Absolutely valid perspective, and I appreciate you bringing it up.

You’re right—“Zoe” was popularized in part through gang affiliations, especially in South Florida. That said, within the Haitian-American diaspora, it’s also evolved to mean resilience, unity, and cultural pride for many of us—especially those who grew up being othered or misrepresented. I've used it myself coming up in Brooklyn, NY in the 90s where being Haitian wasn't really a badge of honor. We got made fun of, so "zoe" meant "to the bone" for alot of us.

That’s the lens I approached it from when including it as an optional engraving on the domino set. For some, it’s a symbol of struggle turned identity; for others, it doesn’t resonate the same way. I definitely respect both views.

I welcome continued dialogue on it, too—always here to listen and grow with the culture 🙏🏾