Health

The School Bell Rings, But Home Remains the Foundation As August winds down and backpacks fill our living rooms, Haitian parents across Georgia are preparing for another school year. But before our children step into those hallways, we have the sacred opportunity to strengthen the foundation they carry with them: the emotional safety of home.

October arrives each year as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, prompting communities across the nation to pause and acknowledge the deep pain of abuse. During this time, we work to lift up the voices of survivors. Yet for many immigrant families, silence speaks a language louder than words. Stories of violence remain locked behind closed doors, often hidden by layers of shame, fear, and cultural expectations.

October arrives each year clothed in pink, but beyond the ribbons lies something far more important: information that could save your life. Breast cancer will affect 1 in 8 women in their lifetime, but here's what often gets lost: this isn't just a women's issue. Men can develop it too, often with delayed diagnoses. Awareness means understanding the disease, knowing your risk, and taking action.

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.

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.

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