A fun community event for action.
The third annual Lakay Se Lakay conference returns on May 7 in Crown Heights. The event puts Haitian culture at the forefront for a daylong meeting with musical and creative workshops, dance, art galleries, and a panel. At this year’s meeting, participants will discuss preserving culture in the face of economic and structural changes and shedding light, said the organizer.
“This year the focus is on gentrification specific to a neighborhood in Brooklyn and we chose Crown Heights because we have the creative freedom to highlight awareness and issues going on in that neighborhood,” said Sabine Blaizin.
She said the increasing changes in Crown Heights, as well as the significant Haitian population, make the area a perfect location for the meeting, and it is an even better opportunity to have the community discuss issues important to them.
“So it was intentional that we have it in Crown Heights this year — I wanted folks in the neighborhood to experience it and build awareness around gentrification to see communities that have been here for a long time and to see who they are,” said Blaizin. “I thought it would be a great chance where we could all share a platform and collaborate with one another and include a dialogue about certain things happening in Haiti, such as national disasters and socio-political issues and how that inspires art.”
And guests can participate and learn about the event.
“This will be an opportunity to network and build with various community members, through community service, art, and academia,” said Blaizin. “You’ll be getting to know your neighbors, and the whole purpose of the conference is to create dialogue so it connects us — the purpose is having Haiti as a focal point.”
This year’s panelists which include authors, academics, activists and entrepreneurs will discuss how the community can still maintain cultural norms in the face of changes.
Lakay Se Lakay at 727 Franklin Ave. between Park and Sterling places in Crown Heights. May 7, 11 am – 6:30 pm. Free.
