Published by Haiti Decoded • Haitian Heritage Month Special Edition
It’s Haitian Heritage Month, and there’s no better time to reflect on the power of our stories and the urgent need to pass them on. As parents, educators, and culture keepers, we can no longer rely on traditional school systems to affirm and educate our children about who they are.
Because the truth is, when it comes to Black and Haitian history, erasure is real.
That’s why we must take matters into our own hands. We must become the griots of our homes and classrooms—the first and most powerful teachers of our children’s past. Here are five undeniable reasons why this work begins with us.
1. Because Erasure Is Real
In many school systems, Black people's contributions are often reduced to a single month—or worse, omitted entirely. The stories of revolutionaries, scientists, warriors, artists, and visionaries are barely touched, if mentioned at all.
It’s a must for Black children to learn about all their ancestors, especially from a young age. They deserve to grow up hearing the names and legacies of powerful figures like:
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Frank Sankofa – A cultural preservationist and modern-day griot who inspires families to reclaim and pass down their stories with pride. His work reminds us that heritage is active, not passive.
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Benjamin Banneker – A self-taught scientist, mathematician, and inventor who boldly challenged the racist thinking of his time and helped survey Washington, D.C. His brilliance defied stereotypes and made space for Black excellence in the sciences.
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Yaa Asantewaa – The queen mother of the Ashanti Empire who led her people into battle against British colonial forces. Her courage and leadership continue to symbolize resistance and the strength of Black womanhood.
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Marcus Garvey – The visionary behind the Pan-African movement and founder of the UNIA, who championed Black economic power, global unity, and pride in African heritage.
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Jean-Jacques Dessalines – The fearless general and founding father of Haiti who led the only successful slave revolution in world history. He declared Haiti's independence in 1804 and showed the world that freedom for Black people was not only possible—it was unstoppable.
These are not just names in history books—they are blueprints for our children’s confidence, pride, and sense of self.
2. Because Identity Is Power
When children know their history, they walk differently, speak with more confidence, and understand that their Blackness is not a burden but a badge of honor. Learning about their heritage gives children a sense of rootedness and pride that the outside world often tries to take from them.
History connects them to their purpose. It whispers, “You come from kings and queens, warriors and poets. You belong.”
3. Because Heritage Isn’t Just History—It’s a Legacy
Teaching history at home isn’t just about facts and dates. It’s about preserving the richness of our entire cultural legacy—language, food, music, traditions, and the values our ancestors lived by. When we teach our children at home, we’re keeping alive stories told around lakou fires, resistance passed through rhythm, and pride wrapped in our proverbs and prayers.
We’re not just raising children—we’re building legacy holders.
4. Because the Next Generation Deserves More Than Survival
Our ancestors fought and struggled to survive, but our children deserve more. They deserve to thrive—to feel seen, to know their brilliance, to enter the world with both eyes open. Teaching them their history is a gift of strength and vision. It tells them: “You don’t have to start from scratch. You are part of something greater.”
5. Because Silence Is Not an Option
In a world that continues to distort or erase Black stories, silence is dangerous. If we don’t tell our children the truth, someone else will tell them a lie. Teaching them about their history is an act of resistance. It’s how we reclaim our narrative—and protect the soul of our people.
Let’s Do This Work Together
That’s why Haiti Decoded is launching a new free weekly story series called Folktales & Legends! Every week in May, we’ll send you a printable two-page story to share with your child.
The first story, “Haiti: A Royal Past,” highlights Haiti’s three monarchs—leaders who shaped our nation’s earliest years. Read it with your child, answer the questions at the end, and explore your family’s place in this proud legacy.
Join our Facebook Parent Group
We’ve created a special space for Heritage Keepers like you! In this group, you’ll find support, ideas, and tools to bring history to life at home.
👉 Click here to join the Haiti Decoded Parent Group
Let’s raise a generation of proud, informed children—together.