Dear HDC Fam-
I am probably most proud and excited about this project than anything we’ve done in a long time.
After the tragic murder of George Floyd, the world erupted with a long overdue racial awakening that has set the stage for honest & hard conversations around race and racial justice. Some of our network may think that the Black Lives Matter movement is one of controversy and limited to the United States. They may miss how the movement happening right now affects many countries and cultures across the world. The truth of our history is that white supremacy and colonization have formed the world as we know it. This conversation will inevitably look different for every country and culture.
In 1804 Haiti became the first Black Republic, as it was home to the first successful slave revolt in the world when she defeated the French. This revolt had a ripple effect as it pushed other nations to fight to end slavery as well. Haiti’s history is a worldwide symbol of Black liberation.
However, today much of Haiti’s societal norms are entrenched in a mindset enforced by colonization, one of white aspiring, euro-centric ideals. This is not representative of every Haitian experience- because the Haitian experience is one that varies greatly. With that being said, a common experience for many of Haitian descent IS the journey of decolonization, one of unlearning the lies handed down by each generation that were enforced by the oppressor.
While I am not Haitian, these conversations are ones that are near and dear to my heart. Since making Haiti my home in 2012, I’ve wrestled with the topic of decolonization so much within my personal life. I am thankful for the way that living in Haiti and many amazing friends have pushed me along the way to challenge what I knew to be true and ask the hard questions. On my journey, the work of decolonization, and unlearning a white centered foundation are hand in hand. Unlearning the false narratives and rebuilding with authenticity stronger than before.
If you are white and follow along through this series, I ask you to engage with an open mind and intent to learn and understand from someone else’s perspective.
If you are Haitian or BIPOC, I hope that you at some point during this series feel seen, heard, and encouraged that you are not alone in your experience, while also knowing that your experience is going to vary from the person sharing.
During this series you will be hearing from individuals with varying life experiences. Everyone involved is going to have different truths and perspectives. What you will hear is not the experience of myself, of Haiti Design Co, or of anyone else. It is the experience of the person sharing. So if at any time you feel uncomfortable, I ask you to sit in that discomfort before being quick to defend or debunk. This space is a space for unfiltered, honest conversations with Haitians and Haitian Americans.
Lately we have received some pushback on vocally supporting the movement of Black Lives Matter. We’ve heard things like “You’re a fair trade accessories company, why do you need to talk about this?”. But the thing is, we exist FOR the PEOPLE behind the products. If we are not actively engaging in shifting the moral compass of our society, of breaking the colonial chains of white supremacy, or creating a world where our community can be fully SEEN, HEARD, and FREE, then we are not being true to why we exist at all.
Thank you for being here!
N’ap dekole!
-Chandler Hamilton Busby
Founder, Haiti Design Collective