The Power in Our History

In light of the misfortune unearthed in Haiti, in light of ridiculous accusations that the island is cursed and with Black History Month just around the corner, I thought it appropriate to review a little history and to explore why pat robertson, a renowned American “reverend” would propagate that Haiti is cursed. I choose to seize upon the moment to turn one man's ignorance into a learning moment for others...

Toussaint L'Overture ~ Haiti (1791)
Most probably know that in 1789 Black slaves in Haiti joined in the French revolution fully expecting to secure their freedom. When in 1791 the French government refused to grant their freedom, the Haitians turned on their oppressors and for two years participated in a revolt against them led by Toussaint L'Overture. He led them to victory in 1794 and maintained rule for six years until captured by Napoleon in 1800. Napoleon sent in 25,000 troops intending to restore slavery to the island. Although eventually captured and exiled, Toussaint’s formidable army went on to defeat Napoleon and forever abolish slavery from the land. It should be noted that slaves in Haiti secured their freedom some 64 years before slaves in America. Haiti, meaning a “higher place”, is coveted for being the first independent Black nation in the western world.

One can speculate from this bit of history that it was the Haitian’s audacity to hope, coupled with their audacity to victoriously fight for their freedom, thereby rejecting White rule, that still today seems to disturb the likes of pat robertson… Only persons with very small minds would even make the ridiculous claim that Haiti is cursed... Thankfully, most have admonished robertson for his asinine remark. Haitian souls and ancestral Haitian spirits have been unearthed so to lend courage, resilience and hope to the Haitian people. They must draw on the strength and the memory of the will of their ancestors to get them through this most difficult time. My prayers are with them…


Although we are not taught about slave revolts in most US History classes, there were also many revolts led by Black American slaves against the evils and atrocities of the American slave system as well... Below I have shared a few. Enjoy! Pass it on...

Gabriel Prosser ~ Richmond, VA (1800)
Gabriel recruited slaves throughout the southern regions of VA and planned the most far reaching slave revolt ever planned in US history. The attack was planned for August 30, 1800 and included kidnapping Governor James Monroe. Due to torrential rain the attack was postponed by one day due to insurmountable flooding and impassable routes and bridges. Before August 31 however, per usual, slaves in two different locations cracked under the pressure and told their masters of the plot. Within days, 30 slaves were captured but Gabriel got away. In October he surfaced and was being taken to freedom by a former slave owner who now supported his efforts. A freed slave, hoping to get a reward of $300, turned in his former "master" and Gabriel. He got $50. Gabriel asked to be hanged in solidarity on the same day as six other revolting slaves. He was executed on the same day but all alone on October 10, 1800.

Denmark Vesey ~ Charleston, SC (July 1822)
Denmark Vesey used his position as a respected free man and Methodist leader to organize the most extensive Black insurrection in American history. On May 30, 1822 however, a favored slave informed his "master" of the plot that involved thousands of free and enslaved Blacks who lived in and around Charleston. Following a lengthy trial, Vesey and thirty-six others were hanged. On the day of Vesey's execution, state militia and federal troops had to be called out to contain a demonstration by Black supporters. Despite arrests and beatings, many Blacks defied authorities by wearing mourning black as they witnessed the executions of the chief co-conspirators.

Nat Turner ~ Southampton County VA (August 1831)
Ironically Nat Turner was born one week prior to the hanging of Gabriel Prosser, October 2, 1800. On August 13, 1831 Nat led a revolt consisting of 40 slaves on horseback throughout Southampton County, VA where for days they massacred entire slave holding families, 55 persons in total were killed. Nat and several others escaped capture on August 22. He hid out and was not captured until October 30. On November 11 he was hanged and skinned. It is widely reported that his skin was used to make purses for White women and his body parts were similarly auctioned off to other Whites as souvenirs. A total of 55 slaves were accused and executed for the revolt and another 200+ innocent slaves were executed by angry mobs in VA and as far away as NC.