Haiti was forced to pay these reparations (with interest) as a compensation to plantation owners who lost their property (slaves) during the revolution. She became the first free black republic in the world. by Haitian Times Jan. 02, 2020 Jan. 02, 2020. As we ring in the new year let’s, together, celebrate the freedom and liberty that was won through Haiti’s Independence. When Haiti became free, she vowed to be an ally for enslaved persons around the globe. “Liberte ou … Haiti's original name was "Ayiti, Quisqueya, Bohio." The night was an island style celebration infused with food and music from Haiti. Why? January 1, 1804, Haiti made history by being the first black republic in the world and the first country in the Western Hemisphere to abolish slavery. January 1st is the day Haiti proclaimed herself to be a free, independent nation. Independence day in Haiti is an important holiday. Well, thanks to the Haitian Revolution, in 1803 France sold the Louisiana territory for less than 3 cents an acre (dirt cheap). Jan 8, 2019 - Explore Day Finders's board "Haitian Independence Day", followed by 1098 people on Pinterest. She became the first free black republic in the world. The declaration marked Haiti's becoming the first independent Black nation in the Western Hemisphere. Le Festival du Rhum Haiti. Celebration of Haiti’s 212th Year of Independence. She became the first free black republic in the world. On this solemn day, the Embassy of Haiti in Washington, DC pays a special tribute to our ancestors who overcame one of the greatest triumphs in the history of mankind. At first, Napoleon refused to sell. PRESS STATEMENT. The universal need to be free by breaking out their chains and claiming their human rights. While in the Eighty’s the Republic of Haiti was striving to have its independence recognized by its former executioners, on January 15, 1822, President Jean Pierre Boyer by his letter to the Greek academic Adamantios Korais made Haiti the first country that recognized the independence of Greece from the Ottoman Empire which was exploiting the country since 1453 (About 400 years). Remembering the Founders of Haiti and the individuals who sacrificed their lives during the fight for independence. Thousands of new, high-quality pictures added every day. Find haiti independence day stock images in HD and millions of other royalty-free stock photos, illustrations and vectors in the Shutterstock collection. This friendship has grown stronger over time as a result of the close ties between our people, a common language, and a long history of cooperation, especially within several international organizations. Haiti didn’t finish paying off this steep debt until 1947. The US nearly doubled its size because of Haiti. Shopping. As the French empire began to fall, Napoleon became increasingly desperate for money. The UN commemorated Haiti’s instrumental role in ending the slave trade by adopting August 23rd as the official International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition. Haitians were the first to expand the limits of freedom to lawfully include people of color. The Haitian Revolution was the beginning of the end of the transatlantic slave trade Sign up with your email address to receive P4H related news and updates. Independence Day 2022, 2023 and 2024 in Haiti Every 1 January is Independence Day in Haiti, for it was on 1 January 1804 that Haitian independence was declared from the French colonial empire. Posted in Canada Haitian Montrealers celebrate country’s independence by helping the homeless on Jan. 1. by Haitian Times Jan. 02, 2020 Jan. 02, 2020. It also commemorates Haitian Independence Day. See more ideas about haiti, brand photography inspiration, haitian independence day. Find high-quality royalty-free vector images that you won't find anywhere else. January 1, 1804 – January 1, 2019 marks the 215th anniversary of Haiti’s independence establishing the country as the first black free nation in the world. Choose from Haitian Independence Day stock illustrations from iStock. Lauderdale, FL 33359. Although Haitian history is marked by intentional disregard and long stretches of the silent treatment, hers is a history that merits world celebration. It was on January 1st,1804, that Haiti became the first independent Black Republic of the New World by defeating the French armies of Napoleon Bonaparte. We celebrate it on January 1, the same day as New Year's Day. The name changed to "Haiti" meaning mountainous land. On January 1, 1804, Haiti, located in the West Indies, made history by being the first Black Country to gain its independence. We celebrate it on January 1, the same day as New Year's Day. by Kern Grand-Pierre This savory soup is served in ALL Haitian households in the world on New Year’s day, in commemoration of Independence Day. By 1791, Saint-Domingue was nicknamed the “Pearl of the Antilles” because it produced 60% of all of the coffee and 40% of all of the sugar consumed in Europe. America didn’t recognize Haiti as a nation until 1862, almost 60 years after her independence. The memorable evening began with cocktails and Haitian hors d’oeuvres in the lobby followed by a mini concert featuring World Music Songstress, Ada Ayiti. Through this all, Haiti persevered. At the time of Haiti’s independence, slavery was an incredibly profitable institution for many countries and so Haitian liberation became a real threat. “For a long time, Canada and Haiti have been united by a strong friendship. Her great battle for freedom, the Haitian Revolution, is the only successful slave revolt in the history of humanity that led to the creation of a nation. Discover (and save!) The American Declaration of Independence (1776) and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (1789) set America and France apart as thought leaders in the understanding of basic human rights. Haiti was the first