OPINION | From The Haitian Pulse
Haiti: The Mother of Pan-Africanism — And the Missed Moment to Honor One of Her Sons
In the story of Black liberation across the globe, one name echoes at the very beginning: Haiti. The first Black republic, birthed by the blood and brilliance of the formerly enslaved, stands not only as a symbol of freedom but as the very origin of the Pan-Africanist ideal. Haiti is not just part of Pan-Africanism's history—Haiti is the mother of the movement.
Before Marcus Garvey. Before Kwame Nkrumah. Before the word “Pan-Africanism” even took shape—there was Jean-Jacques Dessalines, whose unwavering vision of Black sovereignty shattered the illusion of European invincibility. Haiti became the first place on Earth where African descendants declared themselves fully free, fully human, and fully in control of their destiny. This was no small act. It was a cosmic shift.
And in the decades that followed, Haiti sent its sons—like Benito Sylvain—to the early Pan-African congresses, bridging Haiti and Africa in a shared mission. Haiti’s revolution inspired resistance from the Caribbean to the Congo, and our flag became a banner of possibility.
So when modern-day Pan-Africanist Kémi Séba—one of the most fearless voices in the fight against neocolonialism—set foot on Haitian soil, it should have been a moment of profound historic resonance.
And yet, it was not.
Despite Séba’s open and passionate reverence for Haiti’s liberators—especially Dessalines—his visit in 2019 was met with a surprising silence from many who claim to walk in Dessalines’ footsteps. Those who proudly wave the red and black bicolor, symbols of Dessalines' vision and resistance, were largely absent. The red carpet wasn’t rolled out. There were no state honors. No coordinated welcome. No powerful Black handshake felt around the world. Just... echoes.
“Haiti is not only a symbol of freedom; it is the matrix. The very essence of Black dignity and sovereignty was born there. The blood of Dessalines still flows in our veins.” — Kémi Séba
“Without Haiti, there is no us. Haiti is the first and most important chapter of our liberation.” — Kémi Séba
But amid that silence, let us not ignore what was present: a handful of committed Haitian patriots who did show up to greet Kémi Séba. Their presence was more than symbolic—it was sacred. These individuals understood what his arrival meant, not just for Haiti, but for Black people worldwide. Their gesture, however modest in number, was thunderous in spirit. They are to be applauded, for they stood at the crossroads of history and did not blink.
Kémi Séba has never missed an opportunity to raise Haiti’s name high. In speech after speech, in continent after continent, he reveres Haiti not just for what it was, but for what it still represents to the African diaspora.
“To speak of Haiti is to speak of courage, pain, sacrifice, and hope. The flame of Pan-Africanism began there, and it is our duty to keep it burning.” — Kémi Séba
And we, the descendants of that revolution, should ask ourselves: are we living up to the legacy we inherited?
This article is not an indictment. It is a call—a loud, honest one—to remember who we are. To show up for those who show up for us. And to ensure that Haiti never forgets her role as the mother of Pan-Africanism.
At The Haitian Pulse, we believe in truth, unity, and reflection. We also believe in dialogue.
So we ask you, our readers:
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Should Kémi Séba have been honored as a head of state?
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Are we doing enough to uphold the Pan-Africanist ideals born on Haitian soil?
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What should Haiti’s role be in the global Black movement today?
Leave a comment. Join the conversation.
This is your pulse, too.
— The Haitian Pulse Editorial Team
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