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LAKOL MAGAZINE
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
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
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
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
BEL Initiative
BEL Initiative established in 2016 is an entrepreneurship program of the Georgia Haitian American Chamber of Commerce (GAHCCI). The first cohort to provide binational from Haiti and the United States an entrepreneurship education, mentorship,
access and exposure to entrepreneurs by hosting them in the United States for the summer. They are connected to potential partners, resources with the intention of returning to Haiti and create more jobs. Thus, a bigger impact in t
Mar 23, 20242 min read
The Role and Vision of The Georgia Haitian American Chamber of Commerce (GAHCCI)
Dr. Ronald L. Cetoute is a Haitian American residing in Atlanta, Georgia with his wonderful wife and amazing child. He holds the following degrees: Doctor of Education, Master of Public Administration, and a Bachelor of Science. His passion for business and education creates a relentless drive to develop those skills in countries suffering economic growth, such as Haiti. Dr. Cetoute critical thinking and creative solutions produce positive results. Lakol Magazine interviews h
Mar 22, 20246 min read
ERITAJ - Building Our Legacy
Saurel Quettan was born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti in a Catholic Church. His education is credited to French priests. This foundation shaped his values and morals in a way none could imagine. He transformed early in life giving way to the importance of an apology and the act of forgiveness. He surrounds his life and actions with mindfulness. He is no stranger to introspection.
Saurel resides in Atlanta, Georgia. He has been involved with GAHCCI since its inception
Mar 15, 20244 min read
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