independent nation in Latin America, the first post-colonial independent black-led nation in … Haiti’s Independence Day. Saint-Domingue (Haiti) was the richest and most prosperous colony in the world. Previously called Saint-Domingue, the territory had been France's most … His secretary Boisrond-Tonnerrestated, "For our declaration of independence, we should have the skin of a white man for parchment, his skull for an inkwell, his blood for ink, and a bayonet for a pen!" Why that date? Coincidence? Along with this debt, Haiti was suffocated by nations like America who refused to recognize her independence and trade with this newly formed nation. On behalf of the Government of the United States and the American people, I send greetings to the people of Haiti as you celebrate the 217th anniversary of Haiti’s independence. On Friday, January 1, 2021, In honor of Haitian Independence Day, MOCA North Miami is proud to host Haitian-American multidisciplinary artist Inez Barlatier, musician and surrealist visual artist Jan Sebon, and author Fabienne Josaphat for an intimate program of music and poetry. Haiti Marks Independence Anniversary Day Amid Deepening Crisis. HAITI INDEPENDENCE DAY | 1 January 1804 (Soup Joumou) Watch later. This event holds world-historical importance and will continue to for centuries to come. On January 1st, 1804 an event took place that shattered our world’s understanding of liberty and freedom. What is soup joumou? On 1 January 1804, Dessalines, the new leader under the dictatorial 1805 constitution, declared Haiti a free republic in the name of the Haitian people, which was followed by the massacre of the remaining whites. Haiti’s successful revolt against French colonial power was the impetus for monumental policy change. On Haiti’s Independence Day, we recognize the indomitable spirit that is the strength of the Haitian people, and we stand with them in the face of political, security, and economic challenges. During the colonization period in Haiti, only the French masters could eat this soup for good fortune, forbidding the slaves from eating it. At Midnight on January 1, 2016, Ambassador Paul Altidor kicked off the New Year celebrating Haiti’s 212th year of Independence with nearly 300 guests at the Embassy. Here are the top 5 reasons why you should care about Haiti’s Independence Day. DECEMBER 31, 2020. As the Embassy commemorated the historic event with members of the community, attendees also enjoyed a DJ set by DJ Franckie Mix-A-lot, sang along to the Haitian National Anthem, “La Dessalinienne”, and sipped “Soup Joumou” prepared by Haitian Chef Stephan Berrouet Durand. MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE. The United States has continued to invest in the future of Haiti’s citizens through humanitarian, education, and health partnerships, rooted in our shared democratic values. Yes, you read right, 1947. Haiti was the first country that provided a safe haven for all former slaves and for current slaves who needed protection. January 1st is the day Haiti proclaimed herself to be a free, independent nation. Tap to unmute. On Haiti’s Independence Day, we recognize the indomitable spirit that is the strength of the Haitian people, and we stand with them in the face of political, security, and economic challenges. The United States has continued to invest in the future of Haiti’s citizens through humanitarian, education, and health partnerships, rooted in our shared democratic values. Fax: 202-745-7215. Haiti challenged conventional understanding of equality, liberty, and freedom, and we are better because of it. American economy, society, and politics would be completely different, right? © 2021 Embassy of Haiti in Washington, DC. On January 1, 1804, Haiti, located in the West Indies, made history by being the first Black Country to gain its independence. The most important tradition of the Haitian New Year is soup joumou, otherwise known as turban squash soup, pumpkin soup, January 1st soup or independence soup, the soup that symbolizes Haitian freedom more than all others. France poured an enormous amount of resources into fighting against the former slaves in Saint-Domingue (Haiti) and still they were losing. The war began to make France broke. On Sunday January 1, 1804, the Haitian slaves of yesterday started gathering at dawn at the “Place d’Armes de Gonaives”, it was there that Jean Jacques Dessalines mounted the Autel de la Patrie to speak. See more ideas about haitian independence day, independence day, haiti flag. Through this all, Haiti still stands strong today as a symbol of freedom and liberty. It was an occasion to celebrate Haiti’s freedom and coming into statehood. Up Next. Americans proclaimed that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights,” and France declared “men are born and remain free and equal in rights.” Neither of these iconic pieces of literature drew the natural conclusion that slavery and racial discrimination are gross violations of basic human rights. “Today, we join the Haitian community in Canada and around the world in marking Haiti’s Independence Day. Why? Haiti brought France incredible wealth and so France refused to give her up. “For a long time, Canada and Haiti have been united by a strong friendship. Immediately after Britain made the transatlantic slave trade illegal, the US followed suit and passed legislation, banning the slave trade. Copy link. Haiti quickly became a tremulous fear for world powers but also a tremendous symbol of hope for enslaved people. The Haitian Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on 1 January 1804 in the port city of Gonaïves by Jean-Jacques Dessalines, marking the end of 13-year long Haitian Revolution. *Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Haiti’s national flag. After the concert guests were welcomed into the main ballroom of the Embassy to ring the