The Bicentennial of Haitian Independence Memorial Plaza
Dublin Core
Title
The Bicentennial of Haitian Independence Memorial Plaza
Subject (Topic)
Subject (Topic)
Roger Williams Park--Rhode Island--Providence
South Elmwood--Neighborhoods--Rhode Island--Providence
Monuments--Rhode Island--Providence
Roger Williams Park--Rhode Island--Providence
South Elmwood--Neighborhoods--Rhode Island--Providence
Monuments--Rhode Island--Providence
Subject (Name)
Subject (Name)
L‘Ouverture, Toussaint, 1743-1803
Dessalines, Jean-Jacques, 1758-1806
L‘Ouverture, Toussaint, 1743-1803
Dessalines, Jean-Jacques, 1758-1806
Subject (Object)
Subject (Object)
Commemorative sculpture
Commemorative sculpture
Description
The Bicentennial Haitian Independence Memorial takes the form of a granite plinth. The coat of arms at the top of the memorial includes a palm tree in the center with a liberty cap on top, six blue draped flags with three on each side of the tree, and two gold-colored cannons on either side of the palm tree. At the bottom, a ribbon bears the motto: "L’Union Fait La Force."
On the front of the monument, images of Toussaint L‘Ouverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines are accompanied by information about the two men. Standing in front of a mountainous landscape and stormy sky, Louverture is shown dressed in blue and red military garb of a general. He holds gloves in one hand and a sheet of parchment in the other. Diagonally across Louverture’s chest is a white silk sash with three gold stars. Dessalines wears a tricornered hat with two large feathers, a fitted red coat with gold epaulettes, and cream-colored breeches. He points his right index finger up toward the Haitian bicolor flag. In his left hand, he carries a ceremonial sword.
On the back of the monument, inscribed directly into the granite, is a dedication that honors Louverture and Dessalines.
The memorial rests atop a small brick plaza--many of the bricks are inscribed with the names of donors.
Several inscriptions are located on the sides of the pink marble base. Donor bricks are included in the walkway leading to the memorial.
On the front of the monument, images of Toussaint L‘Ouverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines are accompanied by information about the two men. Standing in front of a mountainous landscape and stormy sky, Louverture is shown dressed in blue and red military garb of a general. He holds gloves in one hand and a sheet of parchment in the other. Diagonally across Louverture’s chest is a white silk sash with three gold stars. Dessalines wears a tricornered hat with two large feathers, a fitted red coat with gold epaulettes, and cream-colored breeches. He points his right index finger up toward the Haitian bicolor flag. In his left hand, he carries a ceremonial sword.
On the back of the monument, inscribed directly into the granite, is a dedication that honors Louverture and Dessalines.
The memorial rests atop a small brick plaza--many of the bricks are inscribed with the names of donors.
Several inscriptions are located on the sides of the pink marble base. Donor bricks are included in the walkway leading to the memorial.
Creator
A. Sciolto & Son Monuments, Inc.
Source
Photographs by Eric Sung, Professor, Providence College
Date
August 14, 2005
Contributor
Lakay Foundation, Inc.; Donors (for a list of names, see the "Has Part" section)
Rights
City of Providence, 25 Dorrance Street, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, United States
Format
JPEG
Language
English
Type
Visual Arts-Sculpture
Coverage
Roger Williams Park, Hawthorne Drive, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, United States
Has Part
Inscription on bronze plaque on front of memorial with images of Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines:
The Bicentennial Haitian Independence Memorial Plaza
In memory of two Haitian Freedom Fighters.
Born into slavery, Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines symbolized those who fought for the liberation of Saint Dominque from its colonial bonds between 1791-1804. Armed with the conviction that slavery and servitude had no justifiable place within human society in a civilized world, and under the banner of the Declaration of the Rights of Man, their devotion to democratic principles was realized in the creation of the Republic of Haiti after 13 years of constant struggle. Recognizing their critical leadership, we create this park dedicated to the Bicentennial of Haitian Independence, a project of: Lakay Foundation, Inc.
Dedicated August 14, 2005
Inscription on the coat of arms of the Republic of Haiti at top of memorial:
L’Union Fait La Force
Inscription on back of memorial:
In Unity
There Is
Strength
Haiti
The Spirit of Freedom
1791-1804 Founding of Haiti
Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines
Are the twin authors of the founding of Haiti. Confirmed in the Constitution of 1801. First symbol of Haitian autonomy, and by the act of independence in 1804, the final declaration of Haiti’s freedom from France.
Two leaders of differing conviction and belief. Toussaint Louverture is immortalized by his faith in the idea that liberty cannot exist without work. While Jean-Jacques Dessalines is remembered for his dictate that one must choose either liberty or death.
