From Revolution to Resilience

Haiti’s journey is one of triumph and tragedy. Born from the world’s first successful slave revolt, the country has since endured centuries of injustice, natural disasters, and political instability. This page shares Haiti’s painful past and uncertain present—while holding onto a hope-filled future, built through compassion, faith, and your support.

Hope Amid Hardship

Despite decades of turmoil, the Haitian spirit remains unbroken. Communities continue to rise, rebuild, and believe in a better tomorrow.

A Legacy of Struggle

From the fight for independence to modern-day challenges, Haiti’s past is marked by courage, resilience, and a longing for justice.

Why We Help

We serve because they matter. Every child, teacher, and family deserves a chance—and your support helps make that possible.

A Legacy of Freedom, Shadowed by Injustice

Haiti made history as the first Black-led republic and the first Caribbean state to win independence. But this victory came with a cruel price: France demanded reparations for its lost slaves and colony, pushing the young nation into economic hardship that lasted more than a century.

Today, widespread gang activity practically makes it impossible for Haitians to lead what used to be a “normal” life.

The Poorest Nation in the Americas, Yet Rich in Spirit

Haiti has never fully recovered from the devastating earthquake of 2010, which killed over 200,000 people. Political instability, poverty, and unchecked gang violence now plague its capital. Despite all of this, the people of Haiti remain strong in faith and spirit. Their resilience is a powerful testimony, and their hope is worth fighting for.

Today, organizations like ABCs for Haiti continue to stand beside the Haitian people, supporting schools, children, and communities that refuse to give up. With your help, we can bring change, one step at a time.

Key Dates in Haiti’s History

  • 1462 – Christopher Columbus lands on the island, naming it Hispaniola.

  • 1496 – Spain establishes the first European settlement in the Western Hemisphere.

  • 1667 – Spain cedes the western part of Hispaniola to France—this becomes Haiti.

  • 1801 – Former slave Toussaint Louverture abolishes slavery and becomes governor-general.

  • 1804 – Haiti declares independence after defeating French forces—becoming the first Black republic.

  • 1915 – U.S. invades to protect its investments during unrest.

  • 1934 – U.S. withdraws troops but maintains financial control until 1947.

  • 1957 – François “Papa Doc” Duvalier becomes president, leading to a brutal family dictatorship.

  • 1986 – The Duvalier dictatorship ends with a public uprising.

  • 1990 – Jean-Bertrand Aristide wins Haiti’s first free election.

  • 1991 – Aristide is overthrown by the military.

  • 1994 – U.S. troops restore Aristide to power.

  • 2004 – Aristide flees amid rebellion; UN peacekeeping mission begins.

  • 2010 – A catastrophic earthquake kills more than 200,000 people.

  • 2016 – Hurricane Matthew destroys thousands of homes and kills hundreds.

  • 2021 – President Moise is assassinated, followed by a wave of gang violence.

  • 2023 – Kenya agrees to lead a multinational peacekeeping mission to combat gangs.

  • 2025 – The Kenyan peacekeeping force was a failure; consequently, gang activity has essentially shut down “normal” life in Haiti.

 

Your Support Can Change Lives

The story of Haiti is filled with struggle—but also with strength, faith, and hope. With your donation, we can continue to feed children, support teachers, repair schools, and walk beside our Haitian brothers and sisters in their journey forward.