Ibo Club Alumni Incorporated
40th Anniversary Reunion
Given the historical context of the time, it is important to mention that the Haitian Ibo Club was founded by Haitian students who attended Miami Dade Community College in Miami, Florida, during a tumultuous time when Haitians in the United States were unfairly associated with HIV/AIDS infection carriers, it is important to acknowledge this history and its impact on the Haitian student body.
Ibo Club Alumni Incorporated
40th Anniversary Reunion
The Sponsor
"The Ibo Club Alumni Incorporated mission is dedicated to preserving the legacy of resilience and unity that defines our community. Founded by Haitian students who attended Miami Dade Community College in the face of adversity during the 1980s, we stand committed to:
Breaking Stereotypes: We work tirelessly to dispel harmful stereotypes that have stigmatized Haitians in the United States, particularly the unwarranted association with HIV/AIDS. We challenge prejudice through education and awareness.
Empowering Our Community: Our mission is to empower Haitian students and the broader Haitian community, both historically and in the present. We provide resources, support, and a platform for individuals to achieve their full potential, regardless of their background.
Cultural Pride: We celebrate the vibrant Haitian culture and heritage, showcasing its beauty and contributions to the rich tapestry of American society. Through cultural events and educational initiatives, we foster a sense of pride and identity.
Social Justice: We actively advocate for social justice, equity, and the fair treatment of all individuals, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or background. We collaborate with organizations and initiatives that share our values.
Mental Health and Well-being: Recognizing the toll that discrimination and prejudice can take on mental health and self-esteem, we offer support systems, counseling resources, and platforms for healing and self-empowerment.
Educational Opportunities: We believe in the power of education as a vehicle for transformation. Our association provides scholarships, mentorship, and educational resources to uplift Haitian students and others facing similar challenges.
Unity and Solidarity: We foster a sense of unity and solidarity within our alumni community, ensuring that our members have a network of support and connections to help them succeed.
Community Service: As an association deeply rooted in compassion and empathy, we engage in community service initiatives to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Our mission is inspired by the resilience of our founders and their unwavering commitment to education and community, despite the discrimination they faced. The Ibo Club Alumni Association envisions a future where all individuals, regardless of their background, can reach their full potential and find pride in their heritage.
Together, we continue to challenge stereotypes and build a more inclusive and equitable society."
This mission statement reflects the historical context of discrimination and adversity faced by the Haitian community and emphasizes the association's commitment to addressing these issues, fostering cultural pride, and advocating for social justice.
Ibo Club Alumni Incorporated
40th Anniversary Reunion
Voltaire Charles Marc
The Featured Artist
Voltaire CHARLES-MARC, also known as Mr. V the Artist, was born in March 1975 and has a wonderful son named Tyree V. CHARLES-MARC. Voltaire has cherished memories of spending time with his cousin Reginald GEORGES during vacations. The two shared a passion for drawing, and they would spend hours lost in their art. As they grew older, their paths diverged, with Reginald pursuing a career in Art at ENARTS, the National School for Arts in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and Voltaire opting to study Computer Sciences instead at INUQUA Institut Universitaire Quisqueya Amerique.
In 2006, while planning a family visit, Reginald was inspired to revisit their shared love of drawing. He brought a canvas, and a friend brought black and white paint. Reginald and his friend encouraged Voltaire to try his hand at painting for the first time. The result was stunning: an exquisite portrait of Voltaire and his sister-in-law. This success motivated Voltaire to paint more, and by 2007, he was creating historical portraits and iconic figures. By researching the context of the individuals he painted, he began incorporating historical references into his paintings, which evolved into the collage-like style that defines his school of Art, I-I-S-P (Immortalized Images Story Paintings).
Alongside painting, Voltaire also discovered a love of woodworking at his architect brother's shop. His body of work explores topics and subjects related to Haiti, his native homeland. Both of Voltaire's parents were also involved in the art world, with a focus on "Haute Couture". Voltaire's affinity for world culture and history shines through in his paintings, making them appealing to people of all backgrounds and origins. In addition to exhibiting his work throughout the world and Haiti, Voltaire regularly invites art students to his studio. He shares his space with five other artists known collectively as the "Famous Art Creation", providing students with visual aids to complement their textbook and classroom lectures.
