Tag - New Music

More apologies! Converse is facing backlash after two recent advertising images were widely compared to Ku Klux Klan and lynching imagery, first sneakers held beneath pointed white fabric, then a separate shot featuring shoes, a ladder, and a tree.⁠ ⁠ There is no public evidence either photograph was created with that intent. But for Black audiences, imagery tied to racial terror is not abstract. It carries documented history. When that context is missed at every stage of a global campaign, concept, shoot, edit, review, and distribution, questions about representation and accountability follow.⁠ ⁠ The first image, part of Converse’s Chuck 70 X campaign starring aespa member Karina, showed the K-pop star in a white skirt inside a star-shaped spotlight, holding a pair of black high-tops by the laces. Critics said the lighting tapered the fabric into a pointed white shape resembling a Klan hood, while the dangling shoes read as a hanging body.⁠ ⁠ The second image, from the Converse x Palmes collaboration, showed a person on a ladder beside a tree reaching toward sneakers hanging from a branch, with another figure looking up. Viewers connected the tree, ladder, and hanging shoes to lynching photographs that remain part of the American visual record.⁠ ⁠ Both images circulated rapidly on Threads and other platforms this week. On Friday, Nike-owned Converse issued a statement to Footwear News:⁠ ⁠ “We’re sorry. We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong. We removed it from our channels and are working to remove it everywhere it appeared. This should not have happened, and we will do better.”⁠ ⁠ The Karina photograph has been pulled from Converse’s main social channels. Reporting indicates the company is working to remove it from other placements as well.⁠ ⁠ An apology that names the harm and pulls the work is a start. It is not the end of the conversation. Carter and others have said a PR statement is not enough the public deserves to know how the images were conceived, reviewed, and cleared. ⁠ ⁠ #lunionsuite #haitianamerican

The lone holdout juror in Lindsay Clancy’s Massachusetts murder trial has spoken publicly for the first time, saying he never doubted that the former labor-and-delivery nurse knew what she was doing when she killed her three children. Michael P. Desronvil, 48, of Bridgewater, was the only juror who refused to find Clancy not guilty by reason of insanity. After more than 38 hours of deliberations, the panel deadlocked 11-1. Judge William Sullivan declared a mistrial on Sept. 4. In a statement provided to NewsNation through a spokesperson, the Haitian-American juror said: “I didn’t have any doubts. As I tried to explain different possible theories during deliberation, I kept getting cut off as if I had doubts based on the evidence present. Based on all the physical evidence, key witnesses, and what the prosecution presents, I thought it was enough proof that she knew exactly what she was doing and planned.” Clancy, 36, admitted strangling 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson, and 8-month-old Callan with exercise bands at the family’s Duxbury home in January 2023 before attempting suicide. Her defense argued postpartum psychosis. Prosecutors said she understood her actions. After Desronvil was identified, he said he received death threats, was doxxed, and left his home. His attorney, Edward Paltzik, said the juror is at an undisclosed secure location in rural Northern New England and called him an “American Hero and Champion of Justice.” A GiveSendGo campaign titled “Stand With the Juror,” have raised a little over $330,000 toward a $350,000 goal. Paltzik said proceeds would go toward necessities after threats, doxxing, & harassment. Desronvil comes from a Haitian immigrant family that settled in Massachusetts in 1982, when he was 4 years old. Reporting on his personal history, including dismissed 2021 domestic assault charges and later family court matters, has intensified public attention around the case. Those allegations were not convictions. The mistrial has split public reaction: some hail Desronvil for holding the line on criminal responsibility, while others criticize the deadlock & question how the jury was selected. #lunionsuite #haitianamerican

