A native of Miami, artist and activist Youme Landowne admits she has long “had an ear out toward issues in Haiti.” A testament of her love of the country, its history and its children, her new book, “Sélavi, That is Life: A Haitian Story of Hope,” began after three trips to Haiti and seven years of writing and illustrating. Her debut children’s book hits bookstores this month with a portion of the sales, including a good share of her advance, going to benefit homeless children in Haiti.
“I always knew that I wanted to tell a story of a group of heroes,” said the Brooklyn-based artist and writer. “Our country often focuses on the individual as a hero, but I was seeking a story with collective heroes, that is to say, where the hero did not succeed on her or his own but in collaboration with others.” The Haitian street children, she said, “perfectly embody this idea.”
Based on true and composite stories of street children living in Port-au-Prince, Youme’s book follows the life of young Sélavi, whose name means “that is life” in Creole, as he searches for love and companionship after losing his family in Haiti’s politically violent environment. In the beautifully illustrated 40-page book, Sélavi finds refuge near a local marketplace and among other children whose lives have also been affected by poverty, loss and violence. Together, they help each other survive.
“I wasn’t afraid to tell a hard story,” says Youme. “[Children’s books] should be about having a diversity of stories” so young readers have a range of learning experiences.
Despite forming a strong network of support, the children hit hard times. Still, Sélavi unites with his friends to overcome the obstacles. Throughout the story, the triumph that comes from the children’s support for one another is revealed. To date, half of Youme’s $2,400 book advance has been donated to benefit the children she met in Haiti.
Youme’s book arrives at bookstores as turbulence continues to plague much of Haiti. Her hope is that Sélavi will bring an understanding about Haiti and inspire others to do what they can to help.
“I’ve always recognized that [the world] is interdependent,” acknowledges Youme. “It’s about what we share, how we share and how that affects us.”
Youme’s own journey toward documenting the story of Sélavi could not have happened without the support of others. The book began to take form while she was living in Berkeley in the late 1990s. Inspired by a young radio journalist who had been teaching journalism to street children in Haiti, Youme decided to travel to the country in 1997. With the journalist’s encouragement, Youme realized her dream. She collected contributions from friends and family and made the long trip by bus from California to Florida, then boarded a roundtrip flight to Haiti. In Port-au-Prince, she was invited to stay at the shelter described in her book.
“There was a lot of sharing of thoughts and ideas,” said Youme, “and the sense that the shelter was a place to be yourself and responsible for oneself and those around you.” School, crafts, chores and even shoemaking projects to earn money were part of their daily lives. “There were struggles and misunderstandings, but there were also friendships forged.”
Years have passed since she first ventured to Haiti, and now Youme is holding the first copy of her book festooned with colorful drawings of kids braiding each other’s hair, climbing tall banyan trees, and jump-roping. Youme, soft spoken in manner, is humble about everything that has happened.
“I still can’t believe the book is finished,” she says, smiling.
Youme plans to write more children’s books and is currently working on a book about sign language.
If you would also like to do your part, please visit the NetAid World Schoolhouse project to help children in Haiti have hope for the future through education.
