Haiti, one half of the Hispaniola island, is the first Black nation to liberate itself from enslavement on January 1, 1804. Haiti prides itself in determination and grit. All the hard work that our ancestors have done and what we continue to do is what makes us such powerful people. This year, 2026, marks Haiti’s 222nd year of independence. May is also Haitian Heritage Month!
One of the things I’ve mentioned in my Haitian Independence Day video is for everyone to support your Haitian friends, whether they are creatives, professionals, chefs, and educators.
Here are some people you should follow!
Abby (IG: @itsme.abbyg)
Abby is a cosplayer based in NYC. She always brings excitement to the room and is hilarious. Some of the things that Abby posts are builds for her cosplays, workout routines, and concerts. She is an avid fan of the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure franchise. My favorite cosplays by her are Olivier Armstrong (Fullmetal Alchemist/Brotherhood), Gyomei Himejima (Demon Slayer), Granny Seiko (Dandadan), and Jotaro Kujo (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Stone Ocean).
Poetik Selektions (IG: @poetik.selektions)
Poetik Selektions and I go way back. We’ve been friends since our college days. She’s based in Philly, born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and of Haitian and Guyanese descent. Her most recent endeavors are the following: DJing at this year’s BlerdCon and is one of the 250 Change Makers of Philadelphia. Poetik Selektions sets always tell a story. All mixes I’ve heard thus far and clips I’ve seen are smooth!
Patty & Derby from Black Ramen Podcast (IG: @blackramenpodcasts)
Patty and Derby are two of the three podcast hosts of the Black Ramen Podcast. Black Ramen Podcast discusses everything pop culture: music, anime, conventions, comics, etc. They are also excellent community managers. They’ve hosted and sponsored different events in the past, including Anime Karaoke Night. If you’re a massive fan of One Piece, or any rom-com anime, Black Ramen Podcast is for you!
Haitian Senpai (IG: @haitiansenpai)
Haitian Senpai is a cosplayer based in Atlanta. He dabbles mainly from the anime Bleach. He also creates reaction content to anime, wrestling, and movies. Some of the cosplays that I like from him are Death the Kid (Soul Eater), Enrico Pucci (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean), and Lille Barro (Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War).
Victoria Johnson (IG: @sailorvictoria/@moonies_club)
Victoria is a communications specialist, journalist, copywriter, podcaster, and moderator for special events at various conventions. Originally from Florida, and now based in New York City, Victoria is your favorite magical girl’s favorite magical girl. She is the host and founder of The Moonies Club, a podcast dedicated to the 1990’s hit anime, Sailor Moon since 2020. When not interviewing fellow Moonies, Victoria writes various articles, hosts and sponsors events, and is also an avid fan of One Piece. She’s even a judge in this year’s Crunchyroll Anime Awards. Victoria also has the largest magical girl event called the Magical Girl Festival and has been going strong over the past three years. This year’s Magical Girl Festival is on September 26, 2026, in Brooklyn’s own Japan Village in Industry City.
Elly G, Here!!! (IG: @ellyemgee/@ellyscornerstore)
To wrap up this article, I cannot forget to add why we are celebrating in the first place. I’m Elly G Here and I’m born, raised, and based in New York City. I do many things: cosplay, crochet, write, create videos, learning a new language, a comedian off camera, but most importantly: I am an artist. In the daytime, I work in human services, and at night, I share memes (both in English and Kreyòl) and crochet my cosplays. Art has always a way for me to connect with others and create community. The thing that makes me the happiest is sharing my art with the masses. I always say: “I would love to be Haitian in every lifetime.” There’s something about us that’s impeccable.
If you know any Haitian creators, please, by all means, share! By showing support to your fellow creators, we can become an even stronger community.
-Elly G, Here!!!
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