Film screening and discussion of Elena (2021) by Michèle Stephenson, March 5

Legacies of Liberation: Haiti in the World

A joint presentation of its Amɘrica Dialogue Series and its Africa and African Diaspora Series, the Center for the Study of Democracy presents a special set of programs entitled Legacies of Liberation: Haiti in the World.

The Haitian Revolution (1791–1804) marked the first successful slave uprising in history and established Haiti as the first independent Black republic, forever reshaping global ideas about freedom and self-determination. Yet, despite its groundbreaking legacy, Haiti has faced enduring challenges, from punitive international isolation to economic hardship. This series will explore the revolutionary origins of Haiti, its profound impact on global liberation movements, and the lived experiences of Haitians today, including the systemic inequalities and discrimination faced by Haitian communities in the neighboring Dominican Republic. Ultimately, Legacies of Liberation invites us to examine the costs of freedom, the resilience of a people, and the unfinished struggle for justice in the Caribbean and beyond.

The Africa and African Diaspora Series, a collaboration of the Africa and African Diaspora Studies program and the Center for the Study of Democracy, brings to campus scholars, activists, and artists, whose work engages with the history, peoples, and cultures of the African continent and its diasporas. Our goal is to show the diversity of lived realities that comprise the continent, as well as the political, social, and cultural forces that have shaped its past, present, and future. This series is especially concerned with offering a more nuanced depiction of Africa and Africans than what has been historically found in mainstream, popular culture. 

The Amɘrica Dialogue project brings together critical voices and perspectives from scholars, activists, artists, and communities across the Américas. Our goal is to amplify (empower) underrepresented voices and experiences that reflect the different realities of this continent.  We are committed to revealing and including the history, stories, and realities of diverse communities across America. This project considers the Americas as a broad system of exchange, movement, and influence that goes beyond national borders. 

Michèle Stephenson is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, artist, and author who draws inspiration from her Haitian and Panamanian heritage and her experience as a social justice lawyer. She transforms non-fiction storytelling by creating emotionally impactful narratives of resistance and healing that highlight the lived experiences of communities of color across the Americas and the Black diaspora. Adopting a Black Atlantic perspective, Stephenson reimagines storytelling to provoke thought and inspire action against systemic oppression, integrating various forms such as fiction, immersive experiences, experimental techniques, and hybrid approaches.