Haiti’s Commitments to Decolonization and Combatting Imperialism Across The Globe–A Short History

Monument to the Heroes of Vertières, 2020. (Photograph by Samy Zaka) After the revolution against Napoleon’s army that began in 1791, Haiti became the first independent Black republic in the Americas on January 1,1804–abolishing slavery. This is a pivotal moment in history, where the oppressed triumphed over the oppressors in a resounding victory. Haiti became a beacon of genuine self-determination, freedom, and equality, for all marginalized people and inspired revolutionary movements worldwide. Haiti also crushed slavery by supporting the independence efforts of many countries. Haitians soldiers voluntarily joined the US army to fight against British Rule The Haitian Monument in Savannah, GA’s Franklin Square–commemorating Les Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint-Domingue. (Savannah Morning News) During the significant “Siege of Savannah,” considered as the beginning push by the British in conquering the American South, free Haitians soldiers voluntarily joined the US army to fight in Savannah, Georgia. Among them were major figures of Haitian history, including Andre Rigaud, Pierre Faubert, Jean Louis Vilate, Jean Baptiste Chavanes and 12-year old drummer boy, Henri Christophe. Freed from slavery at an early age, Henri Christophe was part of the battalion that fought there. A few years later, that drummer boy enlisted in the Haitian militia, and quickly...