 120 E 125th Street, New York, NY, entitled BYENVENI (which means “welcome” in Haitian Creole). Curated by Yvena Despagne, this exploration of contemporary Haitian Diasporic art shines a spotlight on the creative expressions of nine artists who focus on the theme of lakay. They provide their distinct lens into Haiti as both a cherished internal sanctuary, preserving cultural traditions and religious practices, as well as an external haven, a space of refuge, familial and communal development, and a source of boundless joy. The opening reception is scheduled for February 15, 2024 at 6 p.m.

In addition to the exhibition, various partners, including Haiti Cultural Exchange, will join in honoring Haiti’s legacy through musical presentations, youth-focused programs, intergenerational dialogues, wellness workshops and more. The themed year is set to close in November during Gede season, a time within the Vodou tradition when the living and the dead commune, to share messages, reveal truths, and remember the ancestors (similar to Día de Los Muertos traditions) with a Fèt Gede celebration. 

Follow @cccadi on social media to stay up to date with this year’s Lakay se Lakay programs. More details to follow in the coming weeks. 

*Lead image of silk tapestries by Steven Baboun.