By Alex Popa
Dune Duny Dubé is a Haitian-American artist based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She graduated from college with an Associate in Arts degree and is currently working to expand her portfolio. Despite her formal education, Dune says her artistic prowess is mainly self-taught. She’s put much time and effort into building and improving her painting skills. After all, she says, a good work ethic can take your endeavors to the next level.
She applies this principle to everything in her life— her hobbies, career, and other ambitions. She also says her Haitian background inspires her worldview and values. Dune has great respect for the Haitian community and culture. “Haitians are hard-working people, and we go after what we want. One thing about us is we’re not lazy. We are persistent and consistent.”
Life Goals and Ambitions
Dune is not just a talented young artist. She’s also interested in the well-being of her community. That’s why she hopes to become a registered nurse. Dune believes you don’t have to compromise between your calling and passion. She has great ambitions both as a health worker and as an artist: “My dream profession is nursing, but I also want to become not only a well-known artist that shares and sells my work.”
Education, respect for community and culture, civic duty, and resourcefulness are all qualities Dune finds important for young, up-and-coming Haitians.
Her love for art doesn’t stop at just painting. Dune is also a gifted singer and has an interest in acting and modeling. She believes that art in all its forms is important. For Dune, art reflects effort, dedication, and cultural enrichment, qualities she feels are no longer appreciated.
When Dune makes it big, she hopes to use her voice to support other unrecognized artists fighting their way to the top, “We focus too much on popularity and praise the bare minimum. I want to give those who are hard-working and talented a chance to be seen and appreciated for what they do.”
Heartfelt Advice for Haitian Youth
Dune is proud of her Haitian heritage and believes the Haitian community has great potential. Most importantly, Dubé believes Haitian youth will play a crucial role in the future development of Haiti and Haitian culture. “I think the best thing young Haitians can do to help Haiti is to stay in school, volunteer to help clean the streets, respect each other, help each other, and focus on creating rather than just destroying what’s left.”
Education, respect for community and culture, civic duty, and resourcefulness are all qualities Dune finds important for young, up-and-coming Haitians. Dune holds on to these values and always does her best to help Haiti in whatever way she can. She supports the civic well-being of the Haitian people by always finding time to donate to organizations trying to help Haiti.
