‘BMF’ Star Da’Vinchi Talks Haitian American Struggles, New Broadway Play ‘Thoughts of a Colored Man’

[@MsLovedove1]

Love how Loni seems like an extremely proud Aunty. Her smile and body language says it all. 🤗

[@denieraadams4924]

Yessss that’s what I was thinking

[@Sterlange]

So True! I agree. Thank you Auntie Loni 🔥❤️😍🥰

[@NellieKAdaba]

👍🏾

[@ravenanderson1695]

I love how he just wanted to talk and have conversation with the ladies. Normally ppl being interviewed just gives quick & generic answers. So refreshing!

[@Sterlange]

I really APPRECIATE the real for this🔥❤️🙏🏾!

[@mikanoel2953]

I completely understand what he’s saying about having to different lives as Haitian Americans. Growing up we would have to blend in with Americans but at home being raised in a fully Haitian household only speaking creole 🇭🇹 I love my people ❤️ we are so strong

[@freshstart4423]

USA provides regulated minimum wages, safety regulations for workers, labor laws protecting children, workers compensation, life insurance but some people just aren't grateful.

[@freshstart4423]

Anti America propaganda is a lie. USA has delivered millions of people from slavery and oppression in Afghanistan, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Haiti, Germany, France but some people follow false prophets. That's not our fault. Jeremiah 23

[@Lanasia23]

Tell that to the veterans living on the street 🙄 give me a break

[@lawtraf8008]

@@freshstart4423 you mean destroyed those countries??

[@freshstart4423]

@@lawtraf8008 if you don't want to repent and get out of sin, then you consider Jesus a thief, but I love the Ten Commandments Matthew 19:18

[@michaelamitchell1603]

“Whenever I’m forced to compromise my being I don’t like that” PERIOD! Say it louder. If you’re not comfortable with something, always stand up even if it means standing alone.💯💯

[@ruthdenord3589]

As a Haitian American, it makes my heart feel so full and happy to see not one but TWO successful Haitians in the same room. This just affirms the slow-burning evolution of Hollywood bringing in more people like myself. Hearing Da'Vinchi talk about his experience growing up Haitian and even speaking in Creole was such a breath of fresh air and I can't wait to see more of us in the industry. I am so proud!!!!

[@Thetruevirgo27]

When loni stopped him and told him to stay in the present and enjoy it because it won't come again....that was a deep moment im surprised I didn't see no one comment on it

[@leandra5248]

Lol. I SORTA felt a way when she said that. Like what is tryna say?

[@indyamonet648]

@@leandra5248 She meant enjoy every moment as things can change especially in Hollywood.

[@leandra5248]

@@indyamonet648 I sorta understood what Loni was saying but it's how she said it.... Like I like how you said it, but she shouldn't say "it would Never happen again." Just imagine some great thing happening for you and someone says to you "enjoy because it will never happen again."

[@indyamonet648]

@@leandra5248 Yes true she should have said it better..but I think she wanted him to know she's serious and don't take any of it for granted.

[@chrismategourdet3728]

I’m so proud of you, as a Haitian mom I came to America at age 23, got married and had 3 children and now 28,26, & 22. I taught creole and French to my children because I want them to know me and their Dad languages, and be able to communicate with our family, but I do speak English with them also. Since they are are adults now we only speak creole when we are around other cultures. Haitian people believe in education, I went to college myself to show my children how I value education and to encouragement them to do the same.

[@shauniespeaks08]

Excuse me. Are we related because my last name is Gourdet

[@chrismategourdet3728]

@@shauniespeaks08 okay? Where your parents coming from in Haiti

[@chrismategourdet3728]

@@shauniespeaks08 okay? Where your parents coming from in Haiti?

[@shauniespeaks08]

Aquin. I think

[@KwameLamar]

Sis, teach me Haitian Creole. I want to learn.

[@njc7224]

This man is classy and very well spoken. Can't wait to watch the play.

[@vaiolabazile8562]

Love seeing my fellow Haitians making their way to success 🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹

[@sarawilliam3149]

Yes❤️🇭🇹🇭🇹

[@chelseydobbins4151]

Davinchi is definitely a storyteller and a great interviewer

[@thereal101]

I went to high school with Da’vinchi bro is a real down to earth humble guy , glad to see him years later doing amazing things, god bless .

