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Winner of the 2021 Haitian Studies Association Book Prize Haiti Fights Back: The Life and Legacy of Charlemagne Péralte is the first US scholarly examination of the politician and caco leader (guerrilla fighter) who fought against the US military occupation of Haiti. The occupation lasted close to two decades, from 1915-1934. Listen as Professor Alexis argues for the importance of documenting resistance while exploring the occupation’s mechanics and its imperialism. She takes us to Haiti, exploring the sites of what she labels as resistance zones, including Péralte’s hometown of Hinche and the nation’s large port areas--Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien. Alexis offers a new reading of U.S. military archival sources that record Haitian protests as banditry. Haiti Fights Back illuminates how Péralte launched a political movement, and meticulously captures how Haitian women and men resisted occupation through silence, military battles, and writings. She locates and assembles rare, multilingual primary sources from traditional repositories, living archives (oral stories), and artistic representations in Haiti and the United States. The interdisciplinary work draws on legislation, cacos’ letters, newspapers, and murals, offering a unique examination of Péralte’s life (1885-1919) and the significance of his legacy through the twenty-first century. Haiti Fights Back offers a new approach to the study of the U.S. invasion of the Americas by chronicling how Caribbean people fought back. Guest Profile Page https://neg.fm/dr-yveline-alexis/

From the publisher: In Slave Revolt on Screen: The Haitian Revolution in Film and Video Games, Dr. Alyssa Goldstein Sepinwall analyzes how films and video games from around the world have depicted slave revolt, focusing on the Haitian Revolution (1791–1804).  Despite Hollywood’s near-silence on this event, some films on the Revolution do exist—from directors in Haiti, the US, France, and elsewhere. Slave Revolt on Screen offers the first-ever comprehensive analysis of Haitian Revolution cinema, including completed films and planned projects that were never made. In addition to studying cinema, this book also breaks ground in examining video games, a pop-culture form long neglected by historians. Sepinwall scrutinizes video game depictions of Haitian slave revolt that appear in games like the Assassin’s Creed series that have reached millions more players than comparable films. In analyzing films and games on the revolution, Slave Revolt on Screen calls attention to the ways that economic legacies of slavery and colonialism warp pop-culture portrayals of the past and leave audiences with distorted understandings. - Carolyn E. Fick, author of The Making of Haiti: The Saint Domingue Revolution from Below, writes: "Alyssa Sepinwall’s exciting new book, Slave Revolt on Screen, examines how the Haitian Revolution—the modern world’s first and only successful Black slave revolt—has been portrayed in film throughout the past century, exposing not only the flagrant distortions and factual departures from the historical record in these films, but also their exoticitized notions about Haiti and their implicitly and often explicitly white supremacist attitudes toward Haitians, and toward Blacks in general, that have permeated Hollywood and the film industry up to today. The book draws upon a sweeping range of films and video games (a new genre) on or about the Revolution as well as personal relationships and interviews with some recent filmmakers. Yet the skillful hand of the historian is omnipresent as Sepinwall brilliantly weaves together the history of the Haitian Revolution and the history of filmmaking about it, urgently calling for the yet-to-come masterpiece film on this historically epic Black liberation struggle for freedom."

Yes. Haitians were in the nation-building business! This episode covers a little-known chapter in Haitian history. Dr. Regine Jackson offers a fascinating, multi-sited, and interdisciplinary study of the United Nations Organization in the Congo (ONUC), a civilian operation established after the Democratic Republic of Congo achieved independence from Belgium.   Through narrative interviews in New York City, Port-au-Prince, Montreal and Paris and analysis of archives in Haiti, Kinshasa, and at UN headquarters in New York and Paris, Dr. Jackson helps us understand better the lived experiences of the Haitian educators, engineers, and doctors in the ONUC during the Congo crisis. her previous research suggests that many of these Haitian professionals saw postcolonial Africa as a space of possibility (see Jackson 2014).   This episode seeks to answer crucial questions about our best and brightest: about their pre-migration experiences in Haiti under Duvalier, the role of international organizations such as the UN and WHO, relations between Haitians and the Congolese, as well the circumstances of their departure from the Congo under Mobutu Sese Seko. Visit her guest page https://neg.fm/dr-regine-ostine-jackson/

