(Archived Post) A Quick Look at Haiti as the First Black Independent Republic

February is Black History Month, and it would not be complete without a look at Haiti, the first nation in the world to ban slavery, declare independence, and become a Black republic, reclaiming its original name, "Ayiti," while liberating itself from French colonial rule. Haiti is the only nation in history to declare freedom and independence after throwing off the chains of slavery. This was possible after an epic battle between the indigenous army led by General Capois la Mort against the French army on November 18th, 1803. The victory at Vertières paved the way for freedom and independence. 

Flag of the First Republic of Haiti (Image courtesy of the Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture)

On January 1, 1804, the general in chief of the native army, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, along with all of the generals, denounced French rule and signed the Haitian Declaration of Independence. It was the first document to establish a free nation for everyone, regardless of skin color. The impact of this revolution shook the Western world, which quickly reacted by isolating the young nation through an embargo that slowed its growth.

Haiti served as an inspiration for African Americans historically. It planted the seeds of the American civil rights movement, as it was seen as a beacon of genuine self-determination, freedom, and equality, all of which were unavailable in the United States. Prominent Black American intellectuals W.E.B. Du Bois and Frederick Douglass (who served as United States Ambassador to Haiti) were influenced by Haiti. The impact of Haiti on the African American experience was also felt in other ways, such as the work of the poet and activist Langston Hughes, who was heavily influenced by Haitian experiences and connections and spent much time in Haiti. For more information, check out this Library of Congress resource: Introduction - Freedom in the Black Diaspora: A Resource Guide for Ayiti Reimagined or this article from the Smithsonian: From Harlem to Haiti | National Museum of African American History and Culture

Board Member Spotlights!

Before we introduce you to our newest board members, we would like to pay tribute to our incredible board members who recently concluded their terms.

We are deeply grateful for the service of Lauren Brown and Tom Wilfong, who concluded their terms as directors in December and served on our Board for the last six years. Both had been outstanding board members, holding leadership positions, taking on a wide array of responsibilities, and working countless hours, all while being enthusiastic, cheerful, and encouraging to everyone involved. In addition, Lauren and Tom have each traveled to Haiti in the past and have a deep love for the programs and our brothers and sisters in Terrier Rouge. Tom's service had been especially meaningful, as he was a founding member of the Board of Directors and has significant knowledge of the organization and its history. Both Lauren and Tom will be greatly missed, leaving very big shoes to fill!

We are proud to introduce Our newest additions to the board!

Desmond Asamoah is a Senior Associate for a US non-profit foundation with a background in development and is looking forward to applying his lived experience and skillset to support our brothers and sisters in Haiti! Desmond shares with us, "Growing up in rural Ghana I drank from the stream, had no electricity and walked miles to access education and healthcare that had many limitations. Fortunately, I have the opportunity to give my children a better experience - they have the best education and healthcare among other needs. I believe every parent should have the same power and ability to provide for their families and children everywhere in the world should have their basic needs met. The world needs to be better and the current narratives should change. As a result, I believe my lived experience and understanding of poverty brings diversity to the Bethlehem Ministry Board. Leveraging my experience and skillset, I am in a good place to contribute to organizational strategies and programs that will sustainably alleviate poverty and suffering for our brothers and sisters. My ultimate goal is to use this privilege of service to bring dignity to the people of Haiti and the world."

Fritz Felchlin started his own business in Haiti over 40 years ago, where he lived with his family for nearly a decade. Having moved back to Athens, GA, he met our co-founders Berry and Peter Rice over 20 years ago and shipped supplies on his containers for Bethlehem Ministry's programs, including for Rob Fisher's JP/Partners for People and Place! As a Bethlehem Ministry supporter, he has also visited St. Barthélémy and the Clinic in Terrier Rouge! Fritz tells us, "I've been involved in Haiti for over 40 years and feel a deep connection to the country. I'm interested in doing anything that I can to help improve conditions there."

Mark Hopkins helped start a non-profit in Haiti, has a professional background in agriculture, is a proud member of First Presbyterian Church of Athens - having served on the Mission and Outreach Committee - and looks forward to contributing his mission and agriculture experience to Bethlehem Ministry! Mark expresses, "I believe my desire to serve Christ in the mission field of Haiti will be a benefit for Bethlehem Ministry. I believe my love for improving agricultural crops and my connections with crop improvement will also benefit Bethlehem Ministry's decisions in this area. I am committed to serving Jesus Christ in any capacity I feel the Spirit calling me and I have been impressed by the work of Bethlehem Ministry."

Steve Norris is a Distinguished Teaching Professor and Vice Chair of the Research Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UTHealth McGovern Medical School and a proud member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church of Houston, having recently served as the Mission Team’s Chair. He and his wife are long-time sponsors of St. Barthélémy students and supporters of Bethlehem Ministry’s programs. Steve says, “It is my understanding that there is a need to expand the coverage of Clinique Espérance et Vie to other local areas. I hope to be able to help secure U.S. assistance for that endeavor in terms of goods, services, and financial support. I also am very supportive of the educational and agricultural sustainability efforts of Bethlehem Ministry.”

School Is Back in Session!

Thanks to our student sponsors and school supporters, St. Barthélémy students can grow, learn, and play in a safe environment despite what may be occurring in other areas of Haiti. We are incredibly proud of the 2024 student successes, academically and musically, and we look forward to many more achievements in 2025! Photos courtesy of Dominique Bruno!