The Way of the Butterfly
G. Mathurin

Not long ago, EchodHaiti.com had a dream of a Haitian Cultural Revolution in 2004. Not a revolution of bloodshed, death, and destruction, but one of rebirth, self discovery, and celebration of life. In that dream, Edwidge Danticat was one of the warriors in the struggle. In reality, she has proven to be a quiet leader with great vision for the future of Haiti and her children. In her latest battle, "the butterfly's way," she leads an army of writers into self examination, pride, and celebration of Haitian life and culture.

It was not long ago since Edwidge Danticat was named one of the most talented young writers in America. With features in ELLE magazine, and inclusion on the Oprah Winfrey Book Club ®, the Haitian dyaspora was filled with a buzz and pride for the young woman, who so elegantly represented some of our deepest feelings. With at least three books to her credit, Krik! Krak!, Eyes, Breath, Memories, and The Farming of Bones, she has obtained a large following.

The recent book reading at Vertigo book store in College Park, Maryland, was attended by a diverse group of followers, from Haitians, Haitian-Americans, African-Americans to Asians, White Americans, men and women, . They filled the store, cramming anywhere possible, against the wall, on the floor, peeking through bookshelves. They listened attentively. Some, with their eyes closed, nodded and shook their heads, as Edwidge read her intro to "the butterfly's way," in which she talks of her relationship with Jean Dominique, a famous radio journalist recently assassinated in Haiti. The words leave her mouth and sink into the hearts of those sitting with open ears.

"The butterfly's way" is a collection of voices from the Haitian dyaspora in the United States. The voices are as diverse as Haiti and her children. Edwidge edited the book with different stories that effortlessly come together to form a beautiful quilt. Two of the contributors to the book were on hand to share their personal writings, bringing tears and laughter to many in attendance.

Sandy Alexandre shared her story as a young girl growing in America and her mother's reaction, which changed her life and touched many in the audience. Katia Ulysse, with a story of love and self examination, brought tears not only to her eyes but to several of the listeners. It is hard not to find oneself among the voices of "the butterfly's way," whether it's the story of Jean-Robert Cadet as a restavek, or Marie-Hélène Laforest as a Haitian child of an affluent Haitian family fleeing the strong ruling of Francois Duvalier. It is a struggle to critically examine ourselves and our culture, to feel the pain and to rejoice in the triumph of what it is to be Haitian, or Haitian-American.

Near the end the audience took advantage to buy the book and get signatures from the writers, taking time out to share some personal stories, pitch a project, or give a word of encouragement. Through it all Edwidge smiled and delighted those she met and those who took time out to meet her.

Having conquered the book signing group, it was up to Oasis nightclub, in Silver Spring, MD, where another group patiently waited for her appearance.

At Oasis nightclub, EchodHaiti.com, along with Dr. Joseph Baptiste of NOAH (National Organization for the Advancement of Haitians), organized a small gathering of many in the community in order to welcome Ms. Danticat to the community. She was very well received and spoke briefly to express her gratitude. The thanks was all ours. Many had waited all night, not to mention a generation, to meet Edwidge, and no one was disappointed.

With the help of DJ Jean-Michel, who arranged the interview, Edwidge caught the attention of millions of viewers on the local CBS affiliate, WUSA, Channel 9, on the early morning show. The local station received numerous phone calls concerning Edwidge and inquiries about the book.

Later that evening, the tireless Ms. Danticat read to a standing room only crowd at Trans Africa. The crowd overflowed onto the halls and stairways. Those not within earshot listened carefully through the speakers.

On the road to the Haitian Cultural Revolution of 2004, Edwidge conquered yet another group, with charm and grace. She is a general leading her followers in the toughest war of all, a war against our inner selves. Enough bloodshed has been spilled for and in the name of Haiti. Perhaps, like to the story of Joan of Arc, a young woman will lead a nation to self examination, pride, and celebration of life and culture.

© 2001, EchodHaiti.com

We would like to thank, Mèsi bokou, "L'union fait la force":

Dr Joseph Baptiste of NOAH for sponsoring the event at Oasis
Thaylor Grammont and the staff of Oasis of Silver Spring for the beautiful VIP room and the great service.
Fristner Frederic of Frederic Transportation for his services to Ms. Danticat.
Everyone else for their support.

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