After the Earthquake: In Cité Soleil, A Station That Won't Go Silent
2012
Based in Cité Soleil on the northern edge of Port-au-Prince, Radio Boukman (95.9 FM) is a community station created to deliver local news, public-service information and culture in Haitian Creole and French. Founded in 2006 by Jean Liphète Nelson, it is widely known as a neighborhood voice for an area that is densely populated and historically underserved, where access to basic services and schooling is often disrupted and insecurity shapes daily life, making reliable, local radio essential public infrastructure.
After the 2010 earthquake, radio became a lifeline across Haiti; stations were among the few channels able to push critical updates, health guidance and community notices when other systems failed. Radio Boukman operated in that mold, circulating practical information and “edutainment” programming while relying on donated gear to stay on the air during successive crises.
In March 2012, a few weeks after these images were taken, Nelson was shot and killed in Cité Soleil. The station resumed broadcasting within weeks, underscoring its civic role and the staff’s commitment to keep a platform open where residents can be informed, heard and connected. Today technicians, editors and presenters continue daily news, music and educational shows for a community of several hundred thousand.
Photo Captions
Image 1: A painted wall outside the station reading 'Radio Boukman 95.9 FM' greets you when you arrive. The community-driven station is a cultural and creative oasis.
Image 2: Radio Boukman serves 300,000 residents in Cité Soleil, an otherwise severely underserved community in Port-au-Prince that's often referred to as "one of the poorest and most dangerous areas of the Western Hemisphere". Founded by Nelson Jean Liphete and six others, the station provides vital news and education where few other services reach.
Image 3: Sony Vilfranch, a broadcast technician (bottom), and Chrisnold Prophete, the station’s news editor (top), work together to deliver political news and current events to the community. Their work brings critical information to a population with historically poor literacy rates. The radio may be the only way some people get their news. Alerts like hurricane warnings can be life saving, giving residents time to prepare or evacuate.
Image 4: In addition to news, weather and commentary, the station celebrates Haitian music with a mix of Compas, Raboday, and Creole rap. Guest DJs regularly share new music from up and coming Haitian artists.
Image 5: Every piece of equipment at Radio Boukman has a story. The soundboard, donated along with other equipment like computers and microphones, is one of the necessary tools the station needs to run.
Image 6: Placide “MP” Marc Antoine, a DJ, producer and radio host, shares his passion for Creole rap on his show, "Greffe." He's committed to supporting the community he grew up in. Despite leaving Cité Soleil, MP remains deeply connected. “I feel good when I’m there,” he says.
Image 7: Chrisnold Prophete uses his platform at Radio Boukman to cover stories that matter to the community. His commitment to reporting reflects the station’s mission to serve as a voice for Cité Soleil.
Image 8: Geneste Gesner, General Secretary, charges his phone before heading back out for a meeting. Gesner discusses his passion for serving the community.
Image 9: Standing outside the station, Jorel Joachin, the station's Administrator, is the backbone of Radio Boukman. His leadership ensures the station continues to serve as a resource for Cité Soleil.
Image 10: The Radio Boukman team gather outside for a group photo. From left to right: Chrisnold Prophete, News Editor; Geneste Gesner, General Secretary; Ford Delva, News Presenter; Sony Vilfranch, Broadcast Technician; Goerge Reny, Broadcast Technician; Jorel Joachin, Administrator; Fragil Girlande, Receptionist; Salomon Nelson, Host of "Ayiti Payim" (Haiti, My Country); and Placide "MP" Marc Antoine, DJ/Host of Creole Rap Show, "Greffe."
