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LAKOL MAGAZINE


Beyond Backpacks: Preparing Our Children's Hearts and Minds for School Success
As August approaches and store aisles fill with notebooks, crayons, and uniforms, families across Georgia's Haitian community engage in the familiar ritual of school preparation. Some families prepare to send their eldest to college dormitories, while others select crayons for a kindergartener's first classroom experience. Yet regardless of grade level or academic performance, what we all must do as parents remains the same: we must equip our children emotionally to stand fir
5 days ago5 min read


Eritaj 2025: A Night to Honor the Past and Envision the Future
On Saturday, July 26, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, GAHCCI, The Whitley, and Atlanta will play host to something extraordinary. It is called "Eritaj". (The Haitian Creole word for “legacy”.)
If you have never been to the gala, let this be the year you show up and represent Haitian beauty and excellence. Come celebrate the soul of something deeper... a homecoming of Haitian spirit, culture, art, and expression!
Jul 42 min read


The Fathers We Inherit: Honoring the Sacred Guardians of Haiti's Children
In Haiti, the word papa doesn’t just belong to the man who helped bring you into the world. It’s a word that carries weight, a word we give to the ones who stay, who show up, who love with their whole hearts, even when they don’t have to.
I was raised by one of those men. Not my biological father, but my uncle, the man who chose me, guided me, and gave me the steady kind of love every child deserves. His presence shaped me more than any bloodline ever could.
Jun 247 min read


The Gate and the Garden: The Emotional Power of a Father's Presence
As we celebrate Father's Day this June, I want to share something I've witnessed over 30 years in education that always moves me: When a father walks into a parent-teacher conference, the entire atmosphere shifts. Even if he doesn't say much, even if he just sits quietly and listens, his presence changes everything. The child sits a little straighter. The conversation feels more complete. There's an unspoken message in the room: "This child matters to both of us."
Jun 95 min read


Leading in Defiance: The Untold Heroism of Haitian The First Black Republic
A colony so rich in resources that it fueled half of France’s economy. The Jewel of the Caribbean. But behind that jewel? Brutality. Chains. Generations of men, women, and children whipped, branded, broken; yet never bowed. And then, they rose.
They didn’t wait for diplomacy. They didn’t wait for rescue. They became th
May 224 min read


A Joyful Celebration of Haiti's Flag Day in Georgia
This past Saturday marked a vibrant and deeply meaningful celebration as the Haitian community and supporters gathered at Starr Park in Forest Park, Georgia, to commemorate the 222nd anniversary of the Haitian flag being sewn by Catherine Flon. The air was filled with pride, rhythm, and the unmistakable spirit of unity as attendees came together to honor a pivotal symbol of Haitian independence, resilience, and cultural identity. Organized by the GA Haitian-American Chamber o
May 212 min read


Honoring Our Roots, Healing Our Souls: The Power of May for the Haitian Business Community
For Haitian entrepreneurs and business leaders across Georgia and the United States, May offers a sacred opportunity for reflection and celebration. As both Haitian Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, May invites us to consider how our cultural resilience shapes our business practices and how prioritizing wellbeing strengthens our collective entrepreneurial journey.
May 163 min read


The Price of Freedom: Remembering Haiti's Indemnity and the Cruelty of Colonial Slavery
Two hundred years ago today, on April 17, 1825, France imposed an indemnity on Haiti.
Not for war damages. Not for property loss. But for the unthinkable: for winning our freedom.
After defeating Napoleon's army and becoming the world's first Black republic, Haiti was forced to compensate its former enslavers. Under threat of French warships, Haiti's president Jean-Pierre Boyer signed away the nation's future—150 million francs (later reduced to 90 million)—an astronom
Apr 174 min read


Leading Through Renewal: A Season for Reflective and Purposeful Leadership Reflect - Recommit - Renew
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” Simon Sinek
As the early blooms of April break through the last frost of winter, nature offers us a powerful leadership lesson: growth requires change, and renewal demands intention.
April has long been associated with fresh starts and transformation. It is no coincidence that this month is also dedicated to two important causes: Stress Awareness Month and National Volunteer
Apr 174 min read


The Resilient Entrepreneur: Transforming Trauma into Business Strength for Haitian Business Owners
April is nationally recognized as Stress Awareness Month, offering a timely opportunity to explore how stress, trauma, and unspoken emotional wounds impact not only individuals but also organizations.
For Haitian-owned businesses and enterprises serving the Haitian community, integrating trauma-informed leadership can be a powerful strategy for healing, innovation, and sustainable success—even for sole proprietors operating with limited resources.
Apr 126 min read


