On Feb. 23, Sinclair will be hosting an event dedicated to the nation of Haiti. A part of Sinclair’s International Series, presentations dedicated to the furthering of our knowledge of specific cultures, this event will be held from 12-1 p.m. in the Building 8 basement staging area. Alongside the presentation, Haitian food will be served.
This event will be run by English Associate Professor Joyce Barnes.
“I’m fascinated by Haitian history, particularly the fact that they are the first Black nation in the Western Hemisphere to gain independence from the colonial powers, and they ensured the liberation of the enslaved people well before the US declared an end to slavery,” said Barnes.
The event Barnes is talking about here is the Haitian Revolution, a war for independence led by the Haitian Slaves against their masters. The revolution is known as being of the few successful slave revolts, which lead to Haiti becoming an independent nation without colonial control.
Haiti has also seen its fair share of struggles in the past decade and a half, especially in 2010. That was the year of the Haitian Earthquake, a devastating earthquake that “left 220,000 people dead, 300,000 injured and rubble nearly everywhere” according to an article from NPR. Despite these trials, Barnes wants to stress the pride Haitians have in their culture.
“People are using politics, but also art, music, dance, education, entrepreneurship–any means necessary to improve conditions and the quality of life. They are so proud of their status as the first Black Independent Nation in the “New World,” said Barnes. “I want people to know they’re not just sitting around miserable.”
Haiti has a lot of history and culture, and this event will be great for any Sinclair Student or Faculty who might want to learn more about the country.
Alex Cutler
Reporter