I often think of the conversations I never had with my father. All the things I could have learned not only about life but about him, his journey, and our family history. When my father passed, I realized all that I had picked up along the way. Suddenly I was able to see my own life in a whole new way. I knew that to be the best man, the best husband, and the best father I could be, I would need to make a change. I would need to live as my father did, and own my story.
Back in the day, for me, Wyclef was one of the first people out there that made being Haitian cool but now I realize my father, just like Wyclef, was a pioneer of owning his story. Back in the 70s, my father did yoga before it was cool because it was something he enjoyed and it didn't matter what anyone else had to say. No matter the looks or the whispers, my father, owned who he was.
After he passed, his spirit of owning his story, had me reevaluating my path. In 2007, I took an intentional leap of passion and became a modern day Oregon pioneer. Even with all the intentions I had behind my leap, I still wasn't ready to own my story. It took me from 2007 until 2015 to own my name and my legacy. Now, every day, I am proud to be a first generation Haitian American. I am proud to share my love and respect of my Haitian roots not only with my family but with everyone who walks through the doors at The Crick. From the colours of the Abbey Creek logo being red and blue to represent the Haitian flag, to the spices and twists we put on each of the dishes we serve.
Welcome to the next iteration and celebration of owning your story, repurposing your life, and your passions. It is with great pleasure, I present to you P.O.P.s Port-au-Prince/Port-of-Prince
Named after the capital of Haiti, this ruby port is a second toast and thank you to my father.
