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 .
Peniel Joseph : For 200 years , Haitian 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 , Joseph says . Haitians ' kinship with African-Americans lies in slavery and heroic resistance , he says .