The Haitian Roundtable

Webinar: A Fresh View of Toussaint Louverture

The Haitian Revolution was the defining revolution of the 18th century, says the author of a new book on Toussaint Louverture. Dr. Sudhir Hazareesingh, writer of the acclaimed new biography, “Black Spartacus: The Epic Life of Toussaint Louverture,” says the Haitian Revolution had a global impact because if was far more radical than the French and American revolutions.

The book uses primary sources to paint a complex portrait of the man who led Haiti toward independence by defeating the superpowers of his era – France, Spain and Great Britain – militarily and diplomatically before being captured and sent to his death in a French prison. The Guardian newspaper review calls the book “a tour de force: by far the most complete, authoritative and persuasive biography of Toussaint that we are likely to have for a long time.”

Dr. Hazareesingh, a native of Mauritius and a professor at the University of Oxford, was interviewed by Prof. Peniel Joseph of the University of Texas (and an inductee to our 1804 List) in a webinar sponsored by The Haitian Roundtable on November 10.

If you missed the Zoom session with Dr. Hazareesingh and Dr. Joseph, you can watch a recording at http://bit.ly/black-spartacus-recording.

Honoring Haitian History as Black History

During February, the Haitian Roundtable commemorates Black History Month by celebrating Haitian independence, history and culture.

For 2021, we honor three contemporary Haitian heroes: Humanitarian Marguerite Erasme Lathan, NYC Council Member Farah N. Louis and Elie Mystal, Justice Correspondent for The Nation magazine.

Lathan, a licensed clinical therapist, serves on the board of Fonkoze USA and Fonkoze Haiti Foundation. Fonkoze is a family of organizations that, for the past 26 years, have worked together to empower Haitians, primarily women, to extricate their families out of the grip of poverty. Marguerite is also the International Trends and Services chair of the Beverly Hills West Chapter of The Links, Inc. mentoring middle schoolers and exposing them to cultures around the globe.

Louis represents New York’s 45th district on the New York City Council. Since assuming office in 2019, Council Member Louis has been a champion for affordable housing, small business sustainability, and equitable healthcare. She continues to tackle challenging social issues as Vice Co-Chair of the Black, Latino/a and Asian Caucus while taking a stand for gender equity as the Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus.

Mystal is The Nation’s justice correspondent—covering the courts, the criminal justice system, and politics—and the force behind the magazine’s monthly column “Objection!” He is also an Alfred Knobler Fellow at the Type Media Center. Mystal is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, a former associate at Debevoise & Plimpton, and a lifelong New York Mets fan. He can be followed @ElieNYC.

Haiti Dialogue Tele-Series: Haiti, COVID-19 and You

In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, The Haitian Roundtable launched a special Haiti Dialogue Tele-Series featuring timely conversations via video conferencing.

We have had four video conferences: Haiti and COVID-19: What’s Happening On The Ground and What You Can Do To Help (April 14), Staying Sane and Strong During COVID-19 (April 8), Covid-19 And Your Job (April 24) and The Impact of COVID-19 on Haitian business owners in the U.S. April 30. We are committed to continuing the dialogue in our community. Watch this space for more announcements.

Our Mission

The Haitian Roundtable (“HRT”), founded in 2008, is a not-for-profit organization of Haitian-American professionals committed to civic engagement and strategic initiatives benefiting the Haitian community. The organization seeks to heighten awareness of Haitians as an important constituency among thought leaders and newsmakers, policymakers and institutions through partnerships, programs and events recognizing Haitian excellence. HRT is committed to working collaboratively with the goal of redefining the narrative about Haiti and Haitians. We are guided by our Motto: As Haitians, We Are The Keepers of Our Legacy.

The 1804 List of Haitian-American Changemakers and Ones to Watch

Haitian History Is Black History

On February 4, 2020, The Haitian Roundtable hosted its second annual program recognizing Haitian Independence and Black History Month in a sold-out event at Brooklyn’s BK9 restaurant. This program was created to raise more public awareness about the significance and relevance of Haitian History in America.

During the program, we also recognized leaders and organizations within our community reflecting a new generation, charting new paths and representing the best in our community to the nation.

Haiti Dialogue Series

HRT hosts the Haiti Dialogue Series, which serves as a forum to discuss current and relevant topics that impact the Haitian community. The Dialogue Series brings together distinguished thought leaders and accomplished practitioners for candid conversation on a variety of important issues.

Kreyol Connection

HRT frequently sponsors Kreyol Connection. These networking receptions offer opportunities for professionals to celebrate Haitian culture after work, as they build lasting social bonds. The events are held at elegant venues throughout New York City and co-hosted by various high profile Haitian-Americans.