New Year and celebrate 212 years of Haiti’s Independence with a special toast by Ambassador Altidor. Washington, D.C. 20008 Even as the Haitian Revolution happened, the world couldn’t believe it. Three years later, in 1807, the transatlantic slave trade was abolished in Britain (the principal slave-trading nation). “Today, we join the Haitian community in Canada and around the world in marking Haiti’s Independence Day. Truly, Haiti’s abolitionist heritage belongs to all of humanity. He was successful. Every January 1st, Haiti's Independence Day, no Haitian … Haiti’s significant influence on Latin America could also be seen through the striking resemblance that several Latin American flags (Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador) have to the Haitian flag. Overview of holidays and many observances in Haiti during the year 2021 This friendship has grown stronger over time as a result of the close ties between our people, a common language, and a long history of cooperation, especially within several international organizations. Countless other revolts throughout the Caribbean and the Americas were inspired by the Haitian Revolution. Independence day in Haiti is an important holiday. Serving and eating “Soup Joumou” on Haiti’s Independence Day is an integral part of the celebration. He had the goal of building a massive empire that included the Americas and he knew the Louisiana Purchase would be key in expanding the French empire in the Western Hemisphere. Search for: Search Latest News. The Louisiana Purchase, one of history’s greatest bargains, was driven by the Haitian Revolution. On January 1st, 1804, a decade-long movement by hundreds of thousands of Black slaves finally shook off slavery and colonial domination, culminating in the Global South’s first Black republic. Haiti boldly entered into human history by doing the unthinkable. Certainly not! It was an occasion to celebrate Haiti’s freedom and coming into statehood. Her great battle for freedom, the Haitian Revolution, is the only successful slave revolt in the history of humanity that led to the creation of a nation. Although celebrated by many Haitians as New Year's Day, the date commemorates the declaration of independence from France that was made on this day in 1804. Happy Haitian Independence Day – Independence Day in Haiti is celebrated every year on January 1, the same day as New Year’s Day. If you go to a Haitian Montrealer's home on New Year's Day, don't expect to eat anything else. Even after gaining their freedom, Haiti was hard-pressed on every side. The lack of diplomatic and trade relations with other nations significantly stifled Haiti’s growth from her inception. On January 1, 1804, to celebrate freedom and express victory, Emperor Jean Jacques Dessalines asked his wife, Marie Claire Heureuse Felicite Bonheur Dessalines, to cook and offer the soup to the former slaves as a message to the defeated masters. January 1st is the day Haiti proclaimed herself to be a free, independent nation. January 1st not only rang in the new year. The first two days of the calendar year is dedicated to commemorate the Independence Day and celebrate Ancestors’ Day. Info. Marchons unis, marchons unis…” La Dessalinienne, 2311 Massachusetts Ave., N.W. When Napoleon began to lose the battle against Haiti, he quickly abandoned this dream. P4H GlobalPO Box 590685Ft. Haiti stood as a tangible embodiment of freedom for enslaved people. On the night that spanned August 22nd to the 23rd, the Haitian Revolution began. These former slaves comprehended biblical principles and basic human rights more profoundly than leaders of the free world and they would use their understanding to shatter deeply rooted systems of oppression. Haiti became free on January 1, 1804, and on that day it acquired a new name too. At Midnight on January 1, 2016, Ambassador Paul Altidor kicked off the New Year celebrating Haiti’s 212th year of Independence with nearly 300 guests at the Embassy. Share. your own Pins on Pinterest You and I have an understanding of freedom that is largely shaped by the valiant efforts of the Haitian people. This is the National Day of Haiti. Haiti claimed her independence in 1804. They didn’t tell you that story in AP World History, did they? Other nations soon followed Britain’s lead. Haiti was forced to pay France 90 million francs ($21 billion USD) to be recognized as a legitimate country. Thomas Clarkson, a leading English abolitionist, was instrumental in ending the slave trade. He made his speech in Kreyol so everyone could understand him. Haiti Independence Day is an important holiday and the most important event in history as it marks Haiti’s independence from the French colonial empire. Just imagine for a second how different the US would be if the nation’s western most territory ended at the Mississippi River. The Haitian Revolution sent shivers throughout Europe and America. Independence Day is a public holiday in Haiti on January 1st. Phone: +1 202-332-4090 All Rights Reserved. Interestingly enough, Venezuela’s flag was created and first flown in Jacmel, Haiti in 1806. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. “Pour le Pays, pour les Ancêtres. Nov 7, 2013 - Explore TransAfrica's board "Haiti" on Pinterest. Haiti beat three world powers (France, Britain, and Spain) and took her freedom by force. Year He vehemently argued against slavery and used Haiti’s freedom to further press for the abolition of slavery. Haiti financially and morally supported revolutionaries such as Simón Bolívar (the leader who led Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama to independence from Spain). Inspired by the Paris Rum Fest and the Festival of cane in Martinique, the … Jan 1, 2014 - This Pin was discovered by EventSoJudith | Wedding & Even. They refused to believe that former slaves understood the depths of freedom more than they did.