Afoutayi Events
AFOUTAYI RASANBLE : FÈT DRAPO AYITI - HAITIAN FLAG DAY CELEBRATION 2024
The AFOUTAYI RASANBLE: FÈT DRAPO AYITI - HAITIAN FLAG DAY CELEBRATION 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together over 200 attendees for a day filled with joy and creativity. The event featured incredible performances by Afoutayi's teachers (Florencia Pierre "Fofo", Djenane Saint Juste, Peace Madimutsa, Kizomba MPLS, and Korma Aguh) and students, showcasing their musical and artistic talents. Attendees had a blast playing drums with Mr. Lars McCritty, immersing themselves in Liberian culture. They loved the delicious variety of Haitian food prepared by the best Haitian local minnesotan chefs like Fofo, Katia, Thereze, Sabrina, and James. They enjoyed the hands-on art activities and creative face painting provided by Funtime Funktions artists. They loved dancing and grooving on the music by DJ Jahi as well as Innocent & Papa Shalita African & Reggae Band.
We are immensely grateful to our volunteers, sponsors MRAC and in-kind donors, whose generous support made it possible to enrich the attendees' experiences beyond daily life. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this unforgettable celebration! Mèsi Anpil!
If you attended the AFOUTAYI RASANBLE: FÈT DRAPO AYITI - HAITIAN FLAG DAY CELEBRATION 2024, please email us with your testimonials/feedback/photos/short videos at afoutayidmaco@gmail.com.
This summer, AFOUTAYI is busy searching for a new studio space to continue offering Haitian and Afro-Caribbean, classes, workshops, and events of all kinds to our community. We are no longer at 2525 Nevada ave North, Suite 211 in Golden Valley, MN, due to zoning issues. For the past two and half years at the Golden Valley Studio, we have been creating wonderful memories and have changed many lives significantly and positively. Afoutayi has been stretching, growing, and reaching to prepare for the more than 5,000 students/attendees we will serve this year. This is the highest number of students/attendees we’ve ever served! And we need your help!In order to inspire, transform, and engage with an increasing number of young students/attendees of all backgrounds, we are asking everyone we know to help Afoutayi find a new studio space, and to level up!From June 10 to July 15, the goal is to raise $25,000. Our students/attendees are counting on us to be there when they return. Any and all levels of giving are meaningful. But just think, if everyone gave at least $25 as a support, "Afoutayi find a new studio space, and level up" gift, we'd more than meet our goal!Thank you for bringing transformative Haitian and Afro-Caribbean arts education/experience programs to Minnesotan and the US!Your support is vital to our work. If AFOUTAYI , have inspired you or brought any significant positive changes into your life, please email us with your testimonials/feedback/photos/short videos at afoutayidmaco@gmail.com.
BOOKS WRITTEN BY DJENANE SAINT JUSTE, A BLACK HAITIAN ARTIST IMMIGRANT WOMAN IN MINNESOTA, USA.
Women are historically underrepresented in literature, therefore, reading books written by women is essential for everyone to bridge this gap and understand the experience of women. Djenane Saint Juste, a black Haitian, artist, immigrant woman who currently reside in Minnesota, self published two multilingual children's books "Lasirèn ak Labalèn" - The Mermaid and The Whale & "Ti Sonson ak pouvwa tanbou"- Ti Sonson and The Powers of The Drum. These stories create an opportunity to experience Haitian and Afro-Caribbean culture, challenge stereotypes, dismantle biases, and provide nuanced portrayals of Black communities and individuals. By learning through stories, young minds embrace cultural diversity and cultivate a global perspective that values inclusiveness. These books written by a native of Haiti also help children learn empathy and understanding by showing them the lives of others who may have different experiences than them. Seeing themselves represented positively gives children hope that they can be whoever they want to be, regardless of their race or other characteristics. Come on out, order a book for you, your family, your school, your library, and community, spread the love, and let's make memories that shine brightly in the tapestry of celebrating Haiti and Afro-Caribbean culture!
Mark your calendar for our upcoming events...
AFOUTAYI PRESENTS BOOK LAUNCH BY DJENANE SAINT JUSTE
Date & Time: Saturday, August 3, 2024 from 1pm to 5pm
Location: Alliance Française Mpls (227 Colfax Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Description:
Djenane Saint Juste, a black Haitian, artist, immigrant who currently resides in Minnesota invites you to discover her two sel-published multilingual children's books "Lasirèn ak Labalèn" - The Mermaid and the Whale & "Ti Sonson ak pouvwa tanbou" - Ti Sonson and The Powers of The Drum. These stories create an opportunity to learn about Haitian and Afro-Caribbean culture, challenge stereotypes, dismantle prejudices, and provide nuanced portraits of Black communities and individuals. By learning through stories, young minds embrace cultural diversity and cultivate a global perspective that values inclusion. During the book launch you will be able to purchase your books and have it signed by the author. Also you will be able to chat with some of the artists who make this project possible, like Florencia Pierre (songwriter, singer, and storyteller), Richard Janke (storyteller), and more. You will have the opportunity to learn about Haiti through the cultural performance and the Haitian dance and drumming classes. This is an event for the whole family to enjoy and celebrate!
*If you would like to pre-order your books, you can do so on our website at www.afoutayidmaco.com
Program:
1:00 PM - Book launch starts / Cultural Performance
1:30 PM - Haitian Dance with live drumming (Beginner/Intermediate) - Comfortable dance clothes
2:30 PM - Haitian Drumming (Intermediate/Advance) - Bring your drum
3:30 PM - Haitian Dance with live drumming (Intermediate/Advance) - Comfortable dance clothes
4:30 PM - Plezi Gaye (Konpa, Salsa, Kizomba, Meringue, and Afrobeats)
5:00 PM - Book launch ends
Cost:* FREE ADMISSION to the book launch event but the Haitian dance and drumming classes will have a cost.
$15 for one class
$25 for two classes
$30 for all three classes
*Payment for classes will be collected in Cash/Card/Venmo/WhatsApp the day of the event.
Please register for this event today and share with your circle of family and friends. Together we can spread love and create memories that shine brightly in the tapestry of celebrating Haiti and Afro-Caribbean culture through
inclusion, diversity and equity!
Mèsi anpil, Merci beaucoup, Muchas gracias, Thank you.
