2027 Featured Country
Celebrating one of the world’s richest literary cultures while creating new opportunities for emerging Haitian writers through the San Miguel Global Literary Institute.
Haiti’s influence on world literature extends far beyond its borders. As the world’s first Black republic, it has inspired generations of writers whose work explores freedom, identity, resilience, memory, and belonging. Through novels, poetry, and rich oral storytelling traditions, Haitian voices continue to shape literary conversations around the world.
Writing in French, Haitian Creole, English, and other languages, Haitian authors have transformed personal and collective history into stories of remarkable depth and imagination. As our 2027 Featured Country, Haiti invites us to discover a literary tradition that is both deeply rooted and profoundly global.
Meet the writers of Haitian descent helping bring this year’s Featured Country Initiative to life. Through presentations, workshops, conversations, and celebrations, these writers will share work that reflects the depth, range, and global reach of Haitian literature and culture.
Faculty
Cécile Accilien
Cécile Accilien, MA, PhD, is a globally minded coach, consultant, teacher, writer, and scholar whose work bridges leadership, culture, and personal growth. Originally from Haiti and raised in Newark, she brings a rich cross-cultural perspective shaped by living across Africa, Europe, and…
Faculty
Myriam J. A. Chancy
Myriam J. A. Chancy is the author most recently of the novel VILLAGE WEAVERS (Tin House), a TIME Best Book of April 2024 and winner of the 2025 Fiction OCM BOCAS AWARD in Caribbean Literature. Her work has received multiple awards including…
Keynote Speaker
Roxane Gay
Roxane Gay is an internationally acclaimed Haitian American author, essayist, editor, and cultural critic whose work explores identity, power, relationships, and contemporary life with honesty and insight. She is the bestselling author of Bad Feminist, Hunger, and An Untamed State. One of…
Special Programming
A signature cultural event celebrating Haiti in the heart of San Miguel
Wednesday, February 10, 2027
Join us for a free community celebration honoring the rich culture of Haiti, our Featured Country. Enjoy an evening of poetry, music, storytelling, and other festive activities as we come together to celebrate the spirit, creativity, and culture of Haiti in San Miguel.
Free admission. Everyone is welcome.
Our 2027 Fellowship recipients will be announced soon. Stay tuned as we celebrate the exceptional writers selected to join the San Miguel Global Literary Institute community.
2027 Fellow
This Could Be You
Mexico
2027 Fellow
This Could Be You
Canada
2027 Fellow
This Could Be You
USA
2027 Fellow
This Could Be You
Canada
Applications open: August 15 and close September 21, 2026. The Global Emerging Writers Fellowship provides five emerging Haitian writers with the opportunity to participate in a fully supported, nine-month literary and professional development experience. Each Fellow receives individualized coaching, a full Conference Works Package—including keynotes, workshops, intensives, panels, receptions, and special events—along with airfare, ground transportation, six nights of lodging, and a daily meal stipend. Fellows will also connect with literary agents, publishers, and industry professionals; participate in a dedicated seminar with the Haitian keynote speaker; attend post-conference workshops with leading authors and industry experts; and receive one-on-one coaching focused on both craft and career development.
For more than two decades, the San Miguel Global Literary Institute has brought together voices from around the world. Connect and help shape the future of literary exchange.
