The collaboration with artists Peniel Guerrier and Jean Mary Brignol provided Flanbwayan the opportunity to grow and expand their cultural Haitian folklore dance program. The artists led dance and drumming workshops year-round in schools, as well as community workshops for youth and adults. Flanbwayan’s Flanbo dance group was able to grow and develop, learning new work and performing year-round thanks to the collaboration. They were able to purchase drums and costumes and further establish their dance program. The artists provided a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue, allowing artists to share their unique perspectives and skills and for audiences to experience the richness of Haitian culture in innovative and engaging ways. Through the collaboration, the spirit of their community was strengthened, and the cultural heritage of Haiti can be celebrated, preserved, and passed on to the next generation.

The Flanbwayan Haitian Literacy Project’s mission is to transform the lives of Haitian newcomer youth through education and leadership development activities and to support them in the fight to address immigrant education issues in the community and citywide.