Four Haitians honoured in Italy at the Lucius Annaeus Seneca prize

Four Haitian figures received academic distinctions at the 10th International Academic Prize for Contemporary Literature Lucius Annaeus Seneca, on Saturday 24 October 2026 in Sannicandro di Bari, in southern Italy. They are Evens Emmanuel, Vanessa Clergé, Dr Marie Guerda Nicolas and attorney Eve Jean Baptiste Brown, according to a video posted by Monnelys TV Network.

According to the same source, Evens Emmanuel was honoured for his scientific contribution and his commitment to research. Vanessa Clergé received the title of Ambassador of Peace for her work with young people. Dr Marie Guerda Nicolas was recognised for her contributions to mental health, cultural diversity and development, and Eve Jean Baptiste Brown for her legal contribution and her commitment to public and community service.

The footage shows the laureates posing with their diplomas and the Haitian flag, before an audience that included uniformed officers.

A literary and academic prize

The prize is organised by the Accademia delle Arti e delle Scienze Filosofiche; its executive president is Massimo Massa. According to the rules of the 2026 edition, the ceremony was scheduled for the Sala delle Scuderie (the Stables Hall) of the Norman-Swabian castle in Sannicandro di Bari. The prize rewards poetry, prose and journalism, and also gives lifetime-achievement awards. It has received the medal of the Italian Senate and Chamber of Deputies and the patronage of the European Parliament, the same document says.

Vanessa Clergé and Eve Jean Baptiste Brown were already among the four Haitians named by Chokarella at the Peace Award Italy, presented in Rome in April 2026.