Arbre de la liberté: Ayiti, Haiti, and Hayti

-
I had a chance to go back to my roots this weekend in North Carolina. It’s always a good trip because I am always able to learn something new about my people and about the state. Did you know that there is an area near Durham, NC known as Hayti? As a matter of fact, it was the first documented use of the name Hayti; the name was found on a land deed in 1877 for a lot sold on the southeast end of the city to a group of African American citizens.


I’m sure you recognize the resemblance in spelling to the Independent Island nation of Haiti or Ayiti (Land of Mountains).



The origin of this obvious dedication and admiration to the Island nation of Haiti is unknown, but it should be noted that US map makers as early as 1867 referred to all black settlements as Hayti. Some historians also feel that the newly freed Africans in America felt a kinship with the people of Haiti in their continued fight for freedom and independence.


Definition: arbre de la liberté (Liberty tree)
Information Source: soulofamerica.com
Map Sources: www.ah.dcr.state.nc.u and remax-caribbeanislands.com

Comments

CapCity said…
Thanx for that education, Brother Stephen. History constantly fascinates me as an adult - makes me wonder how/why instructors bored me with it so DEEPLY all through school - OH, cuz they never made any references to people who looked like shades of me (except to remind us how beat down we were;-). Would definitely be a bonus to meetcha if u can stop thru on April 7th! Always seeking Blogger photo ops;-). LOL!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 6:10:00 PM
Stephen A. Bess said…
Capcity-
Happy you can appreciate the history. I love it. Photo ops? Cool. I'll wear my 3 piece suit. :)
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 6:31:00 PM
changeseeker said…
Interesting! I had no idea. I love to learn new stuff.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:58:00 AM
NML/Natalie said…
I love the way people from North Carolina speak! That aside, thanks for an education. I know I've said it before but you are my source for black history! Keep it coming! Btw, I have put new photos of the bambino on Facebook x
Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:58:00 AM
neena maiya (guyana gyal) said…
You should see Haitian art! Wonderful!
Thursday, March 27, 2008 4:10:00 PM
Stephen A. Bess said…
NML-
I'm glad that you still enjoy it. Enjoy your weekend and kiss the Bambino for me.

GG-
My father has some Haitian art. I love it.
Thursday, March 27, 2008 11:23:00 PM
Fabrizio said…
You always teach me something new

Fab
Friday, March 28, 2008 9:05:00 AM
Stephen A. Bess said…
Rethabile-
Ke a leboha, ntate

Fab-
I'm glad that you can receive something from here, brother Fabrizio. How are things on your end?
Friday, March 28, 2008 7:27:00 PM
Anonymous said…
I wonder where my roots will lead me? Interesting facts glad you were able to learn more about your family roots and enjoy the trip as well.

...passing through waving at you :)
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 12:26:00 PM
Xave said…
You never cease to amaze me.

Peace and Love,

Alizé (LoversA.blogspot.com)

PS: April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). I am PASSIONATE about this issue and I’m determined to do my part to help educate as many people as possible. Please join me in spreading the word. Sexual violence must stop!
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 9:28:00 PM
Stephen A. Bess said…
©hoklateRain-
*Waving back* Yes, researching my heritage is a life hobby.

Xavier-
You have my support brother. Thanks and good to see you.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 11:34:00 PM
Lyrically speaking said…
Mr. Bess, love the attached poem and the sweet dedication to Haiti
Wednesday, April 02, 2008 12:27:00 PM
Rent Party said…
There were also a lot of actual Haitians who came to the U.S. after the revolution there - including slaves who later got free. It's why Louisiana Creole sounds so much like Haitian Creole, and one of the (many) reasons why New Orleans is so Caribbean-like. I heard over the weekend that the population doubled
with the arrival of the Haitians!!!

OT for this post: great idea with the poetry posts for April.
Thursday, April 03, 2008 11:09:00 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

DC Legend: Chicken Wings & Mumbo Sauce

-
Image
Mumbo Jumbo Noun. 1. Confusing or incomprehensible language or activity. 2. An obscure ritual or incantation. [Mandingo origin.] American Heritage Dictionary Of the English Language Mumbo sauce? Anyone who has ever traveled east of the Anacostia River has heard the term, Mumbo Sauce. What do I mean by east of the river? I mean if you have ventured anywhere near Benning Road, Wheeler Road, Southern Avenue, or Minnesota Avenue in North/Southeast Washington, D.C. There is no way that you can go into any Korean owned and operated “Kerry-Out” [ trans. Carry-Out food ] in DC and not hear someone order french fries with chicken wings and Mumbo Sauce. Impossible! Some like it on the chicken and others (like me) like it on the side. I’ve always thought of Mumbo Sauce as a DC thang, but where did it really come from?  Actually, Mumbo Sauce originated on Chicago's Southside in the early 1950s by a man named Argia B. Collins, who was known for his famous ribs and barbeque Mumbo Sauce. N...
Read more

Remembering Linda Pollin

-
Image
I grew up in the  Linda Pollin Memorial Housing Projects.   First of all, I did not know that it was built in memory of Abe Pollin's daughter.  In fact, I didn't even know the name, Abe Pollin.  I was a child, so I thought it was just a name given to the apartments.  At the time, my siblings and I had no idea that we lived in a housing project.  Well, the complex had a swimming pool, and the grounds were well kept. Also, it didn't resemble the well known surrounding projects like  Valley Green , Condon Terrace , or Wahler Place . The manager was Ms. Royster who was sort of a no-nonsense type of landlord based on the conversations I heard from grownups.  However, she seemed nice; plus, we all played with and knew her son, John. Well, although Mr. Pollin passed away back in 2009, I would still like to thank him for building the "LP" as we used to call it.  When I became old enough to learn that it was built by Mr. Pollin to honor his ...
Read more

Frank Brown (A.K.A. Uncle Ben???)

-
Image
Did you know that Uncle Ben was a real person? We really don't care who is fact or fiction when we want some rice to go with those red beans or peas. We just want to eat, right? Well, Uncle Ben was a African American rice farmer from Texas who won many prizes for his methods and quality in growing rice. I know that most of us think of Asia when it comes to the cultivation and quality of rice, but there was a region in West Africa that Europeans called the "Rice Coast" near Sierra Leone. That area was a strategic focus during the slave trade in the late 1760's because rice was becoming a fast growing industry in America. Uncle Ben's ancestors were most likely victims of the rice boom. Anyway, Uncle Ben's reputation grew and his rice soon became the standard in which all rice would be measured. How did his face get on the box? Did he start his own company? Well, no. That's not even his face on the box. The face on the box was a man from Chicago named Frank B...
Read more