In UNESCO’s grand hall with its high ceiling, flags were flying. The flag of the United Nations. And, alongside it, Haiti’s iconic blue and red.

On this Monday, June 16, the tribute to Frankétienne brought together a rare audience — diplomats, academics, students, artists, gallery owners, and devoted readers. All gathered to celebrate a total creator. He was a writer, poet, playwright, actor, and painter. Frankétienne, this major figure of Haitian and Francophone culture, was also a "rasin" voice when he sang “peyi” songs drawn from the popular matrix.