Many Haitian migrants have left their home country due to limited economic opportunities, high unemployment, and poverty. Haiti has endured long periods of political unrest and violence, prompting many to seek refuge elsewhere, just as our mother did, in search of a better life for herself and her family.

Our beloved mother came to America, specifically Miami, Florida, in the late 1970s, leaving behind her firstborn son, Marc (born in 1978), in Haiti. After spending some time working in the United States, she married Joachin. Eventually, she was reunited with Marc, who then came to live with her permanently.

At that time, Joachin also had a son, Nobel (born in 1979), who was still in Haiti. He worked hard to bring him to the U.S. as well. Soon after, our mother gave birth to our sister Sandra in 1982, followed by our brother Henry in 1983, and lastly Yachebele in 1989.

Sandra, Henry, and I are second-generation Haitian-American women, born in the United States to Haitian immigrant parents. We had the unique privilege of growing up immersed in both Haitian and American cultures. At home, we primarily spoke Haitian Creole. As we got older, we introduced “Crenglish,” a blend of Creole and English, into our family conversations. English was our second language, and our parents chose to teach us Creole first, trusting that we would learn English in school.

Our upbringing was centered around faith and family. When we weren’t at school or with relatives, we were at church. Our parents believed deeply in leading a Christian life.

Though our mother didn’t speak English fluently or read and write the language well, she never let that stop her. She was a hard-working, dedicated woman. Even when others laughed at her struggles with English, she persisted. Within six months of working, she was promoted to manager over the very people who had mocked her. She eventually saved enough money to purchase her first home, then a second, and began building passive income.

Our mother was a bold woman, full of courage, faith, and integrity. She was also an incredible chef and a loving teacher. This tribute honors her life, her many accomplishments, and the profound impact she had on all who knew her.

If you have any memories, words of encouragement she shared with you, or photos taken with her, we would love for you to share them with us, no matter how small.

Thank you.