Ismarie In Haiti
My name is Ismarie Deeter; I am a 23 years old Haitian woman that has been living in the US for almost 9 years.
Art Lakay is a business I started.
Haitian art is a complex tradition, reflecting African roots with strong Indigenous American and European aesthetic and religious influences. It is an important representation of Haitian culture and history.
Haiti’s art has reached almost everywhere around the world.
We have chosen the name Lakay because lakay means a lot to Haitians, It means home in Creyol. One's place of residence, the social unit formed by a family living together, when Haitians say lakay, they basically mean comfort zone, a place to feel accepted and feel free. When they say it, you see roots. Where you come from, where you grew up. I know a lot of Haitians leave their country and go live somewhere else, but Every Haitian individually who goes to other countries always say “ map tounen lakay, poum vin relax, manje griyo, poison, bannan peze, bay blag, belle plaj!” cause everyone knows that their’s no other places like home. So Art Lakay, there’s no other Art like Haitians Art. Art Lakay represent the Haitian culture in there many artistic talents.
Ismarie wearing her “home” bracelet from Native Works. Native Works is a social enterprise in Seattle that creates arts based employment for members who are experiencing homelessness.
As everyone knows that the word home has a variety of meanings. But for me home means a place where your heart has a part that it will never forget. In English Lakay means home. I know how much Lakay means to a lot of Haitians, which is why I wanted to start a Business. I wanted to name it something meaningful that they would also play a role in. They are also the reason why I am so passionate about having a business. Because It is an opportunity for me to give back to my community.
Ismaries’ business Art Lakay makes colorful bracelets and crocheted clothing inspired by Haiti. All of the pieces are made by her and her friends who are living in Haiti.
to see more.
This is a blog about her trip home to Haiti…
Haiti, whose population is almost entirely descended from black African slaves, mixed racial backgrounds and The Taíno people, became independent from France colonial empire in 1804,
making it the second country in the Americas,
after the United States to free itself from colonial rule.
It was the first black republic in the world, the first country in the Western hemisphere to abolish slavery completely and the only nation in the world established as a result of a successful slave revolt.
Over the centuries, however, economic, political, and
social difficulties, as well as a number of natural disasters,
have beset Haiti with chronic poverty and other serious
problems.
During my visit in Haiti; my boyfriend took
me up the mountains to explore around.
In some places, The government has done
a good job trying to keep the mountains green;
in the past, the soil in the mountains
were very thin and Lose fertility quickly when
Cultivated, but a few changes have been made so far.
The view is so beautiful, it is breath-taking.
The largest mountaintop fortress in the
Western Hemisphere is in northern
Haiti – the Citadel, which I didn’t get a
chance to visit. Haiti’s highest peak is the
Pic la Selle at about 8,793 feet (2,680 meters) above sea level.
Haiti has the most mountains of any Caribbean nation.
Haiti is a piece of paradise taken straight from the movies, with turquoise waves gently lapping the shores, and spectacular sunsets. I’ve been to a few of the most stunning spots in the region, in which Kaliko Beach Club All Inclusive Resort is one of them, a relaxing luxury hotel that I stayed in for a few days with my boyfriend; Located just 55 minutes from Port-au-Prince Airport. I had such a wonderful time there; good customer service and lovely people, an ocean destination retreat in the heart of the Caribbean, natural rich colors, very nice sails men who will take you on a ride in their boat to explore around. I’ve never had a trip so filled with fun, excitements, and relaxation, before.
On my forth day in Haiti, I went to visit Fort Jacques which was erected during the burst of fort-building following Independence Day (1804). It was built by Alexandre Pétion and named after Jean-Jacques Dessalines, and though it was well preserved for the past years, when I got there part of it was collapsed, But The structure was slightly damaged in the 2010 earthquake. The ruined Fort Alexandre is a short walk away. Overlooking Port-au-Prince, they both offer grand and beautiful views. The forts are 3km walk from the main road, or you can take a motorcycle ride up there.
Another exciting place I went to was the Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien (MUPANAH), is a museum down town Haiti about the Haitian history and culture.
The Museum was opened in 1983. This cultural center is to perpetuate and spread the memory of "Fathers of the Nation". One of its main missions is to participate in the conservation, protection and enhancement of historical and cultural heritage. It also contains chains of slavery, torture instruments, sculptures and temporary exhibitions of paintings, and amazingly, they also have the anchor of the Caravel of Christopher Columbus, the Santa María (ship), measuring 4 meters high. I am so happy I got a chance to visit and learn a little more about my country.
The picture bellow is the eternal flame Tower built in 2003 by President Aristide to celebrate Haiti’s bicentennial (200th anniversary). The tower is located only a few steps away from the Presidential Palace, and has exactly 200 steps to represent each year the country had been independent from France, but the torch has never been lit. In fact, the tower has been unfinished ever since Aristide was ousted in 2004.
we’ve had an amazing time in Haiti, but one of the most incredible thing that happened while I was there, on my 10th day, Anthony Proposed to me at the Observatoire (view) restaurant and I said YES without a doubt. I’ve never have such an amazing trip full of surprises and exciting moments.