Romuald Blanchard
The Advocate
Lobey Art & Travel is a dynamic network of artists and entrepreneurs committed to promoting the arts, advocating for artists, and supporting art organizations and community agencies. We are dedicated to promoting the arts in all their forms and to supporting the artists who bring them to life.
Through our advocacy efforts, we aim to create a more supportive environment for artists, one that recognizes their contributions and the vital role they play in society. We also work to support art organizations and community agencies, helping them to create meaningful connections and foster greater understanding among individuals and communities. personal change and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Lobey Art & Travel also includes a travel component that allows for unique and immersive experiences in art and culture. Our travel programs are designed to offer a deeper understanding of the world around us by engaging with local artists and communities, exploring their cultures and traditions, and experiencing the transformative power of the arts. Through these experiences, we aim to inspire personal growth and change, providing opportunities for travelers to expand their perspectives and develop a greater appreciation for global diversity.
Ibo Club Alumni Incorporated
40th Anniversary Reunion
The Art Installation
Panamericanism, 2014
30x40 Acrylic on Canvas
Pan-Americanism is a movement that seeks to promote and strengthen cooperation, unity, and cultural exchange between the countries of North, South, and Central America. In the context of art, Pan-Americanism has been an important influence on artistic movements in the Americas, particularly in the early 20th century.One of the key artistic expressions of Pan-Americanism was the mural movement, which flourished in Mexico in the 1920s and 1930s. Muralists such as Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco created large-scale public murals that celebrated the history, culture, and struggles of the people of Mexico and the Americas. These murals often featured themes of social justice, indigenous heritage, and anti-imperialism, reflecting the political ideals of Pan-Americanism.
In addition to the mural movement, other artistic movements and styles also emerged in the Americas in the early 20th century that reflected the ideals of Pan-Americanism. For example, the Brazilian Modernist movement, led by artists such as Tarsila do Amaral and Oswald de Andrade, sought to create a distinctly Brazilian art that incorporated elements of both European and indigenous culture. Similarly, the Harlem Renaissance in the United States celebrated African American culture and identity, while also seeking to establish connections with other cultures of the Americas.
Overall, Pan-Americanism has had a significant impact on the art of the Americas, inspiring artists to create works that reflect the region's rich cultural heritage and promote a sense of unity and cooperation across national borders.
Ibo Club Alumni Incorporated
40th Anniversary Reunion
The Art Installation
Get Up, Stand Up , 2021
32x44 Acrylic on Canvas
The chain of slavery has been unlocked, vile of torture, and lack of freedom has been lifted. As a group of people we don’t need to ask for permission to establish something for our country Haiti. Haiti is land of people who are hard working and gifted. Our gift is just that, to contribute and assist others in need. Our motto is unity and strength and that brand will last forever. The progress we have made in other countries is a testament to our perseverance and moving forward together. Haiti is the number one black republic in the world. Liberty, equality, and brotherhood are symbols of freedom that is embedded in our culture. We should not take these principles for granted. Our power and endowment reside in us as a people. Endurance and longevity are some of the things that the lord has blessed us with after being freed from slavery. We are in a crossroad now, where our values and love for one another is being tested. Violence, corruption, kidnapping and gangs are a neon. We have to reverse back and get on the road to progress, education and independence. We must honor the freedom that our ancestors who fought so hard have given us. Nations recognition the greatness of Haiti through its great monuments, like the citadel. Union de la force is our biggest weapon towards anything that sent our way. The chains of slavery have been unlocked by us, and the key is in our hand and we have come a long as a nation and the first black republic. Let us remember who we are by putting respect inside our family, friendship, neighbors and our businesses. Our voices are powerful and limitless. The history of our people has been written down for the next generation to continue to fight for freedom and justice around the world. The answer is in our nature and values. Honor and respect used to be one of many customs that we’d abide by and live by. let us not forget where we came from and who we are as a people.
Text by Peterson Charles-Marc
Message and painting by Mr.V th
Ibo Club Alumni Incorporated
40th Anniversary Reunion
The Art Installation
Exodus, 2021
44x42 Acrylic on Canvas
Why are Haitians, specifically, coming to the US border?
