Interviews in Boston, MA.
Oswald Neptune: Haitian Adult Day Health Center
Oswald Neptune was one of the leaders of the Haitian Adult Day Health Center. Upon arriving at the health center, Oswald allowed us to be apart of the services that many of the elderly were enjoying. Hearing them speak in a mix of their French and Native Creole was a great first-had experience in how the people interacted. When we asked Oswald questions, he responded with a very willing attitude. He was our first interview, and was a great introduction into the Haitian culture in which we were studying and learning to admire. He was one of the leaders at the health center which provided for the Haitian elderly in the Mattapan area.
Oswald Neptune was one of the leaders of the Haitian Adult Day Health Center. Upon arriving at the health center, Oswald allowed us to be apart of the services that many of the elderly were enjoying. Hearing them speak in a mix of their French and Native Creole was a great first-had experience in how the people interacted. When we asked Oswald questions, he responded with a very willing attitude. He was our first interview, and was a great introduction into the Haitian culture in which we were studying and learning to admire. He was one of the leaders at the health center which provided for the Haitian elderly in the Mattapan area.
Jean Appolon: Jean Appolon Expressions
Appolon was an extremely welcoming into his dance class. As our group arrived, he met us at the front door, and was excited to get us moving. As we talked to him, he told us a lot about his life, and how much dance meant to him and his people. Within the Boston area, he had been trying to teach dance since 1998, and not long after, he opened his own class. He went back to Haiti many times since moving to Cambridge in 1993. His dance class has been life changing, and culturally integrating. |
Franklin Dalembert: Haitian Coalition of Somerville
Franklin Dalembert is the Executive Director at the Haitian Coalition of Somerville. Mr. Dalembert was born in Haiti and had been living in the Boston area for about 24 years. He told us a lot about his struggle when coming to America and all the things he was leaving behind. After coming to the U.S., he realized that many factors came into play when trying to change the way of life. The weather was different, the language was different, and the culture was different. After joining the Coalition in Somerville (in which the city was primarily white), he noticed the need to help advocate for the rising number of Haitian immigrants in the area. He has since tried to visit Haiti twice a year. |