Remember I mentioned I'm chronicling my travels to Haiti, 2003-2015? Well, I'm ALMOST done! A year and five months later... Whew! I won't front. It's been a tedious process. Scanning old photos and revisiting journal entries, has kept me an emotional wreck, there aren't enough hours in the day, my computer has a mind of its own, and I've waited until the very end to transfer video footage from those mini DV tapes, onto a hard drive, with a rented camera, cause the camera that was used to record the footage is busted, and on its last leg. I knew it wouldn't be easy.
Aside from the woes, looking at these old videotapes, along with the most recent clips, has put the project into perspective. I get it. This footage wasn't meant to just stay in a box. I came across some material from my first visit to Lakou Souvenance in 2007. Hadn't seen this footage in YEARS. This was a time before the Cultural Exchange Trips were a thought. A time where I was hungry (still) for the knowledge and excited about what Haiti would teach me on that particular trip. I'm happy to share it with you, and with my folks from the Bay who've experienced the beauty and magic of Lakou Souvenance.
This video highlights several days at Lakou Souvenance with Societe La Belle Etoile. Souvenance is one of three Lakou's, (Badjo, Soukri) located in Gonaives, Haiti. This particular Lakou pays homage to the Spirits of Dahomey.
Video Credit: Daniel Brav Brevil | April 2007
This video is part of an upcoming project: Reflections: AYITI CHERIE - A Black Women's Journey (2003-2015)