Today we celebrate Haitian Independence. On January 1, 1804 enslaved Haitians rose up and liberated themselves from French colonial rule.

This bowl of soup is known as Soup Joumou. It is a squash based soup that was eaten exclusively by the slave owners and the elite. The Haitian people claimed this dish as their own once they freed themselves from slavery.

2021 was a tumultuous year for the Haitian people. It is often said that many of the issues that are at the forefront of Haiti’s existence have to do with the fact that Haiti was the first Black-led republic in the Western Hemisphere.

Today I drink this soup proud to know that my ancestors had the audacity to take action and free themselves from an unjust rule. I drink this soup knowing that God will not continue to allow Haiti to suffer. I drink this soup knowing that my ancestors have contributed to the freedom of Black people all over the world.

The diaspora owes a debt to the people of Haiti. Once this debt is paid we will see the world open up for all Black people.

L’Union Fait La Force

Translated

Our Unity Makes Us Strong

-Precise