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.
Featured 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 the Americas. A scholar of French and Francophone Studies, Cécile helps leaders build inclusive environments through curiosity, compassion, and intercultural understanding.
Featured Faculty
Jessica Adams
Jessica Adams, PhD, JD, is a coach, mediator, teacher, writer, and attorney who connects people, ideas, and cultures through curiosity, empathy, and clarity. With more than twenty years of experience in higher education and intercultural communication, she helps individuals find their voice, strengthen relationships, and navigate change. Having lived across the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United States, Jessica brings a deep commitment to cultural humility and connection.
FEATURED FACULTY
Myriam J. A. Chancy
Myriam J. A. Chancy is an award-winning Haitian Canadian American novelist, scholar, and literary critic whose work explores Haiti, the Caribbean, and the African diaspora. Her novel Village Weavers won the 2025 OCM Bocas Award for Caribbean Literature, while What Storm, What Thunder was recognized among the best books of 2021 by numerous major publications. She is a Guggenheim Fellow and the HBA Chair of the Humanities at Scripps College.
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
Every year, a new country. Every year, new voices. Every year, new stories that bring us closer together. Join us as we celebrate Haiti, champion emerging writers, and begin a journey that will continue for generations to come. Our global literary movement begins with Haiti.
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.