[@MarlinaDangervil]

So here for this! I love seeing my fellow Haitians succeed! 🇭🇹

[@sarawilliam3149]

Yes girl 🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹❤️

[@keyiascraftycorner5571]

Yes 🇭🇹

[@vampirascoffin870]

Zoe!!!!!! I love my peoples 💯🇭🇹🤙🏼

[@407Grady]

I'm first generation haitian-american too, me and my sister don't have middle names either. Its true that the focus is on basic survival of food and shelter, there isn't much nurturing. Being haitian wasn't cool until I got to high school. Suddenly we were the cool kids cause we were "unique".

[@lenasims3085]

Maybe within your family, there were not much nurturing. I don't know your parents circumstance while they were in Haiti. However. I was blessed to came from a family that was very loving. I came here at 13 & the emphasis for us was on education and being respectful. My brothers and I were crazy about our parents. My father was the most affectionate and mother's love language is to cook your favorite meal, do your laundry and iron your clothes for you. In fact we were spoiled. Maybe because I came here at 13 but get offended if someone said I was African American. I never wanted to be anything but Haitian.

[@circleoflovecaregivers9353]

@@lenasims3085 why not live in Haiti then

[@lorimondel]

🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹 Also a first generation Haitian-American as well. The middle name thing probably depends on which part your family's from. I can say Haitians are some of the hardest working people out there. I love seeing our people excel!

[@sarawilliam3149]

🇭🇹🇭🇹🙏🏾❤️

[@ThrowedNigga]

Blacc Americans made it possible

[@damayisyenne]

@@ThrowedNigga 🤣🤣yea right

[@ThrowedNigga]

@@damayisyenne it’s a reason why all y’all foreigners flee here

[@Iamanicajean]

@@ThrowedNigga you obviously don’t know history so go re-educate yourself . Haiti was the first black independent country and to free themselves from Haiti . Haiti offered for black Americans to come to Haiti because they saw how y’all were being treated their but they didn’t /want to come and y’all suffered for many more . And Haitian and Jamaicans help fight in many of Americans war including help freeing y’all from slavery .. so try again .

[@bkhomegurl]

I grew up a bit different being Haitian. I've always embraced my heritage and let the other kids at my school know that I was Haitian. I've never been embarrassed because I really didn't care what others thought. Kids had other reasons to bully me anyways. I'm glad he learned to embrace his heritage as an adult. Never be afraid to show who you are, no matter where you're from.

[@yyyid9518]

Same !!!! The pride my parents instilled in me is still very strong

[@onlyest3921]

I hated that I was half Haitian. My family children & adults teased me endlessly. My father was a angry Haitian man so he gave me nothing to be proud of as I've gotten older I'm no longer ashamed but everyone's experience is difference

[@cindyben3089]

@@onlyest3921 awwwww hugs…

[@ValanciaValencia]

🇭🇹🇭🇹 Da’Vinchi artistry, essence, and intellect is very intriguing🇭🇹🇭🇹 I❤️Him

[@chrisastacio-felix4115]

He is speaking the truth, I was raised the same way where it is taboo to telling the world you're haitian. Thank God being haitian now is more accepting than it was back in my day, so I'm proud he is being transparent about his experience with the way the culture has affected him in the past and the present, REPPING THE NY AND NJ.

[@TiffanyRayneOfficial]

The way I always saw it (especially as a Black woman), whether you're Black American or from the Caribbean/West Indies/Africa ect...we're all Black people and that should be respected (my cousins, their father was Jamaican). Unfortunately ignorance got the best of a lot of people back then. We all should know better now tho. Shout out to Haiti 🇭🇹 still praying for the Island to recover and prosper.

[@charmainetk]

Thank you..

[@njc7224]

I agree. unity

[@kayawalters1326]

Not African if you go into true history we are different but everything else your right sis . Haiti is definitely our people !

[@ThrowedNigga]

Blacc is not a race it’s a social construct that was placed on blacc americans hence blacc americans we are the only melanated ethnic group of ppl that was reclassified over and over

[@katleen1022]

Yay love seeing Haitians winning 🥇 🇭🇹 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@christeec1918]

DaVinchi is so talented & I see a shining talented entertainer and a rising star! Thanks for having him on your show The Real! Cool interview.

[@mikanoel2953]

Haitian King 🇭🇹❤️

[@titioke739]

Yesss , I love him on All American 💕💕

[@saraodus9881]

Fingers snap and much respect to this young man !!!!!

[@je39981]

I agree. I grew up telling those around me I was Bahamian because I didn't want to get picked on for being Haitian. I went into high school and I walked around with pride saying that I'm Haitian. I can't take back what I did in the past but being Haitian is nothing to be ashamed of. It's better to be ridiculed for being yourself than to hide from your truth because you want to be someone else.

[@leandra5248]

Wow, I'm actually Bahamian.. I'm sorry you had to do that. I found myself getting upset that folks think every black person is african american.