Dr. Steiber turns to the written record to re-examine the building blocks of Haitian history. Picking up where most historians conclude, listen as Dr. Chelsea Stieber explores the critical internal challenge to Haiti’s post-independence sovereignty: a civil war between monarchy and republic. What transpired was a war of swords and of pens, waged in newspapers and periodicals, in literature, broadsheets, and fliers. In her analysis of Haitian writing that followed independence, Dr. Stieber composes a new literary history of Haiti, one I'm certain challenges our interpretations of both freedom struggles and the postcolonial. She also examines internal dissent during the revolution, Stieber reveals that the very concept of freedom was itself hotly contested in the public sphere, and it was this inherent tension that became the central battleground for the guerre de plume―the paper war―that vied to shape public sentiment and the very idea of Haiti. Stieber’s reading of post-independence Haitian writing reveals key insights into the nature of literature, its relation to freedom and politics, and how fraught and politically loaded the concepts of “literature” and “civilization” really are. The competing ideas of liberté, writing, and civilization at work within postcolonial Haiti have consequences for the way we think about Haiti’s role―as an idea and a discursive interlocutor―in the elaboration of black radicalism and black Atlantic, anticolonial, and decolonial thought. In so doing, Stieber reorders our previously homogeneous view of Haiti, teasing out warring conceptions of the new nation that continued to play out deep into the twentieth century. Enjoy!

I'm thrilled to bring you another episode from our Lakou series, delving into the rich tapestry of Haitian culture living in the diaspora and in Haiti. Today, we have a very special guest joining us all the way from London, Guilaine Brutus, who is an integral part of the Haitian community there. In this episode, we explored a taboo topic in Haitian culture - the practice of Restavek, and child slavery. I'm not going to sugarcoat the practice by calling it child servitude. When people work for free, it's slavery. Period. Full stop. Guilaine shared her mother's personal experience as a Restavek in Haiti and in the Turks & Cacos. Listen to how Guilaine's mom and family coped with the hardships and sacrifices of being a Restavek. We examined the role of women in Haitian society, discussed the lack of recognition for their contributions and the importance of understanding the trauma individuals may carry with them. So, get ready for a thought-provoking, emotionally heavy, and insightful conversation as we delve into the world of Restavek and its long-lasting consequences on individuals, families, and Haitian culture. In the meantime, here are some top 10 questions worth considering as you listen to this episode: 1. How does the experience of being a Restavek shape a person's life and their relationship with their family? 2. What are some possible reasons why the speaker's mother chose to leave two of her children behind when she returned to the Turks and Caicos Islands? 3. How does the theme of sacrifice play a role in the speaker's mother's life and the choices she made for her family? 4. In what ways do cultural differences impact the expression of love and affection within families? 5. How does the speaker challenge societal norms and expectations surrounding women's contributions and recognition in society? 6. What role do ancestral traditions and practices, such as creating altars, play in Haitian culture and the speaker's personal experiences? 7. How does trauma, pain, and unspoken experiences impact the speaker's relationship with the person they are communicating with? 8. How do cultural traumas, like the Restavek system, continue to affect Haitian communities and individuals today? 9. How does education play a role in Haitian society, particularly in the context of the speaker's mother's determination to provide opportunities for her children? 10. In what ways do personal experiences of pain and trauma shape an individual's perspective on life and their ability to overcome adversity? Let's dive right in!

In this episode of the Nèg Mawon Podcast, we delve deep into the roots of Haiti's complex political landscape with Dr. Robert Fatton. From its foundation, Haiti has grappled with a social, economic, and political apartheid system that has marginalized the majority of its population. Dr. Fatton discusses how this system, rooted in divisions of color, class, and colonial hierarchy, has led to exclusionary practices in education and culture. Our guest emphasizes the economic basis of this system, calling for a more democratic and egalitarian society that meets the basic needs of all Haitians. He critiques the simplistic savior narrative often applied to Haiti and explores the historical context of the country's authoritarian tradition, advocating for a revolutionary transformation of both politics and the economy. Join us as we explore the persisting issue of authoritarian governance in Haiti, the challenges faced after the revolution, and the potential for a more inclusive and accountable society. This thought-provoking discussion sheds light on the structural forces shaping Haiti's past and present, offering crucial insights into the complexities of its history and the path to a more inclusive future.

