Journey through Haiti’s remarkable historical works in this episode of Haiti in Minutes, hosted by Emmanuel Étienne. Explore how both monumental architecture and influential literature have shaped Haitian identity and pride.

The episode opens with the story of the Citadelle Laferrière, the largest fortress in the Americas, built by King Henri Christophe after Haiti’s independence. Perched atop a northern mountain, the Citadel was more than a defensive structure—it was a bold declaration of Black sovereignty and resilience. Nearby, the Sans-Souci Palace stands as a testament to Haitian creativity, rivaling European palaces while remaining distinctly Haitian.

Listeners will discover how these structures are more than stone—they are living vessels of collective memory, surviving earthquakes and time as symbols of revolutionary achievement.

The episode then shifts to the literary works that redefined Haitian self-perception. In 1928, Jean Price-Mars published Ainsi Parla L’Oncle, urging Haitians to embrace their African heritage and sparking a cultural renaissance. The discussion continues with C.L.R. James’s The Black Jacobins, which brought the Haitian Revolution’s global significance to light, and highlights contemporary voices like Edwidge Danticat and Michel-Rolph Trouillot, who continue to shape Haiti’s narrative on the world stage.

Through vivid storytelling, Emmanuel reveals how Haiti’s castles and books together insist that Haitian stories matter—whether carved in stone or written on paper, they proclaim, “We are here, we are proud, and our story deserves to be told”

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