The Embassy of Haiti in Washington DC has partnered with Busboys and Poets to honor Haiti’s rich and vibrant culture from May 13th through the 21st by offering a full-week of programming ranging from thought provoking discussions to fun and interactive events. We invite you to join us at one of these events to re-discover and celebrate the Western Hemisphere’s First Black Republic. All events are free and open to all, unless otherwise noted.
Enjoy Haitian food at all Busboys and Poets Restaurants during Haiti Week
From May 15 through May 21, 2017, a specially crafted Haitian menu item will be available at all the Busboys and Poets locations. Make plans with friends, family and colleagues to go (re)discover Haitian cuisine at Busboys and Poets.
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Haitian Cooking Class
Guests will participate in cooking a traditional Haitian meal; they will also learn how to mix a Haitian cocktail. They will be guided through step-by-step instructions by Haitian Chef DimitriLilavois.
Location: Embassy of Haiti (2311 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20008)
Time: 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Cost: Free
RSVP
Dining Experience after the Cooking Class with Haiti’s Ambassador
Guests will join Ambassador Altidor in the decorated patio of the Embassy, along with Chef Dimitri and students of the class for a memorable meal prepared by the cooking class.
Location: Embassy of Haiti (2311 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20008)
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
RSVP
Monday, May 15, 2017
Reshaping the Haiti Narrative: A Movement in the Making
Join us for a fireside chat with Haiti’s Ambassador to the US, Paul G. Altidor, and the owner of Busboys and Poets, Andy Shallal. You can look forward to an intimate discussion on a wide range of topics.
Location: Busboys and Poets (5th and K – 1025 5th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20008)
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Cost: Free
Open to the public (limited capacity) – first come , first serve basis
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Food & Folklore Presents Haitian Culinary Tradition with Chef Nadege Fleurimond
This dinner series held at Mulebone Restaurant intertwines storytelling and fabulous food. It is wrapped in the spirit of gifted storyteller and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston’s brand of hospitality – a generosity with food. This event will include a four-course Haitian meal crafted by Chef Dimitri Lilavois, a special cocktail and a chef talk with Haitian culinary expert and author Nadege Fleurimond and Mulebone’s Chef Lisa Kemp.
Location: Mulebone Restaurant (2121 14th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20009)
Time: 6:30 pm
Cost: $45 per person (plus tax and tip)
RSVP
[Notes: Chef Nadege will have her books on display for sale]
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Private Guided Tour: Honoring Haitian Contributions to African American History and Culture
This intimate guided tour through the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) will highlight the contributions of the Republic of Haiti and by notable Haitians on display in the museum. The tour will be conducted by Dr. Joanne Hyppolite, museum curator specializing in “Cultural Expressions.” She is a co-curator of “A Century in the Making: Building the National Museum of African American History and Culture” exhibit.
Location: National Museum of African American History and Culture (1400 Constitution Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20560)
Time: 9:00 am
Cost: Free
RSVP
We Are Forever United: A Conversation Honoring Haitian Contributions to African American History and Culture
Panelists: Dr. Marcia Chatelain, Associate Professor of History and African American Studies at Georgetown University; Dr. Joanne Hyppolite, Museum Curator specializing in cultural expressions; Patrick Delatour, Architect of historical monuments and former Haitian Minister of Tourism; Patrick Tardieu, Curator of Haiti’s oldest library Bibliothèque Haitienne Des Pères du St. Esprit.
Location: Busboys and Poets (Brookland – 625 Monroe St NE Washington, D.C. 20017)
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Cost: Free
Open to the public (limited capacity) – first come, first serve basis
Thursday, May 18, 2017
(Re)discovering Haiti through its Arts and its People: Embassy Open House
The DC community is invited to tour the Embassy for Haitian Flag Day. Guests will have an opportunity to view exquisite Haitian art from the private collections of Galerie Monnin and Fritz Racine. Guests will also explore the latest edition of the Embassy’s Pearls of Excellence, an exhibit showcasing the contributions of people of Haitian descent to the advancement of American life. The evening will continue with a poetry slam session by Haitian-American author, emcee and public speaker, Jeff Dess, and Pages Matam, Director of Poetry Events at Busboys and Poets. Haitian cocktails will be served.
Location: Embassy of Haiti (2311 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20008)
Time: 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: Free
RSVP
Friday, May 19, 2017
Where Do We Go from Here: A panel conversation on current issues in the U.S. featuring prominent Haitian-Americans at the forefront of socio-political affairs who will also reflect on how their Haitian heritage has shaped their political trajectory.
Panelists: Former US Ambassador to South Africa and former Democratic National Committee Executive Director, Patrick Gaspard, D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine and former Massachusetts State Representative, Marie St. Fleur
Moderator: Yamiche Alcindor of the New York Times
Location: Busboys and Poets (14th & V – 2021 14th Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20009)
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Cost: Free
Open to the public (limited capacity) – first come, first serve basis
Saturday, May 20, 2017
The Soul of Haiti: Acoustic Performance by Internationally Acclaimed Haitian Songstress Emeline Michel
Emeline Michel is known for fusing pop, jazz, blues, and traditional Haitian rhythms into deeply moving, joyful music delivered with a charismatic live show.
Location: Busboys and Poets (Hyattsville – 5331 Baltimore Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20781)
Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
Open to the public (limited capacity) – first come, first serve basis
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Rebuilding Haiti through Entrepreneurship: The Gift that will Keep on Giving
Pop-up Shop Featuring Products from Haitian-American Designers and Entrepreneurs
The Bien Abyé “Les Jardins de la Mode” pop-up shop will display a collection of products sourced and/or inspired by Haiti. All the displayed items, from fashion accessories to home goods to gourmet products are created by a talented group of Haitian-American entrepreneurs. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase products from: Zesa Raw by Michelle Jean, Artisans du Monde by Nathalie Tancrede, Deux Noirs by Eddy Albertini, Vetiver Les Cayes by Reginald Canal and Bien Abyé by Dayanne Danier. In addition to seeing and buying these beautifully crafted products, you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the designers and entrepreneurs behind these brands.
Location: Embassy of Haiti (2311 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20008)
Time: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Cost: Free
For more information and to RSVP, please visit here.
“Haiti Week Media Coverage”
