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Sebon! the Writer
To date, Sebon! has published several books detailing the horrors of the Krome Avenue and Guantanamo Bay refugee detention camps, essays on the dangers of trade globalization and the exploitation of undeveloped nations, and several volumes of poetry. In 1997, Sebon!'s poem "I Would Like To Know" was featured in "Having a Wonderful Time", an anthology of works by contemporary South Florida writers which was published by Simon and Schuster.
In 1985, Sebon! founded the cultural organization Koleksyon KAZAK, Inc., and has collaborated with many other well-known artists - among them Mutabaruka, Jayne Cortez, Felix Morriseau Leroi, Jan Mapou, Jeffrey Knapp, Kiki Wainwright, Malaki Smith, Adrian Castro, Don Rico Riketts, Geoffrey Phipp, and Georges Castera - to organize and produce poetry readings, festivals, and other cultural events, all while maintaining an active solo performance schedule. He has appeared at the Miami International Book Fair, performed at the Stephen Talkhouse's Word(s)ound, and has performed on many occasions with The Bicycle Poets.
As a man of words, it was inevitable that Sebon!, as an associate of Koleksyon Kazak, began, in 1989, to air a radio show on National Public Radio's (WLRN 91.3FM) Creole news program "Radyol Lekól". This association continued for five years, and featured his original poetry, short stories, and political commentaries. His broadcasting career continued with the long-running world music and poetry show "Mundo Vibe" on Miami's WDNA 88.9 FM.
Currently, Sebon! is working on a book of poetry in English, and accepts commissions, teaches, and performs throughout North America. He maintains active professional affiliations and a worldwide consulting business.
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW
I would like to know
You, citizens of America.
I would like to know
What do you feel
When the news of my country hits your face
As cold as a dog’s nose?
When your TV screen is disturbed
By a bunch of dark black people
Who know how to fall
So that others can rise up,
I’d like to know how do you feel about that?
I would like to know
You, American citizens,
How do you feel
When little Haiti turns upside down
In fire and protest
To find the tiny piece of justice
They’re dying for?
I’d like to know
What do you think when you see that?
I’d like to know
Citizens of America.
I’d like to know what will you feel
When we learn to grow up
And we finally understand you?
How will you feel
When you finally grow up
And learn to know us?
We, exploited everywhere,
Who death visits everyday.
I’d like to know how will you feel
When you really know us,
We who sleep with death
On the road of life,
Who the sea chops up piece by piece—
We are victims of the same system,
You and I.
And I’d really like to know
What you’re gonna do about that.
Jan Sebon!
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