May, as we all know in the Diaspora, is Haitian Heritage month. This year, all over major US cities, Haitians celebrate the 206th anniversary of their beloved Red and Blue. At Café Sucré, a Haitian owned Lounge in the middle of Bedford Stuyvesant, something special took place in honor of the flag. Performing artists, poets, painters, actors, and many other talents and professionals came together to present Art of Haiti. Initiated by Nadege Fleurimond, the event was hosted by the talented and brilliant artist Carl Thelemaque (Kal Telemak) and Melissa Bauvary, an unparalleled poet. Café Sucré was the perfect location for the event. The provocative paintings of Kal Telemak were displayed, together with Nanart, his two year-old daughter’s artwork, Annayiz Thelemaque. The work of father and daughter was a visual treat of past and present. His artwork depicting women in war-like poses was vivid and reminiscent of the strong black woman in every Haitian woman. Her artwork was dream-like and consisted of purposeful splashes of vivid orange and blues, sophisticated and unusually beautiful. His reminded us of the bravery of our ancestors and hers reminded this writer of the hope we all have for our beloved land.

The night began with a ceremonial chant of the Haitian National Anthem. Featured performers included Melissa Beauvary who delivered her spoken word message entitled “Gran Chemen” to reconnect the crowd with its roots. She then touched on the journey of “Village Women” and their children, followed by “Pye Fanm” which speaks of the social issues of the street vendors and the road to the market that mirrors the roads in her life. Melissa concluded her presentation with her famous “Batey” where she spoke of a female sugar cane worker who gives birth and kills the child for she does not want her daughter to grow up in the batey.

Marylin Laurent, a stellar poet and writer, lured the audience with her voodooesque “Marasa” poetry piece, and then shared her heart-breaking piece about child molestation. She also presented an excerpt from one of her upcoming novels “Chronicles of a disturbed child.” Kal Telemak gave a thunderous performance entitled “Conversation with my Hero” where he met with General Jean Jacques Dessalines in search for courage for the future. Equally memorable was poet/actress/artist Michelle Voltaire Marcelin who recited her own poetry and poems by Franketienne and Syto Cave. Michele wowed the crowd with her sensuous poetry reading leaving the crowd desiring for more. Her words created vivid imagery of passionate and lustful lovers. We were all transcended to another place with every spoken word. And as another artist pointed out that evening, “Michelle is hot.”

We were also graced by the stunning performance of jazz singer Dulyne Desmangles who is the younger sister of the well-known singer Kenny Desmangles of Zenglen. She was accompanied by guitarist Scott Baslaw who also sang and played the harmonica. The duo sang in both English and Creole. They set the mood with “Ale We,” “Morning light,” “Wasting My Time,” and ended the night with a spectacular song called “Se Lavi.” Her voice was magnificent, moody, and deeply soothing.

The night was casual where the crowds responded to krik with krak and to Tim-Tim with bwa chèch and well, you know the rest. Riddles, traditional and old time stories were shared. Laughter, friendship, positive vibes completed the decor.

Written by
Carl Thelemaque and Dulyne Desmangles