Reflections#1: Afro- Cubano, 2003 Havana, Cuba

Just days after the earthquake ravaged Haiti, Cuba opened it's airspace to the US for Med-Evac planes transporting people in need of immediate medical attention, cutting the travel time by 90 minutes. Despite the tensions between the US and Cuba since 1962 when the US imposed an embargo, the Castro regime found the heart to set aside cold-war politics for a more urgent and dire cause. In an open letter to “sister Republic of Haiti” Cuban leader Raúl Castro pledged: “On behalf of the Cuban people and government, I convey to you our most heartfelt condolences and reiterate that you can count on aid in solidarity from our country at this difficult time.” His letter was translated in the state-run Cuban newspaper Granma.

In honor of this act of compassion, I put together this gallery, celebrating Afro-Cubano people and culture. Whether born in Haiti or Cuba, we all share the same origins...Africa.

Enjoy!
































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Though I'm Haitian-American, I was Cuban the entire time I was there. I immersed myself in the spirit and beauty of Afro-Cuban culture...
...and I chilled out on the beach!

Sister's Uptown Bookstore and Cultural Center 10th Anniversary celebration.

Sister's Uptown Bookstore and Cultural Center has become a staple in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, surviving even in the face of an economic dowturn and gentrification. Serving the community for ten years with literary nourishment and a cultural connection, Sister's has proven to be a chill uptown spot with a down home feel, worthy of an afternoon hangout. If you're in the hood, be sure to visit!

Sister's Uptown Bookstore
1942 Amsterdam Avenue
at W. 156th Street
New York, NY 10032
212-862-3680 phone


The images below are from the 10th Anniversary Celebration on January 30, 2010 which featured poetry readings, singing, musical instruments, smooth vibes and lots of cake!.

Clouds and Branches...New Year's Day Beauty

Being a passenger in a car is no excuse pass up a photo op. I must say, the image stabilizer on my new point and shoot is pretty good 'cause the car was moving pretty fast when i shot these!