“The dehumanization resulting from an unjust order is not a cause for despair but for hope, leading to the incessant pursuit of the humanity denied. Hope, however, does not consist in crossing one’s arms and waiting. As long as I fight, I am moved by hope; and if I fight with hope, then I can wait.”
Paulo Freire
Haiti’s tragedy is not destiny…but history.
Lambert St Rose
Painting of Catherine Flon by Patrick Noze
Welcome to the Haitian Institute of Atlanta, where we are tackling the intellectual challenges to Haitian lived experience, while shaping the whole person: Body, Mind, and Spirit.
Our message: Let us attack the problem, not one another, for we are far greater than the sum of our challenges!
Attacking the problem and finding lasting solutions require a strong commitment to research, reflection, and collaboration, coupled with a great deal of patience, courage, and compassion. And that is only the beginning!
How are we doing this? By connecting people within and across generations, and partnering with local institutions that share our vision of a more just, peaceful, and prosperous Haiti.
By promoting a vision for stable, equitable, and productive communities, and institutions that are strong enough to outlive their founders.
And through concrete, hope-full action that is as inclusive as it is wide-ranging, as constructive as it is innovative, as empowering as it is liberating.
We are building a foundation that is strong enough to sustain the collective weight of our dreams.
Aware of colonization’s lingering effects on every aspect of Haitian life, we are unapologetically decolonial in all that we do. Following the example of the Haitian polymath Jean Price-Mars, we practice rigorous research that is based on an unshakable commitment to truth as a matter of justice: “scientific truth,” “human truth,” and “truth tout court.” And to those, we add communal truth.
What we have done thus far!
What is on the horizon!
Introducing the Haitian Institute’s latest initiative, the Center for Action-Oriented Research and Reflection, SantRova!
SantRova is built on a partnership with the College Jean Wilbert Luma (CJWL), a K-12 private school. It features a research library, a biology and chemistry laboratory, a Language Studies Department, a Strategic Research Department, and a Child Development and Early Education Department. Based on a model to be replicated elsewhere in the country, SantRova fits seamlessly with the Haitian Institute’s broader vision of thriving Haitian communities.
Its mission is to: 1. Promote Interdisciplinary research and critical reflection by means of programs and activities that are designed to cultivate a spirit of curiosity, discovery, creativity, and collaboration. 2. Encourage concrete action that fosters dialogue, mutual knowledge and social cohesion. 3. Encourage decolonial thinking and action. 4. Foster healing for the Body, the Spirit, the Soul, and the nation.
For further information, visit https://www.santrova.org/