School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Thursday, November 13, 2025 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Jimenez Hall, 1205

Lecture Title: Childish Bodies: From Invisible Traffick to Visible Debt

Summary: This 30-minute lecture explores the trafficking of Black children into the U.S. South after the Haitian Revolution, raising the question: How could the world’s first Black republic, founded in freedom, see its children sold abroad? Placing Haiti within the framework of “second slavery,” I extend Dale Tomich’s insights on the plantation and global capitalism to the Haitian case. Within a year of independence, French forces in Santo Domingo trafficked free-born Haitian children to the Carolinas in exchange for rice, aided by U.S. neutrality and British blockades. Drawing on Haitian laws, newspapers, runaway ads, and military reports, I argue that Haiti’s struggle against slavery did not end in 1804 but continued into its first decade of independence.

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Sony Ton-Aimé is a Haitian poet, translator and art administrator. His poetry collection Konbit is forthcoming from Carnegie Mellon University Press, (2026). He is the author of the chapbook, LaWomann (2019) and the Haitian Creole translator of Olympic Hero: The Lennox Kilgour's Story.

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Carole "Mawoule"Demesmin discusses her music, artistry, and Vodou practice over authentic Haitian food with Cécile Accilien.
Fanm Dayiti: An Intimate Conversation with Carole Demesmin

Date: October 30th

Time: 5pm - 8pm

Location: St. Mary's Hall - Multipurpose Room

Join us for an intimate conversation over authentic Haitian food with the legendary singer, activist and Vodou priestess Carole "Mawoule" Demesmin. Prepare to be inspired, empowered, and uplifted by Carole's journey and wisdom in this discussion led by Dr. Cécile Accilien. This event offers unique opportunity to connect with a remarkable woman and discover how she has been using her career, voice, artistry, and Vodou practice to preserve Haitian culture and create new narratives surrounding Haiti for over four decades. Delicious authentic (and did we mention free!) Haitian food will be served at this event so MAKE SURE TO RSVP so we can make sure you get a plate. See you there!!

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Legendary musician, visual artist and Vodou Priestess Carole Demesmin leads a workshop on Vodou and its religious and cultural significance.

Vodou Workshop with Carole Demesmin

Date: October 29th 2025

Time: 12pm - 2pm

Location: St. Mary's Hall - Multipurpose Room

Join legendary musician, artist, and Vodou Priestess Carole Demesmin as she invites us into her spiritual practice through this Vodou Workshop. Learn about Vodou and its religious and cultural significance to Haiti in this hands-on workshop accompanied by delicious, authentic (and did we mention free!) Haitian food! This in-person event will take place in the Multipurpose Room of The Language House (St. Mary's Hall). Don't miss this unique, fun and rare opportunity to discover the true meaning of Vodou and get into the Spooky Season spirit! Make sure to RSVP...if you dare.

Learn more and RSVP here.