A New Yorker at Heart, with an Island Soul

Allow me to take a moment to acknowledge my roots and celebrate the beauty of Haiti and those that represent it. For many years now, Haiti has become synonymous with the brutal violence and utter chaos that has swept the same island that was the first independent black republic and the only nation ever to form from a successful slave rebellion. Although I stand proud of the history, it’s heartbreaking to witness what’s going on today.

Thinking about it makes me too sad so let’s move on…

I received an email about a month ago about different people that have Haitian lineage and went on to do some research to see if it was true. I thought it would be nice to share since I am sure that many people aren’t aware of some of the contributions Haitians have made to the world. This by no means validates who I am or what I represent but I can’t deny that it feels good to simply know. Although the information that you find on the internet isn't 100% valid, I made sure to search on reliable websites...so if they're wrong then oh well...



My personal favorite, Sidney Poitier-Academy Award Winning Actor


According to Wikipedia Sidney's father was Bahamian of Haitian descent.

Gary Dourdan (real name Gary Durdin)-Actor (currently on CSI)

Garcelle Beauvais-Actress- best known for her supporting role on The Jaime Foxx Show



Jimmy Jean Louis-Actor-best known for his role on the show Heroes



Gabriel Casseus-Actor -appeared on Grey's Anatomy, CSI, Law & Order etc.



Vanessa A. Williams-Actress-best known for her role on the show Soul Food




W.E.B. Du Bois- civil rights activist, leader, Pan-Africanist, sociologist, educator, historian, writer, editor, poet, and scholar.

Michaëlle Jean-Governor General of Canada


(This one was a shocker)-Alexandre Dumas-world renowned French writer *ex. of his work include The Count of Monte Cristo, The Three Musketeers, and The Man in the Iron Mask

According to Wikipedia his grandmother was Haitian.

Marie-Anna Murat-first journalist of Haitian origin to anchor a French language national newscast in Canada

Raoul Peck-Director/political activist- best known for directing the film Sometimes in April


Arnold Antonin-Director/Producer-Most heralded work are Courage of Women & The President has AIDS?

Marie Clotilde "Toto" Bissainthe-Singer/Actress/Songwriter-composer- as well as one of the founding members of the first African dramatic company in Paris.


Tyrone Edmond-model

Ben Quddus Philippe-MTV VJ


Yves Mondesir- better known as DJ Whoo Kid

Marvin Bernard-(better known as Tony Yayo)-Rapper/G-Unit member


Wyclef Jean-rapper/producer-member of The Fugees


Pras Michel--member of the Fugees


Usher Raymond-R&B singer/actor


Earl Simmons- better known as DMX-Rapper


Maurice Young-better known as Trick Daddy-Rapper


Samuel Dalembert-NBA Player

Joelle Jean-Fontaine-rising fashion designer-founder of Kreyol (boutique label)