Author: Opastaff
Fabrice Simon was one of those rare artists who could take fabric and turn it into poetry. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in 1951, he moved to the United States as a young man with a dream that would soon captivate New York’s fashion and art world. In the 1980s, while the city pulsed with energy, music, and creative rebellion, Fabrice emerged as one of the most influential Black designers of his time, blending the elegance of couture with the vibrant colors and rhythm of his Haitian roots. His work stood out instantly. Fabrice’s gowns shimmered with sequins, beads, and movement.…
Assotto Saint was not just a poet. He was a movement. Born Yves François Lubin on October 2, 1957, in Les Cayes, Haiti, Assotto Saint would grow up to become one of the most fearless Black queer voices of his generation. His name, inspired by the Vodou drum “Assotor” and the Christian saint tradition, reflected his belief in duality, faith, and rhythm, everything that defined both his life and his art. In the late 1970s, he emigrated to the United States, eventually settling in New York City, where he immersed himself in the heart of the LGBTQ+ and artistic communities.…
This mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort dish to bring to your holiday table. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked, it’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone stop and ask, “Who made this?” The rich sauce, tender pasta, and golden top layer create a flavor that feels both nostalgic and unforgettable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or adding one special dish to your family dinner, this mac and cheese will definitely steal the spotlight. It’s simple to make, always a favorite, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Try it this season and watch it become one of your signature…
If you’re looking for the perfect dish to impress your family this holiday season, this homemade lasagna is the one to try. It’s rich, comforting, and full of classic flavors everyone loves. The recipe is easy to follow, beautifully layered, and bakes into a hearty meal that fills the whole house with an unforgettable aroma. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or bringing a dish to a family celebration, this lasagna will absolutely stand out. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, gets passed around the table with compliments, and becomes a tradition all on its own. Give it…
During his Thanksgiving address in 2025, President Donald Trump delivered one of his strongest immigration messages to date. He announced a permanent pause on migration from what he called Third World countries and revealed that his administration will begin a full reinvestigation of all green card holders from certain countries, including Haiti. The announcement sent shockwaves through immigrant communities, particularly among Haitians who have built long-term lives in the United States. According to the administration’s plan, every permanent resident from the listed countries will have their records reviewed. This includes individuals who have lived legally in the United States for…
The United States government has issued its final notice that Temporary Protected Status, known as TPS, for Haitians will officially end on February 3, 2026. The announcement, published by the Department of Homeland Security in the Federal Register, marks the conclusion of more than a decade of protection for hundreds of thousands of Haitians who have lived and worked legally in the United States under the humanitarian program. TPS was originally granted to Haitians after the devastating 2010 earthquake and was extended multiple times as Haiti faced political turmoil, natural disasters, and waves of gang violence. The latest decision confirms…
The Dominican Republic has recently authorized the United States to use airport and airbase facilities on Dominican soil for regional security and anti-trafficking operations. This includes access to Las Américas International Airport and the San Isidro Air Base, creating a new level of cooperation between the two countries at a time when the Caribbean is facing heightened instability. While the agreement is framed as a strategic move against narcotics trafficking and organized crime, the implications reach far beyond military logistics. The decision immediately raises questions about how this shift will affect not only the Dominican Republic’s long, complicated relationship with…
A federal judge in the Eastern District of New York has reopened the trademark lawsuit involving the Haitian music group Zafem, its founder Dener Ceide, and the plaintiffs Wiss and Marie Joseph, who claim ownership of the registered mark “Zafem World Entertainment.” The original judgment, which included a one-million-dollar statutory damages award and a court order banning the band from using the name “Zafem,” has been conditionally vacated. This development gives the group a chance to defend itself for the first time, but the court placed firm conditions before moving forward. The dispute began when the Josephs sued Ceide and…
The Haitian music community, the diaspora, and lovers of culture worldwide are mourning the profound loss of André “Dadou” Pasquet, one of the most gifted and revolutionary musicians Haiti has ever produced. Born on August 18, 1953, Dadou was more than a guitarist. He was a creator, an innovator, a cultural thinker, and a man whose humility matched the depth of his genius. His passing marks the end of an era, and yet his influence will continue to move through generations, echoing through guitars, voices, drums, and the heartbeat of Haitian music. Dadou had been battling cancer for many years,…
Federal authorities have charged two young men from North Texas in an alarming plot that allegedly involved invading a Haitian island, murdering its male population, and enslaving the women and children for sexual exploitation. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs, who described the case as one of the most disturbing conspiracies uncovered in recent years. According to a federal indictment, twenty one year old Gavin Rivers Weisenburg of Allen and twenty year old Tanner Christopher Thomas of Argyle are accused of planning a violent operation targeting the Island of Gonave, part of the Republic of Haiti.…