A University of Lancashire researcher has worked with the Haitian Embassy in London to promote the rich history of Haiti.
Research Fellow Dr Nicole Willson launched ‘Building a Black Nation: Haitian Dynasties of the (Long) Nineteenth Century’ at the Haitian Embassy in London recently.
Supported by an AHRC Catalyst Award, the special project aims to broaden access to Haitian heritage through a series of international exhibitions and deepen understanding of Haitian history worldwide.
Planned in collaboration with and hosted by the Embassy for the Republic of Haiti in the United Kingdom, the event coincided with the 222nd anniversary of the Battle of Vertières, the conclusive battle of the Haitian Revolution. Celebrated as a national holiday in Haiti, Vertières Day commemorates Haiti’s decisive victory, which led to the surrender of the French colonial army against Haitian rebel forces. Shortly after this momentous event, on 1 January 1804, Haiti declared its independence, becoming the first independent black state and sending shockwaves over the slaveholding world.
Dr Willson said: "It was a joy and an immense privilege to launch 'Building a Black Nation' with the support of the Haitian Embassy in London. The event left its imprint on everyone in the room, and proved what we can achieve when we work in active collaboration. I look forward to many more fruitful collaborations that illuminate Haiti's rich cultural history for diverse audiences in the UK, Haiti and beyond.”
The event brought together members of the Haitian diaspora community, together with academics, culture and heritage professionals, civil servants, consular representatives, parliamentary peers and community organisers. Guests were welcomed by HE Ambassador Anaïse Manuel, the first Haitian woman to serve in the post of Ambassador to the United Kingdom, who spoke about the historic significance of Vertières and the serendipitous victory of the Haitian national football team, who qualified for the World Cup on the same day 222 years later.
The event left its imprint on everyone in the room, and proved what we can achieve when we work in active collaboration– Research Fellow Dr Nicole Willson
Anaïse Manuel, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for the Republic of Haiti to the United Kingdom, commented: “Our story is global, our contributions are foundational and Vertières is proof that Haiti has always done what others believe impossible.”
After a speech by Dr Willson introducing her project, the celebrations continued with speeches from the Chair of the Haiti Support Group, Aïda Roumer, and Professor Matthew Smith, Director of the Centre for the Study of the Legacies of British Slavery at University College London. This was followed by two spoken-word performances by Haitian expressive artists, Leilani Taneus Miller and Ervenotte Lassus-Harbord. Entertainment concluded with a soul-stirring performance by Haitian-born composer, vocalist and string musician Germa Adan.
Musician Germa Adan said: “Had my ancestors not fought relentlessly, fearlessly, I wouldn’t be here today. Today, may we honour and remember their spirit, and may we continue to dream; may we continue to build a future that is worthy of that sacrifice.”
Guests were also given the rare opportunity to view a series of original Haitian heritage documents displayed by staff from the UK National Archives, including a signed letter by Toussaint Louverture.
Through four exhibitions that will take place between 2026 and 2028, ‘Building a Black Nation’ will celebrate stories of Haitian sovereignty and interrogate stories of colonial implication. In addition to showcasing rich, yet vastly overlooked Haitian heritage objects, it will also reconstruct three dresses originally produced in Regency London for Haiti’s first and only queen, Marie-Louise Christophe, and her daughters. These dresses will travel to each exhibition site and end their journey in Haiti, where they will remain indefinitely. Through its growing network of community and institutional partners, the project will strive to promote conversations about heritage resilience, ethical caretaking and restitution for Haiti and citizens of the Haitian diaspora.
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Dr Nicole Willson, Ambassador Anaïse Manuel and Professor Alan Rice