Overview:
Greater than two centuries after Haiti’s independence, its folks stay unprotected and unvoiced on the worldwide stage. Patrick Alexis argues for collective motion to reclaim dignity and demand respect.
On Jan. 1, 1804, Haiti entered world historical past as the primary impartial Black republic. This conquer slavery and colonial oppression was greater than a political victory—it was a human revolution, a reclamation of dignity. But two centuries later, Haitians discover themselves defenseless, unprotected and unvoiced on the worldwide stage.
From its inception, our nation was shackled by an “independence debt,” extorted by France as the value of recognition. This historic blackmail drained our financial system and stunted social progress for greater than a century. Even as we speak, that invisible burden lingers, haunting our current.
Over time, the Haitian state has unraveled. Establishments are fragile. Leaders, weak or corrupt. Nationwide priorities disregarded. Our diplomacy has withered into silence—unable to defend Haitian rights overseas or to claim a overseas coverage rooted in our sovereignty.
Those that search respect should first earn it. Haitians, at residence and overseas, can not depend on pity or charity. We should collectively reclaim our future. This begins with schooling. A very Haitian schooling—centered on our tradition, historical past, language and lived realities—should function the inspiration for a brand new civic consciousness. A folks with out a sturdy nationwide schooling are defenseless within the face of adversity.
Right now, Haitians are hunted, expelled, banned and rejected—usually within the identify of “safety” and “sovereignty” by those that revenue from our struggling. Inflexible migration insurance policies block our exodus whilst we flee poverty, violence, corruption and exclusion. As soon as an emblem of energy and dedication, Haitians have gotten a wandering folks—pushed from in every single place.
However who will defend us?
Who will reassert the reality of our superb previous, confront our complicated current and envision our doable future?
When will we resolve to grab our future, demanding respect with out ready for validation from overseas powers—powers too usually complicit in our despair?
In as we speak’s globalized world, reciprocity and truthful trade are non-negotiable. Haitians should not beg for respect; we should demand it. Historical past remembers our sacrifices—Haitians shedding blood for the liberty of others in South America, Savannah and Africa. Our solidarity was actual. Respect have to be too.
But the worldwide neighborhood stays ambiguous—beneficiant in rhetoric, damaging in motion. We should break with the hypocrisy of “pleasant” nations that peddle ineffective, even poisonous options with out contemplating Haiti’s political, financial, social and anthropological realities.
We want allies, not masters. Solidarity, not interference. Cooperation, not domination.
The Haitian folks deserve higher. We deserve respect, dignity, justice and an equal place amongst nations. However for that to occur, we should rise, unite, know ourselves and acknowledge our value.
Who will defend the Haitian folks, if not ourselves?
As a result of nobody else will save us.