Register

A Night of Haitian Arts & Culture

Haitian Independence Day Celebration

In honor of Haiti's Independence Day, and in recognition of our flourishing local Haitian community, Broward County Main Library hosts an arts and culture evening experience for the public. 

Did you know Haiti is the second country to gain independence in the Americas? Following the United States, Haiti declared its independence from France on January 1, 1804. During the American Revolutionary War, Saint Domingue (now Haiti) was a critical aid to the American colonies. Haiti helped the U.S. gain independence through financial and military support, and by disrupting British supply lines. 

In 2026, the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary of independence. In honor of Haiti's historical alliance to the U.S., Broward County Main Library invites you to join us in celebrating Haiti's artistic gifts and treasures. 

...

Trezor Lakay

Yvon André, affectionately known as “Kapi” from the legendary Haitian group Tabou Combo, proudly presents “Trezor Lakay” — a project created to inspire pride among people of African descent. This initiative reflects a deep belief that we have a duty to love one another and to celebrate who we are and what we represent in the eyes of society.

Filmed entirely in the United States by professional filmmakers, Trezor Lakay features breathtaking footage of Haiti’s most iconic landmarks — including the Citadelle Laferrière, Bassin Bleu, Île-à-Vache, and other historical sites from the Pearl of the Antilles. The documentary also highlights the brilliance of Haitian intellectuals, artisans, and musical legends who continue to shape the nation’s cultural identity.

Inspired by the lyrics of a song written by Yvon André, a founding member of the world-renowned Tabou Combo, the film celebrates over five decades of the band’s dedication to promoting Haitian culture across the globe — from Asia and Africa to Europe and the Caribbean. As the first Caribbean band to achieve a Number One hit on the French Hit Parade, Tabou Combo’s legacy continues to uplift Haiti’s artistic spirit.

Though Haiti is often portrayed as a poor nation, its cultural wealth is immeasurable. Through Trezor Lakay, we aim to share that richness with the world — showcasing Haiti’s artistry, music, beauty, poetry, and painting — and reminding everyone that our heritage is a treasure worth celebrating.

...

Program Schedule 

Film screening and discussion of Trezo Lakay, with member from the legendary compas music group Tabou Combo, Yvon Andre "Kapi," and moderated by Mecca AKA Grimo. 

Yvon André “Kapi” is a distinguished Haitian musician, best known as a long-standing member, percussionist, vocalist, and songwriter for the internationally acclaimed kompa band Tabou Combo. A versatile artist, Kapi is also a pianist, author, composer, and arranger whose creativity has helped define the band’s signature sound and elevate Haitian music on the global stage. He joined Tabou Combo in 1968 at just fifteen years old, often sneaking out of his family’s home to perform, as his parents initially discouraged his musical pursuits. Over the years, Kapi has written many of the group’s most popular songs, including several Spanish-language hits such as “Fiesta” and “Panama Querida.” His passion and dedication have kept him performing with Tabou Combo for more than five decades, during which he has toured extensively around the world. In 1998, he accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the band in the Ivory Coast, a moment he described as historic. Beyond his work with Tabou Combo, Kapi produced and narrated the documentary Trezò Lakay, a project celebrating Haitian culture and heritage. He is also a strong advocate for recognizing percussionists as complete musicians, highlighting his own mastery of multiple instruments. His contributions to Haitian music have earned him numerous honors, including Lifetime Achievement Awards from Le P’ti Club and the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum. Though a dedicated, full-length Wikipedia biography for Kapi may not yet exist, his influence remains deeply embedded in the story of Tabou Combo and the rich legacy of Haitian music.

Mecca AKA Grimo is an experienced educator, artist and Haitian cultural ambassador. An innovative MC and Spoken Word artist, he performs in several languages including Kreyol and is hailed as an ambassador for the Spoken Word/Hip-Hop Kreyol Movement. He is a vocal advocate for Haitian history and cultural education in schools and community centers and inspires young people to achieve their dreams while maintaining strong academics.

Carl Craig, Resident Artist, The Storefront

Born in Haiti, Carl Craig moved to New York with his family at the age of fifteen, where his journey of discipline, intellect, and creativity began. He served honorably in the U.S. Air Force for more than five years before earning a Bachelor of Science in Finance and International Business from Florida International University. His professional path led him to a distinguished sixteen-year career in the financial markets, culminating as a Senior Financial Consultant at Merrill Lynch. Seeking to broaden his impact, Carl transitioned into international consulting, applying his expertise to global development initiatives.

As a Senior Consultant in the Transitional Government of Prime Minister Gérard Latortue in Haiti, Carl played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing strategies for a national decentralization program. His work focused on strategic planning and the establishment of regional administrative hubs—key steps toward sustainable and equitable development across the country.

Despite his success in finance and consulting, Carl ultimately chose to follow his true passion: the arts. A self-taught painter, photographer, and musician, he redirected his energy toward creative expression, capturing the essence of Haitian culture with remarkable depth and sensitivity. His artwork, celebrated for its emotional resonance and technical mastery, has earned him international recognition. In both 2015 and 2016, he was a semi-finalist in Bombay Sapphire’s The Artisans Series, a prestigious national art competition.

Carl’s works have been exhibited internationally, including in Mexico City at the invitation of the Haitian Ambassador, and in Cayenne (French Guiana) by special request of the Haitian Consulate, among other venues. Admirers regard him as one of the finest Haitian portrait artists of his generation, while critics praise his ability to capture the “sensuality of the Haitian woman” with unmatched grace and authenticity.

Guided by his belief that hope resides in the human spirit, Carl seeks to convey emotion and resilience through his art. By balancing delicate facial expressions and subtle body language, he reveals the profound beauty, strength, and humanity of his subjects—offering viewers a glimpse into the soul of Haiti itself.

Wooly Saint Louis Jean, Je Dis Wooly, Twoubadou Music Group

Born on September 12, 1967, in La Petite Rivière de l’Artibonite, Haiti, Wooly Saint-Louis Jean has established himself as a distinctive voice in Haitian music. He gained recognition with the release of his debut album in May 2005, earning comparisons to the legendary French musician Georges Brassens — a testament to his poetic lyricism and soulful storytelling that have led many to call him the “Haitian Brassens.”

In recent years, Wooly relocated to the United States, where he joined forces with a group of longtime friends to form “Je dis Wooly,” a quartet of seasoned musicians dedicated to preserving Haiti’s rich musical heritage. Blending the infectious rhythms of konpa with the heartfelt essence of twoubadou, the group captures the spirit of Haitian dance traditions while infusing them with Wooly’s unique artistic touch.

The Nubians, Haitian Dance Group

Founded in January 2016, Le Nubian Dance Inc. is a non-profit organization devoted to preserving, promoting, and celebrating Afro-Haitian culture through the powerful mediums of dance and music. Our mission is to educate, empower, and inspire communities by blending the beauty of traditional Haitian and African movements with the creativity of modern styles.

We invite individuals of all backgrounds to come together in unity through our cultural events, performances, and educational programs that honor heritage, identity, and tradition. Drawing from rich experience in Haitian folklore, African dance, jazz, hip hop, and majorette, Le Nubian Dance Inc. offers a vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic platform for cultural expression and artistic growth.

Haitian Food Tasting by MOV Fusion Bar & Grill

Local Haitian Authors Showcase 

...

This program is made possible with the generous support of the Friends of the Fort Lauderdale Libraries, the Broward Public Library Foundation, and MOV Fusion Bar & Grill. 

Upcoming Events