A pioneering figure of Caribbean literature, Frankétienne left a profound mark on the arts with his plays, poems, novels and short stories that captured the richness and complexity of Haitian society. His groundbreaking novel in Creole, Dézafi (1975), along with his vibrant paintings and performances, established him as a true multidisciplinary artist.
In 2010, UNESCO named him Artist for Peace in recognition of both his literary achievements and his unwavering dedication to preserving and defending Haitian culture.
The homage in Room II of UNESCO Headquarters gathered members of the international community, students, researchers and the Haitian diaspora. Through music, readings, testimonies and dance, the ceremony celebrated the breadth of Frankétienne’s creativity and his enduring role as a voice of resilience and transformation.