So, how do scholars get their books published? Notice I didn't say self-published. That's a topic for another day. I mean published via established publishers. That's one of many questions I wanted some answers to. On today's show, we have two guests who will help us understand how the process of book publishing works. We have the historian and author Dr. Yveline Alexis, Associate Professor of Africana Studies & Comparative American Studies at Oberlin College. Dr. Alexis is the author of "Haiti Fights Back: The Life & Legacy of Charlemagne Péralte". This book is the first US scholarly examination of the politician and caco leader (guerrilla fighter) who fought against the US military occupation of Haiti from (1915 to 1934). Dr. Alexis will walk us through the peaks and valleys of what it took to get published. The next guest you will hear from in this conversation is the actual gatekeeper, and I mean that in the most positive sense. Her name is Kimberly Guinta, Editorial Director and Associate Press Director for Rutgers University Press, which published Dr. Alexis' first book Haiti Fights Back. The Title of today's episode is "Ink & Insights: A Scholar's Path to Publication." Hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

Winner, of the Gilbert Chinard Prize, of the Society for French Historical Studies & the Institut Français d'Amérique. Encountering Revolution looks afresh at the profound impact of the Haitian Revolution on the early United States. The first book on the subject in more than two decades, it redefined our understanding of the relationship between republicanism and slavery at a foundational moment in American history. For postrevolutionary Americans, the Haitian uprising laid bare the contradiction between democratic principles and the practice of slavery. For thirteen years, between 1791 and 1804, slaves and free people of color in Saint-Domingue battled for equal rights in the manner of the French Revolution. As white and mixed-race refugees escaped to the safety of U.S. cities, Americans were forced to confront the paradox of being a slaveholding republic, recognizing their own possible destiny in the predicament of the Haitian slaveholders. Historian Ashli White examines the ways Americans―black and white, northern and southern, Federalist and Democratic Republican, pro- and antislavery―pondered the implications of the Haitian Revolution. Encountering Revolution convincingly situates the formation of the United States in a broader Atlantic context. It shows how the very presence of Saint-Dominguan refugees stirred in Americans as many questions about themselves as about the future of slaveholding, stimulating some of the earliest debates about nationalism in the early republic.

Bonjou, and welcome to another riveting episode of the Nèg Mawon Podcast, where we dive deep into the heart of Haitian politics, society, and the continuous struggles that shape our nation. I'm your host, Patrick Jean-Baptiste, and today, you're tuning in to the new series for 2024, 'Yon Zouti Koupe-Ep.#71.' In this episode, we're grappling with the intense and complex currents ripping through our beloved Haiti. The youth, the beating heart of our country, are rallying behind a figure of change—a mysterious entity known as Guy Phillipe, yet many don't quite grasp the full breadth of his historical roots or ultimate agenda. Amid rampant inflation, suffocating insecurity, and the scourge of gang violence leading to widespread displacement, a cry for revolution echoes again through the streets. However, Guy's plan and power base remain enigmatic, adding layers of uncertainty to an already volatile mix. The government stares down a formidable challenge not just from Guy's armed supporters, but a myriad of factions and unforeseen possibilities that loom on the horizon. And in an unusual twist, discussions of potential Kenyan intervention stir the pot further, but doubts loom over the viability and legality of such a mission, given the complexity of our country's gang situation. But at the heart of this lies a deeper issue—the achingly pervasive poverty and limited rungs of social mobility that fuel gang affiliations. To truly combat this, we must address the socioeconomic roots and offer our youth alternative pathways, while at the same time using trusted force of arms to eliminate the pervasive presence of the gangs. Joining me today to peel back the layers of this multifaceted crisis is Haiti's greatest political scientist, Dr. Robert Fatton, who'll share his insights into the dire state of our national police force, the evolving autonomy of Haitian gangs, and the economic paralysis gripping our society. We'll also explore the duality of nostalgia for past dictatorships against the backdrop of the ongoing violence and the persistent dream of economic stability. So stay tuned as we confront these pressing issues and more—right here on Nèg Mawon Podcast.

Welcome back to Nèg Mawon Podcast, where we mine the rich history of Haiti and its impact on the world. In today's episode, "Encountering Revolution-part 2," we continue our conversation with the esteemed Dr. Ashli White, a leading expert in early North American history and the history of Haiti and its revolution. We explore the captivating connections between the Haitian revolution and the United States during the 18th century, shedding light on the experiences of Haitian exiles in the US. From linguistic diversity and cultural influences to economic adaptations and philanthropic complexities, we uncover the intricate web of interactions between these two pivotal nations during a time of significant social and political change. Join us as we navigate the fascinating encounters and adaptations of Haitian exiles in the United States, unveiling the enduring impact of this momentous period in history.

