Haiti and Haitian Immigrants

Since its founding in 1804, Haiti has been a beacon of the struggle against slavery, colonialism, and racism. Founded after a decade-long slave revolt that expelled multiple European armies, the Haitian nation stood as an example for oppressed people globally, including numerous American defenders of democracy and freedom. Many Americans also stood in solidarity with the Haitians in their struggles against the foreign-backed military dictatorships of the 1980s and 1990s.

Haitians are a proud people with a beautiful mix of West African, French, indigenous, and Spanish cultures and languages. Haitian migrants in the US share the same hopes and dreams as other immigrants in our nation’s history and have enriched our communities in countless ways. As immigrants, Black individuals, and foreign language speakers, they face a triple minority status, and we stand in solidarity with them as they strive to overcome the prejudices they encounter.

Here are some primary sources for further reading on Haiti: Freedom in the Black Diaspora: A Resource Guide for Ayiti [Haiti] Reimagined