In the article “Haiti, I’m sorry,” the author brings up the crucial topics of the Haitian Revolution and the forming of the Black International. The author claims that the Haitian Revolution drove out slavery, colonialism, and white supremacy, the three foundational institutions of the post-Columbian era in America. The fundamental transformation at Saint-Domingue ended slavery in society; it was the first such act of universal liberation, considering all human experience.
Thus, the author is convinced that the Haitian revolution left a deep mark on world history concerning all spheres and orders of society. The slave revolt, which turned into a revolution in Saint-Domingue, was the most catastrophic and transformative event of its time, which was not adequately reflected in the literary works of that era. Emphasizing it, the author clarifies that this problem needs to be made public.
According to the author, Haiti’s symbolic value to black internationalism was the main reason for the hostility and isolation from slaveholders and white powers everywhere. However, the historical narrative of the black International has primarily ignored the Haitian Revolution. The Haitian Revolution became a pivotal moment in the evolution of black internationalism, clearly delineating the two main paradigms of black internationalism that emerged during this era: revolutionary and revival traditions (West & Martin, 2009). The author draws readers’ attention to the fact that most of the African historical science could remain silent at an epic moment in the formation of the black International.
In summarizing, the author notes that the Haitian Revolution was the culmination of decades of armed struggle by enslaved Africans. This, in turn, marked the desire of the colored people for universal liberation. The impact of these events on the institution of slavery challenged long-standing European beliefs about the perceived inferiority of blacks and the ability of enslaved people to achieve and maintain their freedom. The revolution became one of the largest slave uprisings in history and could not remain silent; the restored field of African diaspora research remains to reclaim the record and reaffirm the international greatness of blacks.
Reference
West, M. O., & Martin, W. G. (2009). Haiti, I’m sorry: The Haitian Revolution and the forging of the black international. In M.O. West, W.G. Martin, F.C. Wilkins (Eds.), From Toussaint to Tupac: The Black International since the Age of Revolution (pp. 72-104). The University of North Carolina Press.