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Nèg Mawon Podcast, your go-to platform for in-depth discussions that unearth the complexities of Haitian history, culture, and contemporary challenges. I'm your host, Patrick Jean-Baptiste, and today we're diving deep into a topic that is fundamental to understanding Haiti's present by exploring its past. This episode is about the Haitian people, not their early leaders, some of whom we’ve literally turned into gods. This episode is about the moun endeyo and what remains of their legacy. In the cacophony of hardship that reverberates through Haitian history, we find the silent echoes of their resistance—they’re the Army of Sufferers who shaped the nation in anonymity and struggle. In this episode, titled "The Struggle for Soil: Haitian Peasantry and the Seeds of Rebellion," I am immensely privileged to welcome Dr. Mimi Sheller, a beacon of scholarship and the Dean of the Global School at WPI. We're here to unravel the threads of Haitian fortitude and democratization embodied in the resistance of the moun endeyo, whose efforts and processes are seldom reflected in mainstream historical narratives. Our conversation traverses the deep economic desperation that has led to waves of outmigration that we see today on our screens, the assertion of the gangs, filling the security vacuum  in response to the absence of the state, and the disruptions in the rural economy that have torn the fabric of traditional living that existed for hundreds of years. Haiti’s story, it seems, is likened to a war, not of arms, but of power and provision and the endless fight for positive developmental opportunities in the shadow of military might coupled with domestic and foreign interests. Untold generations of our ancestors are buried in unvisited tombs and silenced in the historical records. But thanks to the efforts of imminent scholars like Dr. Mimi Sheller, some of them escaped the colonial archives.  Dr. Sheller takes us through the everyday lives of 19th century Haitians, revealing the voices of the Haitian peasantry manifested through resistance. We reflect on the phrase, "You Signed My Name, but Not My Feet” as Dr. Sheller dissects the layers of democratization and the struggles inherent in Haiti's fight against slavery and external powers. We revisited the Piquet  Rebellion, spearheaded by the enigmatic, barefoot Jean Jacques Acau, who carried the mantle of the common people against the forces of the ruling class. We explore the deep roots of resistance, the African-derived collective ownership traditions, and the intricate bureaucracy entwined with land distribution, all within the context of Haiti’s revolutionary legacy—a legacy that redefined democracy and stirred the Atlantic world yet remains on the periphery of historiographical recognition. So, sit back, tune in, and journey through time as we delve into "The Struggle for Soil: Haitian Peasantry and the Seeds of Rebellion," with the inimitable Dr. Mimi Sheller on the Nèg Mawon Podcast.

Outro: Nèg Pa Bondyé [Introduction] Join an enthralling convo with Dr. Andrew Maginn, offering a profound exploration of Haitian migration history and identity. We delve into the remarkable life of Pierre Toussaint, tracing his path from slavery to near-millionaire status in 1833 New York. Haitian kinship networks loom large for post-independence transnational Haitians. [Timestamped Overview] 00:00 First podcast discusses global migration and citizenship. 08:56 Haitian cultural retention through recipes and writings. 11:03 Social survival and kinship ties in families. 20:43 Ongoing impact of the Haitian Revolution discussed. 21:49 Discussion on Haiti's historical perspective and inaccuracies. 30:24 Education leads to mobility and familial reliance. 34:42 Problem of mislabeling in genealogy research archives. 40:01 Learning investment; New York City growth. 47:48 Pierre Toussaint's correspondences were mainly in French. 50:57 A man explores interracial relationships in Montreal. 54:42 Baltimore and Saint Domingue important during Haitian Revolution. 01:00:39 Haitian slavers' family's varied success and community. 01:09:22 Madras headdress was symbolic of social mobility. 01:13:12 Okra's growth after Haitian migration, gumbo's significance. 01:16:31 West African items and traditions used in slavery. 01:23:55 Oblate's sister sacrifices life caring for bishop. 01:27:01 Inequality in black experience and unmarked graves. 01:37:40 Complicated narrative of African American experience. 01:38:53 The Haitian diaspora experience involves constant movement. 00:00 Discussion on timely migration issues and historical events, emphasizing re-categorization of migration moments and current challenges faced by Haitians. 08:56 Haitian cultural retention in diaspora. 11:03 In diverse cultures, kinship ties provide support and joy, extending beyond biological relationships. 20:43 The Haitian Revolution's ongoing impact, discussed by scholars. 21:49 Discussion about Haiti's history and misunderstanding regarding its revolution start. 30:24 He is educated in reading, writing, for family errands and future success in New York. 34:42 Focus on correcting Haiti genealogy records mislabeling. 40:01 Learning investment, real estate, New York growth, infrastructure development in 1800s. 47:48 Most letters found are in formal French, reflecting education backgrounds from Haitian Revolution. Toussaint may have spoken Creole, but likely did not write it in correspondences. 50:57 Interracial couple leaves NYC for Montreal, exploring Haitian-Canadian connections and living in the Americas. 54:42 Baltimore flour trade with Saint Domingue during Haitian Revolution. 01:00:39 Haitian family's migration to New York and Baltimore, success in various careers, and impact in the Haitian Catholic community. 01:09:22 White madras headwear symbolized status and mobility for Haitians, especially women, before and during the Haitian Revolution. It was utilitarian but hard to keep clean, requiring maintenance. Fanny in Baltimore noticed the scarcity of this symbol within the community. 01:13:12 Okra's historical cultivation, impact on post-Haitian Revolution migration, and use in gumbo. 01:16:31 West African items and traditions used as rebellion in slavery, including okra for abortions on plantations. 01:23:55 Nursing sister dies from cholera while caring for the bishop. 1832 cholera outbreak hits the black community hard. Similarities to current disproportionate impact on people of African descent during COVID. 01:27:01 Discussion on inequality in black experience, unmarked graves in Baltimore, and the need for memorials to honor black individuals. 01:37:40 The speaker discusses a complex narrative beyond solely African American experience, focusing on the international element of Pierre Toussaint's story and his role in the Haitian diaspora. 01:38:53 Haitian diaspora experience involves constant movement and uncertainty, unlike other migration experiences.

