In Community | Vol 6 ‘24 | Newsletter September 2024

Hello Isse & Lo Family!

Happy First Day of October! Yes, our September Newsletter is one day late 😊, but that also gives me the opportunity to let you know we have 50% off all of our Haitian Creole products all October long in honor of Creole Heritage Month! (More on that in another email, but in the meantime, shop here while supplies last.)

This past September, we thought a lot about how, in challenging times, communities rally around each other. The past month has been particularly difficult for Haitians in the US. If you've also felt the heartache and your nervous system has felt heavy - we are right there with you.

I know we aren’t new to being used as a pawn during election season. But something about this year has been especially troubling because it's compounded. I hope none of your children experienced any bullying and if they did, sending you so much 💕.

What is, and always will be, amazing is what happens when we grow and learn our history. Noticeably different this time around is how the rest of the Caribbean community came together in support of Haitians. The collective care, mutual respect, and shared humanity continue to grow as we do the work to mend our divides. Ultimately, this is the legacy we pass down to our children, not what inconsequential others think of them. It’s one of the many reasons I’m so proud to be on this journey with each of you.

The well-developed inner voice of our children 20 years from now rebuking all the naysayers

As caretakers, we play a crucial role in teaching our children the values of inclusivity, community care, support, and understanding. This can begin with simple, meaningful conversations around the dinner table or through activities that help them understand and connect with others. As always, we have so many free activities here on our website for general cultural awareness & reinforcement, plus some other suggestions below.

Here are a few ideas to foster those values of solidarity at home, especially around migration:

Story Sharing: Share stories from your own family or community about times when you’ve witnessed or experienced solidarity. Whether it’s through migration or support during hard times, these personal stories help children connect emotionally with the idea of being in a community with others.

Cultural Exchange: Often, there is more that communities have in common than differences. Organize a cultural exchange day at home or in your community, take them to local events, or teach them about other religions.

Conversations about Inclusion: Don’t shy away from tough topics. Use current events to talk with your children. You can even use familial examples where appropriate. The reality is there is only so much we can shield our children from, and being aware of the world around them makes them better prepared and informed.

Would love to know what you are doing to foster community mindset.

Kenbe la,
Régine Théodat
Co-Founder, Isse & Lo

Community is everywhere these days. Virtual spaces becoming an important extension of how we connect. Here are two powerful clips from social media that beautifully capture this spirit.