[@earthisghettorightnow]

@@leandra5248 Glad you educated yourself that not every black person that bullied you was Black American and that it was non BAs with the classic case of tribalism.

[@peachorchard]

Gabrielle looks so proud 🇭🇹🇭🇹

[@vanessavazquez5167]

I love how he explained his culture growing up Haitian and trying to also be American in school. It’s really so hard to assimilate. I was raised in a Nigerian household and my mom didn’t expose me to different American foods and stuff which is why I’m so picky with American food till this day 😂 i could also never really live in my experience while in school because people would just never understand or like he said call me “African booty scratcher”

[@vanessavazquez5167]

“Kids are raising other kids” agree with that so much, so many life lessons an bullying experiences that made me who i am today

[@Lanasia23]

Lord that is a fine man honey

[@skaireyez4575]

I was born and raised on an island called Antigua (North Eastern Caribbean). My mom is from Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican republic) and my dad's Haitian. My dad migrated to Antigua in 1995, then my mom migrated here a year after and when they met, my dad only knew to speak French/creole and Spanish. He wasn't fluent in English at the time. Since my mom is from Dominica she grew up in a French-creole culture as well. So, 2 years later when they had my older sister Katherine and I, we grew up hearing and learning creole. Though my dad's fully Haitian, he has a Hispanic last name (Reyéz). So at school, based off of our looks and names, everyone would assume that we were Hispanic (specifically descending from D.R). Most of my friends' parents were from D.R. So I remember just claiming it my entire life in high school because I was afraid of being looked-down upon by my friends and others. I remember trying to tell one of my closest friend the truth about my Haitian identity and I'll never forget that disgusted look she had on her face. I felt so dirty, I had to pull the "just kidding" card. The struggle is real.

[@theChariteTV]

Wow that’s sad of your friend. Hopefully you’ve learned to fully embrace your Haitian side and don’t let anyone ever let you feel less than!

[@sketcha.]

Wow Im sorry for you it must have been hard... Hope you proudly represent 🇭🇹 now ❣😉

[@sassibrit]

Rep Dominica

[@KBTOYZ1000]

🇩🇲🇩🇲🇩🇲

[@SadeSherrisXO]

🇦🇬🇦🇬🇦🇬🇦🇬

[@saniyyahaaliyah]

He is so handsome and he really know how to respond to all of these questions. Most men are very dry, and 1 word spoken, but he’s very respectful and well mannered and genuine! I love him❤️

[@brittanymosley3649]

He's a really great actor. Haitian or not still Black. Love to Haiti. Nothing to be ashamed of.

[@chocolateangel8743]

He is a really good actor. I first saw him on All American. I can't wait for season 2 of BMF!

[@daisybeverly6944]

He is also on Grownish sn 1

[@chocolateangel8743]

@@daisybeverly6944 Oh, that's right. I haven't kept up with that.

[@parisahzair5593]

Facts !!! That’s where I first saw him too , never knew he was Haitian.

[@camrynmurray4419]

He is so fine ❤️🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@charliexox9793]

Little of topic but I love this for Garcelle😊

[@MsJae-md3ep]

She’s so proud and excited

[@klm1446]

Seeing a lot of comments about Haitian Americans feeling like they had to hide their culture as children. I’m Black American educator teaching Black students of different cultures and I often see them hiding themselves and I hate that for them so I make sure to create a safe space in my classroom for them to proudly represent as it’s a learning experience for me too. It may not be much but I hope I’m helping if just a little because I hate that for my students. The cultures are just too rich to be denied

[@kinkiesse7736]

It does make sense though. It's the dynamic of majority vs minority. African-Americans (FBAs) are the majority group for Blacks in America. Thus other black minority groups such as (Haitian-Americans, Nigerian-Americans) have to fit into the African-American majority culture in order survive and have a cohesive Black culture in America.. The same analogy is in play when African-Americans having to fit into the wider White America majority culture in order to have cohesive American society. For example, African-Americans need to speak English or wear certain hairstyles or celebrate Santa Claus in order to fit in the wider American culture

[@ItsM1100]

I'm soooo proud of you DaVinchi!!! Always remember who you are❤️

[@LockedInNOW]

Can we talk about how Beautiful he is and how gorgeous his hair is, and then he’s well spoken too 😍😍😍 !