Back in May, Mayorkas announced an 18-month temporary protective status for Haitians already residing in the US, which now applies to Haitians in the country as of July 29. Mayorkas had cited “security concerns, social unrest, an increase in human rights abuses, crippling poverty, and lack of basic resources, which are exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.” And that spring announcement was before Haiti’s president was assassinated and an earthquake struck over the summer.
Many of those arriving at the US border now had left Haiti long ago and were either living or staying in other Central and South American countries, from Guatemala to Chile.
CNN talked to 26-year-old Jameson Tilus. He fled Haiti years ago after he was assaulted in his home and his aunt was shot at.
In Chile since 2015, he wants to join his brother, uncle and cousins, who are in the US. Friends told his family the border was open in Del Rio, so Tilus, his wife, their 5 year-old daughter and their 3 year-old son started the two-month journey there.
“I’m 26 years old, and I don’t have a profession,” Tilus said, his voice breaking. “I was doing very badly, I wanted a better life.”
Analysis by Zachary B. Wolf, CNN
Updated 9:42 AM EDT, Thu September 23, 2021
Ibo Club Alumni Incorporated
40th Anniversary Reunion
The Art Installation
Nos Karma, 2021
60x42 Acrylic on Canvas
Karma is a concept of action, work or deed, and its effect or consequences.[1] In Indian religions, the term more specifically refers to a principle of cause and effect, often descriptively called the principle of karma, wherein intent and actions of an individual (cause) influence the future of that individual (effect):[2] Good intent and good deeds contribute to good karma and happier rebirths, while bad intent and bad deeds contribute to bad karma and bad rebirths. As per some scripture, there is no link of rebirths with karma.[3][4] Karma is often misunderstood as fate, destiny, or predetermination.[5]
The concept of karma is closely associated with the idea of rebirth in many schools of Indian religions (particularly in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism),[6] as well as Taoism.[7] In these schools, karma in the present affects one's future in the current life, as well as the nature and quality of future lives—one's saṃsāra.[8][9] This concept has also been adopted in Western popular culture, in which the events that happen after a person's actions may be considered natural consequences of those actions.
Wikipedia
Ibo Club Alumni Incorporated
40th Anniversary Reunion
The Art Installation
Fake Happiness, 2020
48x36 Acrylic on Canvas
As Haitians, it's often challenging for happiness to truly reflect on our faces. While we may be scattered across the globe, the state of our homeland is a matter of deep concern. This isn't solely due to our actions or the decisions of our government; there are external factors at play that contribute to our struggles.
Reversing our current circumstances won't be an easy feat, but it is by no means an insurmountable task. When you encounter a Haitian smiling, celebrating, it's often a facade, a cover for the underlying reality. Genuine happiness can feel elusive.
This painting serves as an invitation, a call to action, to collectively work toward achieving real and lasting happiness. It echoes the sentiments of our national anthem, highlighting the importance of unity, self-determination, and the utilization of our land's abundant resources. It encourages us to embrace our inner strength, as strong and resilient men and women, to confront any challenges that come our way. And let us always remember that someone fought for our freedom and independence, making it possible for us to strive for a brighter future.
Ibo Club Alumni Incorporated
40th Anniversary Reunion
AUCTION
Le Marche Haitien, 2023
30x40 Acrylic on Canvas
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The Town, 2021
24x36 Acrylic on Canvas
Guitar - 2021
The Immortalized Images Story Painting
The Immortalized Images Story Painting is a unique form of art that blends various art movements and techniques to create a visual storytelling experience. It typically involves using a clear image or a series of images that are accompanied by text, quotes, and symbols to convey a message or tell a story. This new school of art is easily recognizable, timeless, and engages both art lovers and newcomers alike.
What sets Immortalized Images Story Painting apart is its ability to challenge people to reflect on their experiences and memories, inviting them to see the world around them in a different light. By using symbols and text, the artist can create layers of meaning within the art that encourages viewers to look beyond the surface level and explore the deeper themes and ideas presented.
This art form is a powerful tool of change, as it can be used to create awareness and bring attention to important social issues or historical events. It can also be used to honor individuals or groups that have made a significant impact on society or to celebrate cultural traditions and heritage.
Overall, Immortalized Images Story Painting is a dynamic and innovative form of art that captures the essence of a specific moment in time while also challenging viewers to think critically about the world around them. Its unique blend of art movements and techniques makes it a versatile and universally understood art form that has the potential to create meaningful change in the world.