Black History Month: Honoring Notable Haitians Who Shaped History
Black History Month is a time of reflection, education, and celebration of the contributions of Black individuals throughout history. While much of the focus is placed on African Americans, it is essential to recognize the immense impact of Haitians on Black history, culture, and global movements for freedom and justice. Haiti, the first independent Black republic, has produced extraordinary figures who have influenced politics, arts, sports, music, and civil rights.
Haitian Revolution: The Spark That Changed the World
No discussion of Haitian contributions to Black history would be complete without mentioning Toussaint Louverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, and Henri Christophe—the architects of the Haitian Revolution (1791–1804). This revolution not only led to Haiti becoming the first free Black nation but also inspired enslaved people and abolitionists across the world. The Haitian Revolution had a direct impact on the U.S., as it forced France to sell the Louisiana Territory, doubling the size of the United States and reshaping history.
Haitians in the Civil Rights and Black Liberation Movements
- Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable (1745–1818) was a Haitian-born pioneer and trader who founded what would become the city of Chicago, making him one of the first Black historical figures in American history.
- Anténor Firmin (1850–1911) was one of the earliest scholars to challenge scientific racism, with his groundbreaking book The Equality of Human Races (1885), which countered Eurocentric ideas of white superiority.
- Dr. Joseph Philippe Lemercier Laroche (1886–1912), a Haitian engineer, was the only Black passenger aboard the Titanic, highlighting Haiti’s early presence in elite global circles.
- Patrick Gaspard, born to Haitian parents, was a senior advisor to former U.S. President Barack Obama and served as the U.S. Ambassador to South Africa.
Haitian Excellence in Arts and Literature
- Edwidge Danticat, an award-winning Haitian-American writer, has played a crucial role in preserving and sharing Haitian stories through books such as Breath, Eyes, Memory and The Farming of Bones.
- Frankétienne, a renowned poet, novelist, and playwright, is considered one of Haiti’s greatest literary minds, pioneering the Spiralist movement.
- Jacques Roumain, a poet and activist, was instrumental in the Négritude movement, a literary and ideological movement that sought to reclaim Black identity.
- Jean-Michel Basquiat, an internationally acclaimed artist of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent, revolutionized the art world with his raw, graffiti-inspired works that explored race, identity, and power.
- Raoul Peck, an award-winning filmmaker, has used his platform to tell powerful stories about Haitian history and Black struggles, including his acclaimed documentary I Am Not Your Negro about James Baldwin.
Haitian Athletes Who Made History
- Emmanuel Sanon, a Haitian soccer legend, made history during the 1974 FIFA World Cup when he scored against Italy, ending their goalkeeper’s record-breaking undefeated streak.
- Oswald “Ossie” Schectman, of Haitian-Jewish descent, scored the first-ever basket in the history of the NBA.
- Naomi Osaka, though representing Japan, is of Haitian descent and is one of the most dominant figures in modern tennis, advocating for social justice causes.
- Pierre Garçon, an NFL wide receiver of Haitian descent, played a crucial role in the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins, becoming one of the most respected Haitian athletes in American football.
- Andre Berto, a professional boxer of Haitian descent, was a two-time world champion and proudly represents Haiti in the international boxing scene.
Haitians in Politics and Diplomacy
- Jean Price-Mars was a key figure in the promotion of Haitian cultural pride and a major advocate of the Indigenist movement, which emphasized Haiti’s African roots.
- Michele Pierre-Louis became Haiti’s second female Prime Minister, helping push social and economic reforms.
- Claudine Gay, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, made history as the first Black president of Harvard University and has contributed significantly to academia and social justice.
- Reginald Fils-Aimé, of Haitian descent, was the former President and COO of Nintendo of America, playing a major role in shaping the modern video game industry.
Haiti’s Impact on Music: Shaping the Sound of the Black Diaspora
Haiti has long been a cultural powerhouse, influencing music across the Caribbean and the wider Black world. Haitian musicians have played a crucial role in developing sounds that have shaped global Black music traditions.
Haitian Influence on Global Music
- Compas Direct, created by Nemours Jean-Baptiste in the 1950s, revolutionized Haitian music and became the foundation for many Caribbean genres, including zouk in the French Antilles.
- Twoubadou, a style blending African and European influences, became an essential part of Haiti’s musical identity and storytelling tradition.
