Haiti Fights Back: The Life and Legacy of Charlemagne Peralte

Haiti Fights Back: The Life and Legacy of Charlemagne Péralte, winner of the 2021 Haitian Studies Association Book Prize, is the first US scholarly examination of the politician and caco (guerrilla fighter) who fought against the US military occupation of Haiti. It explores the importance of documenting resistance and offers a new reading of U.S. military archival sources that record Haitian protests as banditry. The interdisciplinary work draws on legislation, cacos letters, newspapers, and murals to offer a unique examination of Péralte's life and legacy through the twenty-first century.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 238 pages
\n Publication date: 18 June 2021
\n Publisher: Rutgers University Press
\n

Winner of the 2021 Haitian Studies Association Book Prize, Haiti Fights Back: The Life and Legacy of Charlemagne Péralte is a groundbreaking scholarly examination of the politician and guerrilla fighter who courageously battled against the US military occupation of Haiti for nearly two decades, from 1915 to 1934. In this comprehensive work, author Alexis A. Williams argues for the critical importance of documenting resistance while delving into the intricate mechanics and manifestations of imperialism that underpinned the occupation. Through her immersive exploration of Haiti, Williams identifies and examines sites she labels as resistance zones, including Péralte's hometown of Hinche and the nation's bustling port areas, Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien.

Williams offers a fresh and innovative interpretation of U.S. military archival sources that categorize Haitian protests as banditry, challenging prevailing narratives and shedding light on the complex realities of the occupation. Haiti Fights Back vividly portrays how Péralte initiated a political movement and meticulously documents the diverse ways in which Haitian women and men resisted the occupation through acts of silence, military resistance, and written expressions.

Williams' research is a testament to her unwavering commitment to uncovering and preserving the rich history and legacy of Haiti. By meticulously locating and assembling rare, multilingual primary sources from traditional repositories, living archives (oral stories), and artistic representations in Haiti and the United States, she provides a comprehensive and multifaceted perspective on Péralte's life (1885-1919) and the enduring significance of his legacy throughout the twenty-first century.

Haiti Fights Back is not only a valuable contribution to Haitian Studies but also offers a novel approach to studying the broader context of the US invasion of the Americas. By chronicling the courageous resistance efforts of Caribbean people, Williams highlights the resilience and determination of communities facing oppression and sheds light on the ongoing struggles for liberation and self-determination in the region. This interdisciplinary work draws on a wide range of sources, including legislation, cacos' letters, newspapers, and murals, providing a unique and insightful examination of Péralte's life and the broader historical context in which he operated.

In conclusion, Haiti Fights Back: The Life and Legacy of Charlemagne Péralte is a groundbreaking work that delves deep into the history, resistance, and legacy of Haiti during the US military occupation. Through her meticulous research, innovative interpretation, and comprehensive analysis, author Alexis A. Williams has made a significant contribution to our understanding of this critical period in Haitian history. This book is a must-read for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of resistance, imperialism, and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in the Americas.

\n Weight: 374g\n
Dimension: 233 x 157 x 22 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781978815407\n \n