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As conversations about deporting Haitians continue, history deserves to be remembered. Haitians are not strangers to America’s story, they have helped shape it. Long before many immigrant groups arrived, Haitians fought for American independence, helped build cities, influenced culture, and changed the course of world history in ways that benefited the United States. Here are some facts that many people may have forgotten: 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾

1. Haitians fought in the American Revolution (Savannah, Georgia)
In 1779, more than 500 free Black soldiers from Saint-Domingue (present-day Haiti), known as the Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint-Domingue, fought alongside American and French forces during the Siege of Savannah against the British. Today, Savannah has a monument honoring their service. �
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2. A Haitian founded Chicago
Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, born in Saint-Marc, Haiti (then Saint-Domingue), established the first permanent settlement where Chicago now stands. He is officially recognized as the Founder of Chicago. �
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3. Haiti helped make the Louisiana Purchase possible
After the Haitian Revolution defeated Napoleon's army, France abandoned its plans for a New World empire. Napoleon then sold the Louisiana Territory to the United States in 1803, doubling the size of the nation. Without Haiti's victory, the Louisiana Purchase might never have happened. �
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4. Haiti inspired the fight against slavery
The Haitian Revolution became the first successful slave revolution in history, proving enslaved people could win their freedom. It inspired abolitionists and gave hope to enslaved African Americans throughout the United States. �
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5. Haitians helped build New Orleans
Following the Haitian Revolution, about 10,000 refugees from Saint-Domingue, including many free people of color, settled in New Orleans. They transformed its language, architecture, music, food, business, and culture. �
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6. Haitian influence on American culture
Haitian traditions influenced:
Jazz and Creole music
Cuisine in Louisiana
Architecture in New Orleans
Caribbean trade and commerce
French Creole language and culture throughout the Gulf Coast. �
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7. Haitian Americans in U.S. leadership
Haitian Americans have served in Congress, diplomacy, medicine, education, the military, and the judiciary. One early example is Josiah T. Walls, whose father was Haitian, who became one of the first Black members of the U.S. Congress during Reconstruction. �
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8. Haiti changed world history and America's future
By defeating Napoleon, Haiti permanently altered global politics. Historians widely recognize that Haiti's independence reshaped North America and accelerated the expansion of the United States. �
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Cities where Haitians made important historical contributions
Savannah, Georgia: Haitian soldiers fought in the Revolutionary War.
Chicago, Illinois: Founded by Jean Baptiste Point du Sable.
New Orleans, Louisiana: Haitian refugees profoundly shaped the city's identity.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Haitian diplomats and merchants had early ties with the young United States.
New York City: A major center of Haitian immigration, business, and culture beginning in the 19th century.

Happy Father’s Day daddy! Thank you for setting the bar so high. In my eyes, you are simply perfect. Thank you for being such an incredible father and role model.