This year, the Little Haiti Book Festival features two captivating readings from the Ansanm Koleksyon, showcasing the talents of Marie Barrett, Josephine Lentner, Minerve Jean, and Olguyne Barreau. These distinguished authors will present their unique stories, each with themes of freedom, cultural identity, family bonds, and the beauty of diversity.

The first session at 12:30pm will highlight “Ansanm!” with Barrett and Lentner at the helm. Barrett’s The Taste of Freedom/Libète gen bon gou explores the contrast between life as a slave and the liberation post-independence, using the metaphor of enjoying soup as a symbol of freedom. Josephine Lentner’s I Am Haitian Enough/Mwen Ayisyen ase focuses on a girl of mixed heritage navigating her identity as informed by diversity and self-awareness.

At 1pm, “Ansanm!” continues with Jean and Barreau. Jean’s The Haiti We See/Ayiti mwen wè involves themes of heritage and memory, connecting young readers with cultural and historical aspects of Haiti. Barreau’s We’re Black and We’re Beautiful/Nou nwa e nou bèl is a poetic celebration of Blackness and beauty, instilling pride and confidence in embracing one’s cultural and physical identity.

These sessions offer an enriching experience for young attendees and a meaningful opportunity for families to engage with Haitian culture through literature. Each book caters to both English and Haitian Creole speakers, making them invaluable for cultural education and personal growth.