The Haitian Creole Language Institute of New York

What does it actually look like to sip with purpose and shift with power? 🍵💪🏾

We use these words a lot, but let’s talk about what they look like in real life.

To sip with purpose means slowing down long enough to actually pour into yourself first. It’s treating a cup of tea not just as a drink, but as a ritual. Over blends rooted in Afro-diasporic traditions, it’s about inhaling the ancestral medicine, catching your breath, and allowing yourself to soften.

To shift with power means taking that stillness and using it to rewrite your own rules. It’s choosing community over isolation. It’s the moment you decide to set an unapologetic boundary, redefine what love looks like to you, and step out of survival mode so you can step into your true alignment.

That is exactly what we are doing this Sunday, May 31st at The Free Black Women's Library.

We aren't just gathering for a beautiful aesthetic (though the vibe will be immaculate). We are gathering to do the internal work, together. Guided by Jennifer Gornik and Wynnie Lamour, we’re creating a safe, sacred space for Black women to heal, laugh, eat good food, and leave transformed.

Swipe through the slides to see how the afternoon will unfold. The table is set for you, sis. 🤎

✨ The Details:
🗓️ This Sunday, May 31 | 4PM - 6PM
📍 The Free Black Women's Library
🎟️ Early bird tickets are $25

Follow this link here: https://luma.com/7m0jdbkq

Souri honestly feels like a form of care.

There’s something healing about being around people who make me laugh deeply and genuinely. A real smile can make me feel lighter, calmer, and more connected not just to others, but to myself too.

I’m learning not to wait for “big” reasons to smile. Sometimes joy lives in the little things: music playing in the background, hearing Kreyòl spoken, a good conversation, a kind message, or simply getting through the day with grace.

The more I pay attention to those moments, the more beautiful life feels.

What’s a small thing that always brings a smile to your face? 😁

Klere reminds me that I’m allowed to take up space and be proud of who I am becoming.

Sometimes shining looks big and noticeable. Other times it’s quiet like choosing joy, protecting my peace, trying again after disappointment, or continuing to believe in myself even when growth feels slow.

I think there’s a special kind of glow that comes from healing, learning, and becoming more connected to yourself over time. I’m learning that even during difficult seasons, my light doesn’t disappear. It’s still there.

And honestly, the more I lean into who I truly am, the more naturally I shine.

Where in your life are you allowing yourself to shine more freely? ✨

Summer is almost here, and so are our Summer 2026 Kreyòl classes ☀️

We know that starting a language journey can feel exciting, intimidating, emotional, and deeply personal all at once. For some people, learning Kreyòl is about trying something new. For others, it’s about reconnecting with family, culture, memories, and identity.

No matter where you’re starting from, we want you to know that you are welcome here 💛

This summer, we’re offering:
• Elementary Haitian Creole Level I
• Kreyòl pou Dyaspora Level I

Our classes are about building confidence, connecting with culture, and learning in a space that feels supportive and encouraging.

If this has been on your mind for a while, we’d love to have you join us this summer. Register now! 🌻
🔗 in bio

Makonnen feels like the perfect word for Haitian Heritage Month 🇭🇹

It reminds me of the ways our lives, stories, and histories are all woven together. Through music, food, language, dance, memory, and community, we continue to find each other again and again.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how healing it can feel to be in spaces where people understand parts of you without needing long explanations. Sometimes connection looks like conversation. Sometimes it’s laughter, shared memories, or simply hearing Kreyòl spoken out loud.

The more I embrace my roots and my community, the more grounded I feel within myself.

Makonnen reminds me that belonging is powerful.

What helps you feel connected to your culture, community, or loved ones? 🤝🏾

There’s something special about hearing and speaking Kreyòl in a space where you don’t feel judged, just supported.

This month, as we celebrate Haitian Heritage Month, we’re creating that exact space. A place where you can show up as you are, whether you’re fluent, learning, shy about speaking, or just curious.

Our Kreyòl Language Lounge is more than just practice, it’s about connection, identity, and community. It’s about laughing through mistakes, sharing stories, and reconnecting with a language that holds so much of who we are.

If you’ve ever felt hesitant speaking Kreyòl or wished you had more opportunities to practice in a safe space, this is for you.

Come through, bring a friend, and let’s celebrate Haiti together. 🇭🇹

📍 Espacio de Culturas
🗓 May 11 | 6:00 PM EST

RSVP through the link in our bio. N ap tann nou 🫰🏾

Konfyans is the reminder I give myself when fear tries to speak louder than my potential 💪🏿

I may not always know exactly where life is taking me, but I trust that I have the strength to keep growing through every season. Confidence, for me, is choosing to believe in myself even while I’m still learning.

And honestly, being connected to Haitian culture gives me even more pride and motivation. Our history is filled with courage, brilliance, creativity, and resilience. That kind of legacy reminds me that I come from people who knew how to keep going, keep creating, and keep believing in themselves.

That same spirit lives in me too.

What gives you confidence when you need it most? 🤎

“How Haitian are you if you can’t speak Kreyòl fluently?”

It’s a question many people in the Haitian Dyaspora have heard, and one that can leave lasting feelings of shame, insecurity, and disconnection.

This conversation is for those who have ever struggled with belonging. For those learning Kreyòl later in life. For those who understand more than they speak. For those who feel nervous opening their mouths around fluent speakers. For those carrying silent shame around identity and language.

This month, we’re creating space for an honest conversation about language, identity, accents, belonging, and the emotional realities of navigating Haitian identity in the dyaspora.

Join us for “Haitian or Blan? Releasing the Shame Around Dyasporic Identity” as we share stories, support one another, and talk through ways to build confidence and connection through Kreyòl without judgment or shame.

🗓 Tuesday, May 12
🕖 7:15 PM EST
💻 On Zoom

You do not need perfect Kreyòl to belong. Come as you are.

Vin jwenn nou: https://haitiancreoleinstitute.com/product/conversationgroup/