FRANCOIS DOMINIQUE TOUSSAINT L'OUVERTURE
Toussaint is the naissance of the Haitian Revolution. He eradicated colonial supremacy by defeating the English and Spanish armies. He unified his people (the Haitians). The Europeans were out skilled and mentally unprepared for Toussaint’s military strategies. Toussaint is a Haitian American hero that black children can aspire to emulate; his strength, his ingenuity and his military brilliance is worthy of recognition in American history no matter how painful or truthful it is. It is such a shame American text books do not acknowledge him and the important role he played in history. If they are bringing up Napoleon Bonaparte’s name in the history books, there is no way to ignore Toussaint’s presence in history. Toussaint’s crew annihilated Napoleon’s troops and freed Haitian slaves. Napoleon did not like losing a battle to an extraordinary black man like Toussaint so he caught Toussaint off guard with deception and trickery, which lead Toussaint as his prisoner. He died in prison at the hands of Napoleon. There is not extensive awareness taught to black students or children in general on the fact that some slaves did not lay down and submit to slavery. They fought back! Toussaint’s martial talent is the best evidence of that. There was an insurrection of slave revolts going on. Unfortunately, the history books do not confirm all the black American conquerors like Toussaint who left his munificent stain in the unknown pages of history. If you ask most children who Toussaint L’ouverture was, they would not be able to tell you.
Toussaint’s bravery illustrates how important it is to stand up for yourself. It does not matter how big your enemy appears or how small you are. Toussaint had a small army and they overpowered giants. His image stands for the formula to fight against injustice anywhere and everywhere. He is Black History! All children have a right to study and know about Toussaint L’ouverture. Toussaint refused to submit to European colonialism. His actions sparked rebellions all over the world as men and women; black and white, fought for their freedom. He was born in 1743 on a plantation as a slave; enriched with intelligence as a leader and teacher. He spoke, Latin, French and Creole. He died as a warrior in 1803.
Toussaint’s bravery illustrates how important it is to stand up for yourself. It does not matter how big your enemy appears or how small you are. Toussaint had a small army and they overpowered giants. His image stands for the formula to fight against injustice anywhere and everywhere. He is Black History! All children have a right to study and know about Toussaint L’ouverture. Toussaint refused to submit to European colonialism. His actions sparked rebellions all over the world as men and women; black and white, fought for their freedom. He was born in 1743 on a plantation as a slave; enriched with intelligence as a leader and teacher. He spoke, Latin, French and Creole. He died as a warrior in 1803.