[@rialequay1787]

He’s so adorable and very well spoken. Plus he’s a great actor

[@naturaliscartel7418]

THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL TO WATCH! A BROTHA ON DAYTIME TV REPRESENTING FOR THEM OTHER HAITIAN BOYS WITH BIG KINKY HAIR 🤟🏽🥰

[@jonigurl]

He wasn’t lyin saying ppl would call kids “African booty scratcher” in middle school 😞

[@Den3girl]

The bullying culture in American schools is so crazy to me. I am Jamaican and trust me, school is nothing like that at all.

[@__miraaa2x]

Exactly 😒

[@J-evolving]

Ugh 😑 I hid my Haitian roots too as a child while in school (didn’t want to add to the bullying going around) but at home, Haitian culture was reality for me. As an adult now, I have regrets. Haitian cultures are so different from American culture all the way down to the foods. I embrace my Haitian roots now more than ever 🇭🇹🇭🇹

[@marchbabi323]

I remember the late rapper The Kangol Kid was Haitian, and he talked about how he and his mother were chased out of a school because the teacher found out their actual nationality. He said after that, he NEVER told anyone he was Haitian-American when he was growing up. It wasn't until he got older he started mentioning it. By then, the hostility towards them was null and void. It's sad that people are discriminated against by the country they come from. I've made friends with a lot of people from different places. I couldn't have a cold heart like that.

[@KijijiSanaa]

This was an excellent interview Such an honest and grounded young man.

[@bearmanic5331]

Let's go Haiti. 🇭🇹 🇭🇹 🇭🇹 🇭🇹

[@justsophonie]

The explanation about his name was so well said and thought out. Love seeing a fellow Haitian-American actor thriving and succeeding. I pray he continues to thrive in all that he does. ❤️❤️❤️

[@kida4693]

Reppin Haiti 🇭🇹

[@breannaregans4800]

I love Da'Vinchi he is handsome and such a talented actor!😇

[@TheSuburbanBase]

3:31 made my life when he compared himself to Hannah Montana. For the sadder part of it though, I listened to him talk on Daniel Ezra's podcast about this. I'm glad he can be himself now, and everyone should let others love their own culture.

[@TYONIA_]

This is my man 🥰🥰🤣 love his personality voice everything

[@TheCRYSTALLURE]

He better take a page from Trevor Jackson’s book & do his music for him & release it on his own channel/platform. He’s so handsome. And I don’t just mean physically I mean like his aura & vibe is attractive & calm seeming. Cause as a young person myself, literally the same age group, he has a that self motivated drive but with that maturity factor. Glad he wants to stay himself, yet realizes that that industry is unfortunately cutthroat. I love seeing his come up. 🥰

[@luxurydoll6007]

Beautiful interview 🇭🇹

[@CocoaBeige]

The Fugees were so popular so I am sad he had to hide that part of him. And I know Lonnie probably meant well but this man is still learning and growing, he likely will continue to have and enjoy this moment in his career for another decade or more.

[@509LM]

The Fugees and Wyclef Jean did shift the narrative in a major way but it took time to see some changes.

[@kenneyp.9456]

It was really Kodak black that changed everything

[@mannushkahremy833]

I can definitely relate growing up and going to school is so different and coming home and being a Haitian child!

[@serene8028]

That..is a beautiful man. Inside & out.

[@TakidaJ]

He’s very intelligent I’ve seen many of his interviews!!

[@mrsb0215]

The play is a must see!! He wasn’t there that night I went but it was still great!!

[@LishaGoldman]

I have explained this so many times to my husband. Yes, I am black but I am haitian. I am seeing as african american but I am haitian. Culture wise, a lot are different

[@earthisghettorightnow]

Yes, as a Black American we are black but our culture differ and thats okay to accept differences!

[@salenageahwie7646]

Omg yesss. All us African kids lived the same life!!

[@__miraaa2x]

Frr

[@rosabellef3582]

So happy he said some creole words ❤️💙

[@ValanciaValencia]

🇭🇹Nou La‼️ I love his artistry, essence, and intellect 🇭🇹

[@sarawilliam3149]

My Haitian guy we proud of u Haitian forever 🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹

[@onlyest3921]

I wanted moreeeee!!!! His picture is my lock.screen on my phone. My 5 year old daughter always asks me who is he mommy and I always say mommy's little whoopty whoop and she laughs so hard lol

[@isabellepierre2873]

Excellent interview 🖤🇭🇹

[@teresaintexas]

Great interview! He’s such a smart & handsome young man!!

[@soniapoly1]

Congratulations 🎊 young man 🇭🇹👏🏾

[@Desi-zz4gb]

This man has always been my crush since he played cash Mooney on grown ish 😂😂

[@mw9710]

I still think zoe should’ve chose him 😂

[@LifeWnikk]

Yes! Never sacrifice your well being for anyone!

