Contemporary Relevance

Both the Haitian Revolution itself and its representation throughout various forms of media have provided an inspiration for racial justice movements for the past two hundred years. Art that glorifies the revolution exhibits the ideals of freedom and praises the oppressed for overcoming their oppressors. These pieces provide hope for any who have suffered from racial discrimination and other mistreatment. As racism continues to plague the United States today and throughout the entirety of the country’s history, many advocates for racial equality over the years have honored the legacy of the revolution in their own art. Prominent African American writers and artists such as Frederick Douglas and Langston Hughes have adapted Haiti’s history to create impactful work that highlights modern concerns over racism using the past. In this way, the revolution's passion for liberty is translated into the momentum needed for progress in the present.

Despite its resource rich environment, modern day Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Many external factors such as natural disasters and foreign intervention have set-back Haiti since the nation’s inception. From the beginning of Haiti’s independence, they were met with the tall task of paying France a huge debt in order to gain recognition of their independence. Additionally, Haiti was plagued with violence, with many smaller revolutions occurring throughout its history. These revolutions can mainly be attributed to the collaboration of Haiti’s ruling class and opportunistic “allies” from foreign countries. Most recently, is the assassination of President Jovenel Moise on July 7, 2021, the US backed leader of Haiti. Interestingly enough, a Florida-based security company was found to have connected Colombian mercenaries with Haitian “revolutionists” (Avant). This violent cycle portrays Haiti as a country whose revolution knows no end, but it is really a result of the constant interference of foreign powers.