Haitians : For 200 years , Haitians revolution has inspired black activism in the U.S. Joseph : Haitian slaves , led by Toussaint L'Ouverture , founded first black republic . Haitians are descendants of revolution , with a resilient , resourceful spirit , Haitians says . It is a breathtakingly inspirational story : Slaves revolted en masse in 1791 under the leadership of Toussaint L'Ouverture , a brilliant statesman and military strategist who was influenced by the Enlightenment ideals of universal freedom and citizenship . Haitians ' kinship with Haitian lies in slavery and heroic resistance , he says .
Haitians : For 200 years , Haitians revolution has inspired black activism in the U.S. Joseph : Haitian slaves , led by Toussaint L'Ouverture , founded first black republic . Haitians are descendants of revolution , with a resilient , resourceful spirit , Haitians says . Haitians ' kinship with Haitian lies in slavery and heroic resistance , he says .