[@pryncetazze]

People don't realize that in the hierarchy where being black is at the bottom of the totem pole, being Haitian is underneath being black.

[@madssofficial4831]

the Haitian and African experience is so similar

[@lenasims3085]

Seriously?. Based on the American media perspectives. Maybe other blacks see themselves as much, but I can assure Haitian have better self-worth than what's been portraying. We know who we are. Been poor is not a crime. We don't have an identity crisis. What's going right now in Haiti is a result of our greed and corruption.

[@pryncetazze]

@@lenasims3085 this wasn't a statement on self worth cause yes we have that for miles. I'm commenting on outside views and our social status when it comes to politics and the community as a whole. We almost don't exist in most areas. And that is super relevant in the music industry. Its almost like a coming out story when I hear a celebrity is Haitian cause you don't hear that a lot.

[@509LM]

@@pryncetazze I understand you perfectly brother. The way the world sees us is very different than how we carry ourselves.

[@janestone1849]

Damn well if it makes ya feel any better, yall always welcome in our african community! I see yall as our extended brothers and sisters.

[@anneugene3588]

I love this 🇭🇹🇭🇹

[@JEMIMAT2012]

It’s the sak pase for me ❤️❤️

[@nefenzinga]

He's so relatable son and so NY lol from 1 26 yr old to other from NY iykyk lol 😂

[@Miss-Ann-Thrope]

I didn't think I was going to like BMF, but I enjoyed it, and I am looking forward to the next season.

[@webtvinspiration6550]

Haitian represent ❤️ 🇭🇹

[@QueenSha71]

He’s a gem I wish him well

[@bashaboo9309]

While he's so eloquent and fine. I'm so happy!

[@araineacutebrownnurse7315]

Even on BMF with that one eye , he’s very handsome guy

[@momof3booker213]

He is an intelligent young man! Keep up the good work

[@brittanykersey-adams]

The writer’s mother goes to my church. We are all so proud of Keenon!!

[@gmiranda435]

So grounded and mature!

[@authenticyou17]

King.

[@yanialexus2701]

He’s sooo cuuute😍😍😭

[@maame6224]

I hear you! All the best DaVinchi! 🥰

[@emmadoesit3490]

Yassss my Haïtian people 😍🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹

[@guerdieajuste479]

Listen to some compa and gospel music love you bro

[@ArmandyLaPearl]

Good interview 😃👏🏽👏🏽

[@KessO2424]

Let’s go Haitians let’s goooo 🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹

[@francinewashington1362]

Loni is always an Auntie!!!

[@NadouLove7]

Haitian culture do have Broadway it is called (Theater ) in kreyol they called it Teyat.🇭🇹

[@509LM]

Yeah in Haiti but you know the parents once they move here let go of all of that and don’t teach their Haitian American children much besides the basics like food, music, a little bit of history.

[@NadouLove7]

@@509LM right smdh 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@509LM]

@@NadouLove7 Then we have the problem of them not taking them back to Haiti to be immersed in the culture. I know the numerous political instabilities play a role but there have been some moments of calm too.

[@NadouLove7]

@@509LM exactly

[@vicktoria9218]

I love him even more now! 🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹. I don’t have a middle name either smh

[@haitian32able]

Love my Hatian brother, however, Kreyol is not a derivative of French. Rather it is it's own language that consists of parts of Spanish, French and some of the Western African languages. For our Hatian roots primarily come from Nigeria and Benin. L'union Fait La Force represente mon frere!!!!

[@munaabukar6140]

he’s so cute, such a great interview 🥺

[@nacheauxx]

Wow! I don’t have a middle name either and I’m Haitian American also lol. Didn’t know that was a cultural thing lol. Thought my mom was just being lazy lol

[@kershawbonhomme9930]

Now I gotta support my brother

[@carmenjoseph6269]

This is the year for the Haitians! Next, Gessica Généus in Freda.👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@Platinumcut26]

He’s handsome

[@lacedbymo]

Love Love This Gentleman ❤️ Would Love Love To Meet Him😉

[@ArmandyLaPearl]

🇭🇹🇭🇹 yessss I don’t have a middle name either

[@NellieKAdaba]

Charlize Theron is South African Afrikaans doesn't have a middle name either.

[@fredelinesilien]

I love him!!!!!!!!Lol it’s not a Haitian thing. A lot of Haitian have middle name.

[@kiamackenzee]

“You’re so cuteeee” yes he is 🤣

[@divinityinmotionOG]

he's beautiful.

[@plymakkayestudio1827]

Bon Bagay!!!