Leading with Grace: Women in Leadership Across Generations
March marks Women's History Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the achievements, resilience, and impact of women across generations and industries. Women have always been at the forefront of change, whether in politics, business, social activism, or education. Despite historical barriers, they have continued to lead with grace, strength, and a strong commitment to progress. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "A woman is like a teabag – you never know how strong she is until
Mar 2110 min read


Unbreakable: The Resilience and Triumph of Haitian Women Through Trauma and Adversity
In the face of unspeakable hardship, they stand tall. Through generations of political violence, natural disasters, and systemic inequality, they rebuild. Despite trauma that would shatter most spirits, they rise each morning to forge a path forward—not just for themselves, but for their families, communities, and nation. Haitian women embody a resilience so profound it transcends mere survival; it transforms pain into power.
Bearing Witness to Trauma
The story of Hai
Mar 85 min read


An Olympian Family: Against All Odds (Part One)
The Grand'Pierre family have achieved remarkable milestones. Three out of five of their children represented Haiti in swimming at consecutive Summer Olympic Games. Naomy Grand'Pierre made history as Haiti's first female Olympic swimmer at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. Naomy's groundbreaking participation in the women's 50m freestyle paved the way for her siblings. Her sister, Emilie Grand'Pierre, continued the legacy by competing in the 100m breaststroke in the 2020 Tokyo O
Feb 2212 min read


Haiti's Flame: The Birth of Black Liberation
Before her flag unfurled with pride,
Before her peaks scraped crystal skies,
Haiti's warriors crossed the foam,
Far from their embattled home.
In Savannah, seventeen-seventy-nine,
Six hundred formed their battle line
Chasseurs-Volontaires, fierce and bold,
Their valor Time cannot withhold.
Feb 81 min read


Love, Faith & heritage: A Story of Building Dreams Together
As a fellow Haitian and someone who works with people healing from life's challenges, I love sharing stories of hope. This February, I want to tell you about a couple whose love story shows us what's possible when faith, culture, and purpose come together.
My introduction to Reverend Dr. Louis Wilkenson and Dr. Darline Wilkenson took place at a gathering in our community. From the moment I saw them together, it was clear there was something extraordinary in the way they up
Feb 84 min read


The Haiti Cultural Day: Second Annual Soup Joumou Competition
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, Ribby's Encore Lounge in Duluth, Georgia, was abuzz with excitement as the YE Foundation hosted the 2nd Annual Haiti Cultural Day: Soup Joumou Competition. This vibrant event celebrated Haitian culture through its iconic dish, Soup Joumou, symbolizing freedom and resilience.
Jan 283 min read


Beyond Survival: Cultivating Resilience in the Haitian Diaspora
In the words of our ancestors, "Men anpil, chay pa lou" – Many hands make the load lighter. As we embrace 2025, this timeless proverb resonates deeply within our diaspora community. From the vibrant streets of Port-au-Prince to the growing Haitian enclaves of Georgia, our people face unprecedented challenges with characteristic courage and determination.
Jan 243 min read


The Legacy of Silany: A culinary Journey
Wadler Dieujuste, affectionately known as Wally, is a man deeply rooted in family and culture. Growing up in New Jersey and now calling Atlanta home for the past 19 years, he carries with him a profound sense of purpose and passion. “I’m a family man,” Wally shares with a warm smile. His voice carries the weight of both responsibility and joy, reflecting the life he has built alongside his wife and children.
Jan 174 min read


Dr. Erlange Elisme: Transforming Trauma Care Through Compassion, Education, and Cultural Connection
Lakol Magazine is honored to welcome Dr. Erlange Elisme as its newest contributing writer, bringing a wealth of knowledge and compassionate leadership to the publication. As a distinguished trauma-informed care leader, Dr. Elisme has committed her life’s work to promoting emotional well-being and resilience. Her professional journey spans over three decades in education, where she has advocated for greater awareness and support for those impacted by trauma. Her doctorate in s
Jan 72 min read


LEVELLING UP YOUR SUCCESS with Dr. Loojimps
Dr. Loojimps “James” Marcius is a native of Cap-Haitien, Haiti. He holds a PH.D. in Leadership and Organizational Growth. He also holds a BS in Electronics Engineering, an MBA, and a master's in Information Technology. He is also the founder of Level X Growth, a Business and Personal Growth coaching company that focuses on preparing the next generation of Business and Family leaders through impactful Leadership, Business Growth, and Personal Development Training.
Dr. Loo
Jun 22, 202410 min read
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