We're joined today by the esteemed Dr. Greg Beckett, a cultural anthropologist with deep insights into Haitian studies. In today's conversation, we will unpack the complexities outlined in Michel-Rolph Trouillot's pivotal book “Haiti: State Against Nation. The Origins and Legacy of Duvalierism” and connect its themes to the ongoing political turmoil in Haiti. Dr. Beckett will guide us through the importance of anthropology's tools—deep listening, relationship building, and grasping local languages and cultures—to authentically interpret terms like "blackout" in the Haitian context. Dr. Beckett brings us a distilled essence of Michel-Rolph Trouillot book with just five words: "the state, history, crisis, dictatorship, and nation." He then navigates us through Trouillot's Marxist analysis of the Haitian state, revealing how power dynamics and historical legacies have paved the way for enduring crises and the shadow of the Duvalier dictatorship. As we translate theories across languages and audiences, we'll see how the French and English versions of Trouillot's work diverge, each speaking to different readers with varying political contexts. At the heart of this episode is the intersection of culture, power, and history, and how they have shaped the Haitian nation and identity. Join us as we explore the critical role of the Haitian elite, the cultural translation of Marxist critique, and the three pivotal conditions that solidify Duvalierism's hold on Haiti. This is a journey to uncover the roots of Haiti's challenges and the intricate web of social, economic, and cultural elements that support them. Stay with us for this enlightening session on the enduring effects of totalitarianism and the fight for democracy in Haiti.

Hey there, friends! Welcome back to the Nèg Mawon Podcast. You're just in time for the second slice of our riveting book review of Michel-Rolph Trouillot's "Haiti: State Against Nation. The Origins and Legacy of Duvalierism." In today's episode, we're diving deeper with our reviewer, Dr. Greg Beckett as he unravels the complex weave of Haiti's urban and rural fabric. If you thought Part 1 had you hooked, just wait till you hear what we've got today. So sit back, grab a cup of that Dondon coffee, and let's journey together through the pages of our story that challenges, inspires, and captivates. Alright, enough from me—let's roll Episode 75, part 2/2!

1. Did you know that... Dr. Marlene Daut was initially urged to avoid publishing her work about the literature of the Haitian Revolution due to market concerns? 2. Did you know that... institutional biases often impede authors from diverse backgrounds in the publishing world? 3. Did you know that... Dr. Daut prioritizes publishing in spaces that allow for true expression over merely prestigious places? 4. Did you know that... Dr. Daut advocates for dismantling large-scale institutional power rather than striving to obtain it? 5. Did you know that... pregnancy in academia is still met with stigma, as noted by Dr. Daut based on her personal experiences? 6. Did you know that... Dr. Daut advises new academics to be cautious with social academic settings, particularly those involving alcohol and late-night discussions? 7. Did you know that... debates on job security in academia persist, affecting even full professors, especially those who are black? 8. Did you know that... Dr. Daut has faced significant challenges and microaggressions in academia but continues to pursue her passion for Haitian literature and history? 9. Did you know that... Dr. Daut operates onscientiously as a gatekeeper in academic publishing to amplify diverse voices and perspectives? 10. Did you know that... Dr. Daut emphasizes the importance of more dedicated centers and departments for Haitian studies within academia to overcome marginalization?