Three years ago today, a 35 second earthquake in Haiti destroyed so much. I cannot even imagine what it was like, or what it felt like to lose family, friends, everything you have. At the time of the quake, I didn't know The Real Haiti. I knew only what the TV showed me and what I was told. I was told that Haiti was a beautiful country full of amazing people and culture. It wasn't until I experienced it that I feel in love with this unique place called Haiti. I am so humbled to be a part of trying to reshape Haiti's image so that one day it will be a travel destination that it once was. I love this country so much and the people are the number one reason for that. As much as I promote the great things about this country, I always remind people that I don't ignore the issues it has. I don't try to erase them, or pretend like they don't exist. This blog is simply highlighting my experiences and opportunities that I have had in Haiti. I hope you learn something from me. God bless all of the people in Haiti, Haitian diaspora, Haiti lovers, and especially those who rest in peace from that devestating tragedy that has opened the world's eyes to focus on a new Haiti. Please watch this video below about Haiti's progression since the earthquake.
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A logo creates instant recognition. When people see this logo, I want them to think of Haiti as an experience. This logo was created on the basis of Haitian pride, history and culture; 3 things that make Haiti stand out. The blue and red colors represent the Haitian flag, a symbol of pride and strength. The circular symbol is a modified conch shell, a representation of the untouched seas and traditional cuisine. The Makandal statue in the middle is a historical and recognizable image that reminds Haitians of the struggle to become independent. The Real Haiti logo encourages the viewer to find out more about the country and why they should experience it for themselves. The original design is atypical of a tourism logo that makes it stand out from the rest.
I LOVE to learn. Never stop learning! I googled the Haitian Constitution to read it and found it online. I found these most interesting:
Based on things I've HEARD (of course hearsay isn't always the truth), these few articles are not being followed. What do you think? Do you think that everytime there's a large gathering the police are notified? or that everyone has access to FREE school? Teachers getting paid/paid fairly? There's no need to go on and on about what happened on Jan. 12, 2010. The news did enough of that and will remind everyone today about how Haiti is the "poorest nation in the western hemisphere," about cholera outbreaks and nothing but sadness and poverty. Whatever your impression of Haiti is, I hope it's not that wrong one.
Not ignoring the fact that there is so much sadness attached to the 2 year anniversary of the earthquake, I am going to share some Haitian history with you that I recently learned of (from the Proud Haitian App - see my Haitian Pride blog category on the right for App info). Although I visited the Citadelle only 2 weeks ago, I didn't know all of this great history Haiti has. {Thanks Proud Haitian App for the history info + a lot more history I, and many others, never knew}. Toussaint Louverture Though born a slave in Saint Dominique, Toussaint learned of Africa from his father, who had been born a free man there. He learned that he was more than a slave, that he was a man with brains and dignity. Toussaint took full advantage of this, reading every book he could get his hands on. He particularly admired the writings of the French Enlightenment philosophers, who spoke of individual rights and equality. DURING THE NIGHT of August 22, 1791, a wave of fire engulfed the French West Indies colony of St. Domingue (present-day Haiti), as hundreds of thousands of slaves set fire to plantations, torched cities, and massacred a terrified white population. The slave rebellion that started that night--the most successful slave rebellion in history--lasted 12 long years. It culminated in the founding of the second independent nation in the Western Hemisphere and its first black-governed republic. But more than this, the Haitian Revolution was a turning point in history, the repercussions of which extended far beyond the small island nation. Georges Biassou was an early leader of the 1791 with Jean François and Jeannot, were prophesied to lead the revolution. by the vodoo priest, Dutty Boukman, a Jamaican born vodoo priest. Thomson, Jim, The Haitian Revolution and the Forging of America. The History Teacher 34.1 (2000): 19 pars. 15 May 2011. L 'Ouverture drove out the Spaniards and the British invaders who threatened the colony restored stability and prosperity to renew revenues for the island. By 1803 Napoleon was ready to get Haiti off his back: he and Toussaint agreed to terms of peace. Napoleon agreed to recognize Haitian independence and Toussaint the French invited Toussaint to come to a negotiating meeting will full safe conduct. Betrayed by the French he was captured, imprisoned. In 1803 Toussaint died in prison, but others carried on the fight for freedom(Toussaint Breda) Toussaint l'Ouverture (the one who finds an opening), a former slave lead the revolt. Jean-Jacques Dessalines - Born Jean-Jacques Duclos (20 September 1758 – 17 October 1806), long an ally and general of Toussaint Louverture, brilliant strategist and soldier. Henri Christophe, (6 October 1767 – 8 October 1820)long an ally and general of Toussaint Louverture, brilliant strategist and soldier. 100k slaves and 24k of the 40k plantation owners were murdered. In its attempt to retake the colony, France had lost more than 50k soldiers, including 18 generals. For emancipation and independence, former slaves proclaimed the independence of Saint-Domingue on 1 January 1804. In July 1825, King Charles X of France sent a fleet of 14 vessels and thousands of troops to reconquer the island. Under pressure, President Boyer agreed to a treaty by which France formally recognized the independence of the nation in exchange for a payment of 150 million francs (reduced to 90 million in 1838) – an indemnity for profits lost from the slave trade. |
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