Haitian-American singer, songwriter, and producer @Fridayy has released the official music video for “Haiku,” the standout lead single from his third studio album Tension.⁠ ⁠ The clip arrived Friday, September 18, weeks after the album dropped August 14 via Def Jam. The song itself first landed July 24 and quickly became one of the project’s most streamed cuts, pairing Fridayy’s signature vulnerable vocals with breezy, Caribbean-tinged production.⁠ ⁠ “Haiku” follows a relationship that still lives rent-free in the narrator’s head. He wants to rewind time, send her a 5-7-5 poem instead of another late-night call, and prove the love was real even after things got messy. Guest vocals from ilham on the chorus give the record extra lift. Fridayy described the album as showing “a different side” of himself, still full of heart, but with more fun and rhythm. “Haiku” sets that tone.⁠ ⁠ For Haitians, Fridayy remains one of the most visible young voices carrying the culture on a mainstream stage. Tension continues that evolution with Caribbean rhythms woven through contemporary production.⁠ ⁠ The new video gives the record a visual world to match the mood: cinematic, intimate, and stylish. Fans immediately called it beautiful and urged streams of the full album. Fridayy continues to represent Haitian excellence without forcing it, just by being himself and letting the music travel. Another win for the culture.⁠ ⁠ #lunionsuite #haitianamerican #haitian

Find your swilli baby, the diri to your sos pwa 😂😂 ⁠ on @rankontre⁠ #AD ⁠#lunionsuite #haitianamerican

The Grenadiers’ squad is set! 🇭🇹⁠ ⁠ Haiti’s new head coach, David Badia, has named 24 players for the national team’s upcoming Concacaf Nations League matches. The roster includes familiar faces such as Frantzdy Pierrot, Wilson Isidor and Fafa Picault, along with new call-ups Jonah Mednard and Kenny Quétant. ⁠ ⁠ Haiti will face Trinidad and Tobago on September 24 and Costa Rica on September 27. Both matches will take place at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, where the Grenadiers will play their designated home games. ⁠ ⁠ The team will then travel to face the Dominican Republic on October 1 and Costa Rica on October 4. Haiti is competing in Group A of League A, with a place in the quarterfinals at stake. ⁠ ⁠ With the squad announced and the first match just days away, Haitian supporters are being called on to bring their flags, fill the stands and make Sabina Park feel like home. ⁠ ⁠ #lunionsuite #haitianamerican

A beautiful reminder of Haiti’s future 🇭🇹 ❤️⁠ 🎥: @haitian_pride09.⁠ #lunionsuite #haitianamerican #culture

After selling out Boston Symphony Hall, Madison Square Garden Theater New York, Hard Rock Universal Orlando, Konpa En Symphony is coming to Miami for a must-see live experience. ⁠ ⁠ 📅 September 25, 2026, 7pm⁠ 📍 Kaseya Center, Miami⁠ 🎟️ Nulookmusic.com⁠ ⁠ Konpa with a full orchestra.⁠ Be there when it happens—not after everyone’s already talking about it. ⁠ ⁠ #lunionsuite #haitianamerican #ad

Haiti has opened its first embassy in the United Arab Emirates, giving the country a permanent diplomatic presence in Abu Dhabi as Port-au-Prince and the UAE look to deepen political, humanitarian and economic ties.⁠ ⁠ Ambassador François Guillaume II began the mission this summer. On July 2, he presented a copy of his credentials to UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi at the ministry’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. On September 3, he formally presented his letters of credence to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, becoming Haiti’s ambassador to the Emirates.⁠ ⁠ The UAE Foreign Ministry said the two countries maintain friendly relations and identified energy, tourism, trade, investment, infrastructure, environmental sustainability and coordination in multilateral forums as areas of cooperation. The Dominican Republic’s embassy in Abu Dhabi has described the mission as Haiti’s first embassy in the UAE. Guillaume, an economist and former minister of Haitians living abroad, previously served as Haiti’s ambassador to Qatar and as consul general in Miami.⁠ ⁠ The diplomatic opening coincides with a new UAE aid commitment. On September 12, President Mohamed bin Zayed directed $10 million in urgent humanitarian assistance for Haiti through the Emirates Red Crescent. Officials said the package is intended to support food security, shelter, health services, water and sanitation, medicines and medical equipment, with internally displaced people and other vulnerable groups among the priorities. The Red Crescent said the first phase will focus on immediate food, shelter, health and WASH needs and will be coordinated with UAE missions, international organizations and local partners.⁠ ⁠ The new embassy does not by itself resolve Haiti’s security or reconstruction crisis. It does, however, give Haiti a resident mission in one of the Gulf’s main political and financial capitals at a moment when Abu Dhabi is pairing diplomacy with emergency aid.⁠ ⁠ #lunionsuite #haitianamerican #haitian

