Haiti African Diaspora
African Diaspora in Haiti
Haiti past till present day Haiti cultural dances and their beliefs affect the African Diaspora till today. Vodou is a "syncretic religion that is practiced by people called the servants of spirits also known as vodouisits".Vodou practices are brought from Africa,within catholic religious holidays.In Haiti voodoo began as an underground activity. During the 1700s thousands of West African slaves were shipped to Haiti to work on French plantations.Traditional African religious practices were viewed as a threat to the colonial system and were forbidden. Practitioners were imprisoned, whipped, or hung.The loa was a way haitians reconnected with ancestors and the dead.From back then to present many haitians still believe in vodou.Vodou is a black magic that brings association with curses,poisons and zombies.Haiti cultural dances are the compass and rara festival dances.Compas dance is driven by up tempo beats (guitars,saxophones,synthesizers).As dancing like the compas you mainly move your arms,hands,hips,shoulders and hips. Rara festivals dances is a festival celebrated every year that is included with traditional music infused with expression of political protesting.Haiti past has a huge impact on present day Haiti,it also leads a legacy of past on generations memories.
Slavery
During 1791 through 1804 slavery occured in Haiti,the enslaved people in Haiti had fought against their allies to receive back their independence from France. Toussiant L’Oventure, a former slave, the rebels fought off British and the Spanish attacks and even liberated enslaved people on the Spanish side of the island. In 1801, Louverture had announced himself as the leader of Saint-Domingue, but was eventually captured by French imperial forces.The Napoleon had regained control of the colony back in 1802 they had tried to restore slavery in which created a new rebellion.
Resisting Slavery
During the African diaspora in Haiti many slaves started to resist and commit suicide.Rebellious acts started to take place,slave owners sought to limit cultural resistance.Haitians were treated harshly and cruel.Resisting slavery was from manys forms to economic sabotage to african inspired religions and violent fights.The rebellion lasted from the 1790’s till the 1800’s,which was led by Toussaint L'ouverture.Toussaint army fought against France,Spain and Britain.Toussaint L'Ouverture was captured and died in 1803, his successor Jean-Jacques Dessalines continued the fight. Finally in 1804 the rebellion triumphed and the independent state of Haiti was established.
