Haitian Heritage Month: Haitian Writers, Poets & Activists

Haiti is a land of many landscapes, dialects, cultures, and perspectives. 🇭🇹 

While the country is currently experiencing an unprecedented moment of adversity, the beauty and pride of Haiti cannot be understated. It is this beauty and pride that mobilizes people into activism—to protest for the preservation and protection of their home.

Haiti is a country that freed itself from slavery before any other, a country that was once the most lucrative agricultural colony in the Western Hemisphere, a country that inspired revolutionaries around the globe, and a country that still stands as home to millions of Haitians today.

Do not see Haiti in a limited view—characterized only for its troubles, or for the hardships that result as a symptom of political instability. Recognize also the beauty of Haiti we are fighting to keep, restore, and protect.

In celebration of Haitian Heritage Month, take some time to explore the words of Haitian authors from around the world—authors who write about their home country with clarity, pride, and truthful storytelling. Try to see the country in a richer, fuller light, through the eyes of those who love it fiercely.

A list of Haitian Writers and Activists Presenting Diverse Perspectives on Haiti’s Past, Present and Future:

Haitian History

• The History of Haiti | The Rock NewMan Show
• University of Florida Online Library of Haitian Literature from the Latin America and Caribbean Collection

Archival Records

• Speeches and Letters of Toussaint L’overture on the Haitian Revolution (1793 - 1800)
• Haitian Revolution Reading List | Age of Revolutions
• Sur le créole, réponse Jean L. Dominique et Frankétienne au journal Le Nouveau Mond (French Interview audio)
• Inter-Actualités Magazine: Jean L. Dominique ak Frankétienne sou woman | (Kreyol Interview Audio) | «Dezafi»
• Poetry in Haitian Kreyol | Emmanuel W. Vedrine | Internet Archive
• The Haitian Revolution | Toussaint L’overture & Jean-Bertrand Aristide (full pdf)
• Jean-Bertrand Aristide | “Eyes of the Heart: A Path for the Poor in the Age of Globalization” | Author Talk at the University of Miami School of Law 

Present Day Authors and Writings

• 5 Contemporary Haitian Writers to Know | Leyendo Latam
• Quotes from Haitian Writers, Thinkers and Leaders | Haiti Then and Now
• Joel François | “Haiti” | Button Poetry
• Terry Gross | NPR Fresh Air Podcast | “A Family Forged by Haiti’s Coup”
• Edwidge Danticat | “Everything Inside” | Interview with Glory Edim
• Dr. Leslie Alexander | “Fear of the Black Republic” | Lecture at ASU School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies
• 6 Inspiring Children’s Books to Celebrate and Honor Haitian Heritage Month
• Etant Dupain | “Madam Sara” Film
• Ibi Zoboi | “American Street” | NY Times Notable book
• From Within and Without (Exhibit) | The History of Haitian Photography | NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
• Orlando Aurélien | A Storyteller of “Vintage” Haiti | Haitian Culture and History
• Chokarella Podcast | Carel Pedre