Vice President J.D. Vance is urging Americans to give the Trump administration more time, telling voters there is “still more work to do” as the 2026 midterms approach.⁠ ⁠ On the All-In podcast this week, Vance said: “Give us another chance, or give us another couple of years, to continue to work on the amazing things that we’ve been doing for the past two years.” He argued that even voters who disagree with the administration on some issues should not hand power to Democrats, whom he described as “consumed by craziness.”⁠ ⁠ The comments come as Republicans try to hold both chambers of Congress. Democrats currently lead on the generic congressional ballot in several averages, and President Donald Trump’s approval ratings remain underwater. The midterms are Nov. 3.⁠ ⁠ Vance has been a central midterm messenger. At the GOP’s midterm convention in Dallas earlier this month, he told supporters not to “throw the baby out with the bathwater” over policy disagreements and to focus on the contrast with Democrats. He has said he will decide after November whether to run for president in 2028.⁠ ⁠ Trump’s $5,000 ‘dividend’ pitch.⁠ ⁠ The vice president’s plea lands alongside a separate Trump pitch aimed at rallying Republican voters: a proposed $5,000 “Trump Dividend” for every U.S. adult if Republicans keep the House and Senate. Trump unveiled the idea at the Dallas convention, comparing it to a company issuing a cash distribution after a strong year. He said the money would have to be spent in the United States.⁠ ⁠ The plan would require congressional approval. Estimates put the cost at more than $1 trillion. Some Republican lawmakers have been cautious, citing the national debt and inflation concerns; others have said details would have to be worked out after the election. Democrats have called the offer an attempt to buy votes. Trump has suggested he may not need a full congressional vote, though the Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse.⁠ ⁠ Vance has tied the idea to revenue from tariffs. Whether it becomes law depends first on who controls Congress after November.⁠ ⁠ #lunionsuite #haitianamerican #haitian

Jeriah Mast, a 45-year-old former American missionary from Millersburg, Ohio, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, September 8, to two federal counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with minors in Haiti. Mast entered the plea before U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent in Cleveland. Under the plea agreement, prosecutors and the defense agreed that a sentence between 25 and 33 years would be appropriate; the judge will have the final say. Sentencing is scheduled for December 15, 2026. The U.S. Department of Justice said Mast traveled from the United States to Haiti on numerous occasions between 2002 and 2019, including work with Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries (CAM). Investigators documented more than 30 flights he took between the two countries from November 2002 to August 2018. A federal indictment originally charged Mast with four counts involving four boys in Haiti, with alleged offenses in 2004, 2007, and 2011. As part of the plea, he admitted guilt in two of those cases, each involving a minor between the ages of 12 and 16. Prosecutors are expected to seek dismissal of the remaining two charges. The admitted conduct is part of a broader pattern Mast himself described to police in 2019. According to court records and contemporaneous reporting, he told investigators he had sexually abused more than 30 boys in Haiti & four children in Ohio. He previously pleaded guilty in Ohio state court to two counts of gross sexual imposition, received a 9-year sentence, and was granted early release in October 2025 before the federal charges proceeded. “Jeriah Mast preyed on vulnerable children while working in Haiti as a missionary,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Criminal Division. U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio said Mast “violated the innocence of children & violated the trust of those who supported his supposed missionary work.” CAM, supported by Amish, conservative Mennonite, & related groups, has said it fired Mast in 2019 after the allegations became public. The organization drew separate international attention in 2021 when 17 of its missionaries were kidnapped in Haiti. #lunionsuite #haitianamerican