- Rara, a traditional form of street music performed with drums, horns, and call-and-response singing, has influenced genres such as jazz and hip-hop, with artists like Wyclef Jean incorporating its rhythms into mainstream music.
Notable Haitian Musicians Who Made History
- Lunise Morse & Richard Morse (RAM) brought Haitian vodou rhythms into modern global fusion, preserving Haiti’s spiritual and cultural roots.
- Sweet Micky (Michel Martelly) helped modernize compas, later transitioning from music to politics, serving as Haiti’s president from 2011 to 2016.
- Tabou Combo, known as the “Ambassadors of Kompa,” gained international recognition, taking Haitian music worldwide.
- Wyclef Jean, one of Haiti’s biggest musical exports, helped bring Haitian sounds into mainstream hip-hop and pop, influencing artists globally.
- Jason Derulo, a global pop and R&B star, is of Haitian descent and has brought elements of Caribbean rhythms into his music.
- Max Beauvoir, a legendary Haitian Vodou priest and musician, played a vital role in preserving Haiti’s spiritual and musical heritage.
Today, Haiti’s influence can be heard in Afrobeats, reggaeton, dancehall, and even R&B, proving that the country’s musical legacy continues to inspire new generations.
Celebrating Haitian Excellence Beyond Black History Month
Black History Month is a time to recognize and uplift the contributions of Haitians to world history. Whether through revolution, literature, arts, politics, sports, or music, Haiti has continuously played a crucial role in shaping Black identity and global Black liberation. It’s important to honor and celebrate these achievements year-round, ensuring that Haiti’s place in Black history remains acknowledged and appreciated.
As we reflect on Black excellence this month, let’s remember the powerful words of Jean-Jacques Dessalines:
“Liberty, equality, fraternity—or death!”
These words not only freed Haiti but also resonated with freedom movements worldwide, making Haiti’s impact on Black history undeniable.
Mwa Istwa Nwa: Onore Ayisyen Ki Fè Istwa
Mwa Istwa Nwa se yon moman refleksyon, edikasyon, ak selebrasyon pou kontribisyon moun Nwa nan istwa. Pifò fwa, moun mete plis limyè sou Ameriken Nwa yo, men li enpòtan pou nou rekonèt gwo enpak Ayisyen yo sou istwa Nwa, kilti, ak mouvman libète atravè lemond. Ayiti, premye repiblik Nwa endepandan, bay anpil pèsonalite enpòtan ki chanje politik, atizay, espò, mizik, ak dwa sivil.
Revolisyon Ayisyen: Gwo Batay Ki Chanje Mond Lan
Lè n ap pale de kontribisyon Ayisyen nan istwa Nwa, nou pa ka pa mansyone Toussaint Louverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, ak Henri Christophe—ero Revolisyon Ayisyen an (1791–1804). Revolisyon sa a pa sèlman libere Ayiti, men li te enspire esklav ak abolisyonis nan tout mond lan. Batay sa a te fòse Lafrans vann Tè Louisiana bay Etazini, sa ki fè Etazini double nan grandè l.
Ayisyen Nan Batay Dwa Sivik ak Libète Moun Nwa
- Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable (1745–1818) te yon Ayisyen ki fonde vil Chicago Ozetazini.
- Anténor Firmin (1850–1911) te yon premye savan ki denonse rasis syantifik ak liv li Egalite Ras Moun (1885).
- Dr. Joseph Philippe Lemercier Laroche (1886–1912) te sèl pasaje Nwa sou bato Titanic la, sa ki montre prezans Ayisyen nan elit mondyal yo.
- Patrick Gaspard, pitit Ayisyen, te konsiltan espesyal pou prezidan Barack Obama epi Anbasadè Etazini ann Afrik di Sid.
Ayisyen Ki Make Istwa Nan Atizay ak Literati
- Edwidge Danticat, ekriven Ayisyèn-Amerikèn, rakonte istwa Ayiti nan liv tankou Breath, Eyes, Memory ak The Farming of Bones.
- Frankétienne, yon gwo ekriven ak atis, se youn nan pi gwo lespri literè Ayiti.
- Jacques Roumain, ekriven ak aktivis, te yon figi kle nan mouvman Négritude ki ede Nwa reklame fyète yo.
- Jean-Michel Basquiat, atis Ayisyen ak Pòtoriken, revolisyone mond atizay ak penti l ki trete ras, idantite, ak pouvwa.
