Honoring Jean-Jacques Dessalines by Voting for Miniard Culpepper in Boston's District 7 City Councilor.

Empowering Change: Honoring Jean-Jacques Dessalines by Voting for Miniard Culpepper in Boston's District 7 City Councilor

Empowering Change: Honoring Jean-Jacques Dessalines by Voting for Miniard Culpepper in Boston's District 7 City Councilor

Wilsonn Telimo Lwi is thrilled to receive a call from Miniard Culpepper inviting him to join the campaign team as a candidate for Boston City Council, representing the vibrant neighborhoods of Dudley, Ruggles, Fenway, and Roxbury.

Wilsonn congratulates Miniard on his decision to run for office in his response. He emphasizes that this action is not only a personal goal for Miniard but also a chance to bring about meaningful change in the community. Wilsonn is eager to work alongside him to champion the autonomy and empowerment of District 7. With Miniard's experience as a senatorial candidate, Wilsonn is confident that the campaign is already gaining traction and that the vision they'll put forth will resonate with voters from diverse backgrounds.

As the campaign progresses, Wilsonn emphasizes the importance of strengthening ties with the Haitian community in Boston. He points out a pressing issue concerning the historical figure Jean Jacques Dessalines, renowned for his pivotal role in Haiti's fight for independence. Discussions about Dessalines can be delicate, as some leaders are concerned that acknowledging his actions against colonialism and slavery might cause unease.

Wilsonn's views are shaped by his involvement with the Haitian Cultural Center initiative during Mayor Michelle Wu's campaign in Boston. He proposed naming the center in honor of Dessalines, which he considered his best idea. However, this proposal encountered resistance from several Haitian community leaders. They argued that some conservative white leaders opposing the freedom of enslaved people would not react positively to the name. Live free or die and cut off heads and burned their homes by Jean Jacques Dessalines during the Haiti revolution is not a good memory to them.

As a result, it has been suggested that nothing in Boston should be named after Jean Jacques Dessalines, according to an influential Haitian nonprofit organization leader in Boston. Instead, there is more support for promoting Toussaint Louverture since Toussaint viewed Haiti as a province of France rather than as an entirely free Black country. This pushback illustrates the complexities of honoring historical figures within diverse cultural contexts.

Given these insights, Wilsonn is excited to collaborate with Miniard Culpepper to promote the establishment of a statue honoring Jean Jacques Dessalines in Boston. This statue would commemorate Dessalines' remarkable achievements, particularly his triumph over Napoleon Bonaparte's forces in 1803. It would be a powerful symbol of freedom, resilience, and perseverance for the global Black community.

Wilsonn views Jean Jacques Dessalines as one of history's most notable Black heroes due to his unwavering dedication to liberty and justice. He believes that celebrating Dessalines' legacy can help unify the community, bringing together diverse groups such as Black Americans, Black Africans, Black Caribbeans, and Black Indians. By sharing Dessalines' story, they can tackle misconceptions and promote a collective identity anchored in shared history and struggles.

Wilsonn hopes that Miniard Culpepper sees the potential impact of this initiative, which could garner significant support from the Haitian community for the campaign. By honoring Jean Jacques Dessalines and the values he stood for, they can weave a narrative that pays tribute to the past while motivating future generations to stand up for justice and equality.

In closing, Wilsonnthankso Miniard Culpepper for considering this vital project. He believes it has the potential to resonate beyond Boston, especially under Miniard's visionary leadership. He looks forward to further discussions on this meaningful endeavor.