Three of the Haitian music industry’s most recognizable names did not roll on Eastern Parkway for this year’s West Indian American Day Parade. The West Indian American Day Carnival Association says T-Vice, Tony Mix and SakPase Nation were barred because they failed to meet carnival rules. The bands tell a different story. T-Vice says it was not refused and chose to stay off the route. Tony Mix publicly announced he would not take part.⁠ ⁠ The annual parade stepped off Monday, Sept. 7, along Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway. Days earlier, The Haitian Times reported that WIADCA had kept the three groups off the official lineup. As of that Thursday, five other Haitian groups had been approved to participate. Haitian flags, mas and music were still on the Parkway. The missing piece was the big konpa trucks that usually stop traffic.⁠ ⁠ Cecile Ford is WIADCA’s board secretary and chair of the Mas Committee. She said organizers had warned the groups that the rules would be enforced.⁠ ⁠ “We’ve tried to work with them and each year there was a promise… they just take it as a joke,” Ford said. Ford later pointed to overcrowding on trucks as a safety problem.“We have pictures & photos [they] were not compliant with the number of people they have on their trucks, which is a security issue & safety issue,” she said.⁠ ⁠ WIADCA’s written rules state only bands with a WIADCA permit can enter the parade. Participants must be costumed. Artist trucks, advertising trucks and “T-shirt bands” are excluded. Band leaders are required to put marshals on the route, keep vehicles insured and stay within height and safety limits set with police and the city. Failure to comply can mean removal from the parade.⁠ ⁠ T-Vice answered Ford by name. The band said it was not refused. T-Vice said the Parkway absence was its own choice, while the carnival association said the group was barred. Tony Mix also spoke with an official announcement circulated that he would not take part in the 2026 Labor Day carnival. SakPase Nation did not respond.⁠ ⁠ Haitian mas and music was still on the route, including Lespri Ayiti and RAM among groups carrying the Haitian presence.⁠ ⁠ #lunionsuite #haitianamerican

KidSuper founder Colm Dillane and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso hosted the second annual People’s Runway on the building’s steps, spotlighting five rising Brooklyn designers chosen from hundreds of applicants. The night was built as a platform for talent that usually gets shut out of official Fashion Week calendars. Then @WyclefJean walked out and changed the temperature.⁠ ⁠ The Haitian-born Fugees architect opened with “No Woman, No Cry,” slid into a Brooklyn rap, and brought Carnival dancers in exploding color onto the steps. He stepped off briefly, then returned with “a friend.” Lauryn Hill appeared in a painted KidSuper coat. The front row surged the runway with phones up. They delivered Fugees heat, including “Ready or Not” 30 years after The Score dropped and rewrote what hip-hop could sound like.⁠ ⁠ Both artists wore KidSuper. The moment was brief, loud, and exactly the kind of collision the brand lives for: fashion, music, community, and no velvet rope.⁠ ⁠ Dillane has spent years turning KidSuper into more than clothes, painting, music, unexpected stages. This edition doubled down on that. After the emerging designers showed, he sent out a handful of his own looks, including one worn by his mother, then handed the night to Wyclef. Reynoso kept the energy Brooklyn-loud: if you like it, cheer. Everybody’s VIP here.⁠ ⁠ For Haitian and Caribbean audiences, the night landed differently. Wyclef Jean remains one of the most visible Haitian artists of his generation, guitar, politics, carnival energy, and a catalog that never stayed in one lane. Seeing him pull Lauryn Hill onto the steps of a public building in Brooklyn, wearing a local designer’s coat, felt like the culture showing up for itself without asking permission.⁠ ⁠ The People’s Runway is still young. Dillane has already said he wants it to become annual and that the real measure is what the designers do after the lights go down. Saturday night gave them a stage, a crowd that included athletes and artists, and a closing act that most official Fashion Week shows never get.⁠ ⁠ #lunionsuite #haitianamerican #haitian