- Raoul Peck, yon reyalizatè ki reyalize dokimantè I Am Not Your Negro, mete limyè sou lit Nwa yo ak istwa Ayiti.
Ayisyen Ki Make Istwa Nan Espò
- Emmanuel Sanon, lejand foutbòl Ayisyen, make gòl kont Itali nan 1974 FIFA World Cup epi kraze rekò pi bon gadyen mond lan.
- Oswald “Ossie” Schectman, ki gen rasin Ayisyen, se premye moun ki make baskèt nan istwa NBA.
- Naomi Osaka, ki gen rasin Ayisyen, se youn nan pi gwo jwè tenis modèn epi li milite pou jistis sosyal.
- Pierre Garçon, yon gran jwè foutbòl ameriken, jwe pou Indianapolis Colts ak Washington Redskins.
- Andre Berto, bokse Ayisyen-Ameriken, genyen de fwa chanpyona mondyal epi li toujou fè drapo Ayiti vole nan mond boks la.
Ayisyen Nan Politik Ak Diplomasi
- Jean Price-Mars, yon gwo figi ki te defann kilti Ayisyen ak rasin Afriken nou yo.
- Michele Pierre-Louis, dezyèm fanm Premye Minis Ayiti, travay pou amelyore ekonomi peyi a.
- Claudine Gay, premye fanm Nwa ki vin Prezidan Harvard University, li travay anpil pou jistis sosyal.
- Reginald Fils-Aimé, yon Ayisyen-Ameriken ki te Prezidan Nintendo of America, jwe gwo wòl nan devlopman jwèt videyo modèn yo.
Enpak Ayiti Nan Mizik: Fòmasyon Son Diaspora Nwa
Ayiti se yon gwo fòs nan mizik Karayib la ak mond Nwa an jeneral. Mizisyen Ayisyen yo ede kreye son ki bay enspirasyon ak idantite pou plizyè jenerasyon.
Enspirasyon Mizik Ayisyen Nan Mond Lan
- Compas Direct, kreye pa Nemours Jean-Baptiste, revolisyone mizik Ayiti epi enfliyanse zouk ak lòt estil mizik Karayib yo.
- Twoubadou, yon melanj son Afriken ak Ewopeyen, bay Ayiti yon idantite mizikal inik.
- Rara, mizik lari Ayisyen, enspire jazz ak hip-hop epi li prezan nan mizik atis tankou Wyclef Jean.
Mizisyen Ayisyen Ki Make Istwa
- Lunise Morse & Richard Morse (RAM) mete rit vodou Ayisyen sou sèn mondyal la.
- Sweet Micky (Michel Martelly) modènize konpa, epi li vin prezidan Ayiti.
- Tabou Combo, “Anbasadè Konpa yo,” fè mizik Ayisyen tande toupatou nan mond lan.
- Wyclef Jean, youn nan pi gwo mizisyen Ayisyen nan mond lan, mete son Ayisyen nan hip-hop ak pop.
- Jason Derulo, chantè pop ak R&B mondyal, ki gen rasin Ayisyen epi mete enfliyans Karayib nan mizik li.
- Max Beauvoir, ounsi vodou ki jwe yon wòl kle nan prezèvasyon mizik ak kilti vodou Ayisyen an.
Jodi a, enspirasyon mizik Ayiti ka tande nan Afrobeats, reggaeton, dancehall, ak menm R&B, sa ki pwouve ke eritaj mizikal Ayiti ap kontinye enspire nouvo jenerasyon yo.
Selebre Fyète Ayisyen Anpi Lontan Pase Mwa Fevriye
Mwa Istwa Nwa se yon moman pou mete limyè sou kontribisyon Ayisyen yo nan mond lan. Kit se nan revolisyon, literati, atizay, politik, espò, oswa mizik, Ayiti kontinye gen enpak sou listwa Nwa ak mouvman libète atravè lemond. Nou dwe selebre ak sonje kontribisyon sa yo chak jou, chak mwa, chak ane.
Pandan n ap reflechi sou fyète Nwa pandan mwa sa a, ann sonje pawòl Jean-Jacques Dessalines:
“Libète, egalite, fratènite—oswa lanmò!”
Mo sa yo pa sèlman bay Ayiti libète, men yo enspire tout mouvman libète nan mond lan.
