Haiti Independence Day

Haiti Independence Day is celebrated annually on January 1. This day was set aside to commemorate Haiti’s declaration of independence from French colonial rule on January 1, 1804. The declaration of independence had been preceded by many years of a slave revolt called the Haitian Revolution. It started on August 21, 1791, and lasted until independence was declared. Formerly called ‘Saint Domingue,’ Haiti was one of the most profitable French colonies with rich sugar and coffee plantations worked by African bondsmen subjected to harsh treatment, overwork, lack of proper medical care, inadequate food, clothing, and shelter.

Haiti proclaimed independence from the French colonial authorities on January 1, 1804. ‘Haiti,’ which in Taino means ‘country of mountains,’ was renamed under the direction of Jean-Jacques Dessalines from Saint Domingue. As a result, Haiti became the first independent nation led by a black majority in the post-colonial era and Latin America.

Let’s Celebrate the 1st Black Republic!!!!

Sources: https://www.haiti.org/celebration-of-haiti-s-212th-year-of-independence/

Please support the organizations serving Haitians locally or abroad:

Caribbean Bone Marrow Registry

Foundation for Advancement of Haitian Midwives, Inc