Black Gem (@blackgemspeaks)

Yesterday, demonstrations in support of Salvadoran involvement in Haiti’s security effort took place in several parts of the country. It was particularly striking to see people turn out in Mirebalais, a city that has been under siege for over a year. The demonstrations raise questions about what…

Pres. Nayib Bukele released this video tonight explaining that #ElSalvador is nearing full deployment of its troops and equipment in Haiti. He describes the mission as an effort to end #gang violence and restore peace, not an invasion. He says El Salvador is covering most of the cost and hopes…

This week, the streets of Brazil were filled with thousands of people celebrating Lula’s election victory. From São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro, crowds waved flags, sang, danced and poured into the streets to mark the moment. 🇧🇷🎉 Despite the massive turnout in support of Lula, the election remains…

​The deployment of 450 #Salvadoran troops to locate four missing military technicians underscores the ongoing crisis in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. However, focusing solely on this tactical rescue ignores how the situation escalated. ​For over a year, international security forces remained in a state…

Some of you reach out from time to time to ask whether there has been any progress on the Lovely Séjour (#BabyLove ) case, and I understand why. Unfortunately, I have no updates to report. Sadly, history gives little reason to expect a different outcome. We have seen men meet similar fates before…

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! Today is Canadian Thanksgiving day. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting #Canada three times, twice in #Montreal for the jazz festival and to visit family, and once in #Toronto for Caribana. Loved it every time! I only learned a couple of years ago that…

#Haiti is going to the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals! 🇭🇹⚽️ Last night didn't end the group stage the way I wanted with Haiti's 2-0 loss to #CostaRica, but the team had already done enough to secure its place in the next round. And that gives the Grenadiers two potential paths to the 2027…

It’s game day! 🇭🇹⚽️ Haiti’s Grenadiers face #CostaRica tonight in their final Group A match of the Concacaf Nations League. Before kickoff, we have to talk about that dominant 4–1 win over the #DominicanRepublic and why it was so quickly overshadowed. Things went way left after the Grenadiers’ big…

Imagine going from television news anchor to king. 👑 That’s what happened in #Uganda , where former journalist Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma has been crowned the new king of the #Tooro Kingdom. But his path to the throne has been anything but straightforward. Kijanangoma was selected by the royal…

Petition available in English, Kréyòl & French: https://www.change.org/SecurityForHaitiNow or https://c.org/JKqdX9J5B2 Lovely Séjour’s story has touched thousands. Now that we know her story, let’s work to prevent another tragedy like hers. This video brings together Haitians and international…

🎾❤️ It was so good to see Serena and Venus Williams back on the court together at the US Open last night! It’s unfortunate that they lost in the first round, so we won’t get to see them continue their run, but honestly, I thought they did pretty well against the No. 14 seeds, especially…

The recent August 23 massacre in Kenscoff was not the only one this summer. Between July 4th and 9th, another series of attacks in #Kenscoff killed at least 61 people, including 14 children. Most of those deaths were reported in the community of Robin. That earlier massacre received far less…

#Kenscoff, #Haiti was once known as a peaceful mountain farming community, a scenic respite from the bustle of Port-au-Prince, with its cooler climate, gardens and farms. It was also a place of contrasts, where modest agricultural households lived alongside large homes and mansions. Whatever their…

Could one Jamaican riddim be the foundation of reggaeton? That’s essentially the question at the center of a massive copyright lawsuit brought by Jamaican producers Steely & Clevie. They claim their 1989 Fish Market riddim became the foundation of the “Dem Bow” rhythm that went on to shape…

Last week, a little dream of mine finally came true: I became an urban farmer. I was taught how to plant a garden of cool-weather vegetables, and the very next day, tiny baby leaves began pushing through the soil and compost. By October, I’m hoping to have fully grown beets, cabbage, squash…

A few months ago, after Hurricane Melissa struck Haiti, United Haitians in the United Kingdom (UHUK) launched a fundraiser to help families begin rebuilding. The amount we raised wasn't large, so we chose to focus on something with lasting impact: food security. Instead of providing only…

I came across this dance being performed in several Caribbean countries, but I realized I don’t actually know what it’s called. The moves look similar across islands, but I’m guessing it might have different names or meanings depending on the country. If you recognize it, tell me • What is this…

About 100 days before the 2026 World Cup, one of the tournament’s venues in Massachusetts is in the middle of a major dispute. The schedule lists “Boston Stadium,” but the matches are actually set to take place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, about 40 minutes outside Boston. Town officials say…

A few months ago, I talked about Lupita Nyong’o’s fibroid advocacy in the past tense. She had surgery in 2014 to remove 23 fibroids. She survived it. She spoke about it. And she turned her experience into advocacy. But now, her fibroids are back. Doctors have found more than 50. And what’s most…

Fish stew, boiled plantain and other veggies for garnish with a nice cool drink #DinnerIdeas #Recipe #Foodies #FishTok #HaitianFood 📽 Luna's Kitchen

Happy Mardi Gras! From Rio, Jacmel, and Notting Hill, carnival shows how African traditions crossed oceans and transformed pre-Lenten festivals. Drums, dance, costumes, and street parades aren’t just fun. They’re expressions of identity, survival, and community. Which Carnival celebrations have…

A reshuffling at the top of the megacity rankings, cities with 10M+ people Jakarta, Indonesia, is now ranked 1st at roughly 42 million. Dhaka, Bangladesh, moves into 2nd place at about 37 million. Tokyo, Japan, long the perennial leader, drops to 3rd. #Jakarta #Asia #Data #UrbanPlanning…

📌 Update: Credit where it’s due. The Seahawks played an almost flawless game. Congratulations! And big respect to the Pats for a season to remember. 🗓️ Initial post: It’s Super Bowl Sunday, and the Pats are in the big game. As far back as October, I said we could win it all this year. Got laughs…

Haiti’s Winter Olympics uniforms are getting major praise! Designer Stella Jean originally featured Toussaint Louverture on horseback, but the IOC said he was “too political.” She kept the horse and reimagined the design to the stunning images we see today. #Haiti #WinterOlympics #StellaJean…

Through work, I alongside fellow colleagues, wrote and submited an amicus brief that was accepted by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in the class-action lawsuit highlighted in this clip, a case that could have resulted in the deportation of approximately 350,000 Haitians in…

Akra (or Accra) fritters made with malanga (taro root) are a traditional appetizer and street food in Haiti, similar to snacks found across Caribbean and African cuisines. The taro is grated, mixed with herbs, spices, and sometimes hot pepper, then deep-fried until crispy on the outside and fluffy…

A controversial demolition is underway in Makoko, a historic waterfront community in Lagos, Nigeria, often called the “Venice of Africa.” The Lagos State Government says the clearances are about enforcing safety rules near high-tension power lines. Residents say the demolitions have gone far…

Africa Has a Champion 🇸🇳✨ Yesterday's Africa Cup of Nations, #AFCON2025, had its share of controversy, but Senegal stayed focused and finished on top. Respect to the players, the staff, and the fans. Well deserved! #Soccer #Senegal #AfricanFootball #Africa

Thurs., Jan. 15 would have been Dr. Martin Luther King's 97th birthday. While MLK Day will be officially observed on Monday, it’s also recognized nationwide as a day of service, a reminder that honoring Dr. King's legacy means action, not just words. Are you planning to volunteer or give back in…

Yesterday marked the 16th anniversary of the Jan. 12, 2010, #earthquake in #Haiti that claimed approximately 250,000 lives and injured 300,000 others. #LionelMessi, then a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, visited the country six months after the devastating disaster to meet children and families. 🇭🇹⚽…