Dedicated
August 14, 2005
Names on brick plaza at the front of plinth, facing bronze plaque
Wannton St. Louis & Family; Radio Energy Boston MA; Rayon Express & Com Inc.; Paul W. Aubin and Family; Jacques Elie & Denise Darius; Frantz & N. Jean-Giles & Family; Mayor David N. Cicilline; Evenson St. Franc
Radio Bicentenaire d’Haiti Inc.; Wilner Auguste & Family; Jean M. Louis-Charles; Henriot & Huguette D. Vincent; ED Menswear
Solange Raphael; Edouard and Ena Mondestil; Roger C. Dazume; Radio Soleil d’Haiti NY; Fresh Clippers Barber Shop; Pologne Charles & Family; Help for the Children Our Future; Rev. Pierre E. Laguerre & Family; Ernesto Figueroa
Gonzalo Cuervo; Goutier Funding Group; Saint-Lot Lafortune & Family; Starina C. & Stara C. d’Haiti
Names on brick plaza at left side of plinth
Voltaire Dieudonne; Jackie Eugene & Family; Jean M. & Bernice Laurenceau; Rev Joseph E. Simon & Family; Elwood Ave Church of God; Irbain-Roger Laurent & Family; Fritzner Pierre Haitian Poet; Rev. Jacques E. Chavannes
Ketelie A. Altena; Odin-Danny & Camille Bazelais; The Families Prophete, Jean & Raymond; Westlande Saint-Vil & Family; Elie Marie M. Milien; Nehemy Theodore; JN Francis Richemond Alias LouLou; Marie Yanick Hendricksen
Radyo Pa Nou Brooklyn NY; Ing. Steve Conti; Ing. Alemy & Florence Mondestin; Yves Alcindor; Fredze D. Leger; Rev. Jean G. Rhau & Family; Perez & Associates Inc.; Dumarsais M. Cimeus TX; Emelda Jill Benitez; Noailles St. Louis & Family; Daphne Darius; Robenson St. Franc & Family
Names on brick plaza at right side of plinth
Rev. Jean Remond Borgelin; Jean and Eva Leger & Family; Rosette Charles & Family; Yves Dambreville & Family; Bernard Bayard; Charlescar Family; Christopher Bizzacco; Chenet Dazulma;
A. Sciolto & Son 942-7480
Erick Denor & Family; Ing. Stephen Lariviere; Pelegge Laurent & Family; Homere & Erla Fontaine; Ernest Philogene & Family; Radio Lakay Int. NY; Rev. Aggee Vetiaque & Family; Angelucci Manigat Jr
Ginnette Jovin; Serge Petit-Homme; Councilman Miguel C. Luna; Guillaumard & Eliza Leger; Emanuel Leger NJ; Hannah Resseger; Nancy Desroses; Fontri Therlonge
Edzer Erilus; DJ Love Sound Production; Celeste Elysee & Family; Rev. Gerard Jean-Juste; Holly Sneider
Charlot Charlemagne NJ; Amyot Daniel Anthem Distributor; Sedric & Rosette Couter; Dr. Marc Calix
Names on brick plaza at back of plinth, inscription side
Maurice, Joseph & Family; Claude Blanc Brooklyn NY; Antoine Mehu & Family; Jean B. Jean-Charles Family; Franck Payen & Family; Jean R. Gina Francois & Family; Victor M. Patricia Jean Dorvil; Patrick Dume
Eder Daniel Athem Distributor; Brendy-Ruby Rodney Derogene; Mosanto & Stine James; Rev Erold Jean-Baptiste & Family; Jacques A. Borges Family; Irving & Shirley Fils-Aime; Dec’s Liquor Store; Ketacha G. Altena
Marie Gertha Therlorge; Deslande Rincher Brooklyn NY; Reginald & Shirley Laurenceau; Dr. Alex Etienne; Henry Jean Conte & Family; Deslourdes Abelard
Facilitrans Herve Jr-Baptiste; Renes Charles & Family; Henriot Belizaire & Family; Farah Juste Haitian Singer
Minou Louis-Charles; Lehi Mortgage Services Inc.
The Bicentennial Haitian Independence Memorial Plaza
In memory of two Haitian Freedom Fighters.
Born into slavery, Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines symbolized those who fought for the liberation of Saint Dominque from its colonial bonds between 1791-1804. Armed with the conviction that slavery and servitude had no justifiable place within human society in a civilized world, and under the banner of the Declaration of the Rights of Man, their devotion to democratic principles was realized in the creation of the Republic of Haiti after 13 years of constant struggle. Recognizing their critical leadership, we create this park dedicated to the Bicentennial of Haitian Independence, a project of: Lakay Foundation, Inc.
Dedicated August 14, 2005
Inscription on the coat of arms of the Republic of Haiti at top of memorial:
L’Union Fait La Force
Inscription on back of memorial:
In Unity
There Is
Strength
Haiti
The Spirit of Freedom
1791-1804 Founding of Haiti
Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines
Are the twin authors of the founding of Haiti. Confirmed in the Constitution of 1801. First symbol of Haitian autonomy, and by the act of independence in 1804, the final declaration of Haiti’s freedom from France.
Two leaders of differing conviction and belief. Toussaint Louverture is immortalized by his faith in the idea that liberty cannot exist without work. While Jean-Jacques Dessalines is remembered for his dictate that one must choose either liberty or death.
Dedicated
August 14, 2005
Names on brick plaza at the front of plinth, facing bronze plaque
Wannton St. Louis & Family; Radio Energy Boston MA; Rayon Express & Com Inc.; Paul W. Aubin and Family; Jacques Elie & Denise Darius; Frantz & N. Jean-Giles & Family; Mayor David N. Cicilline; Evenson St. Franc
Radio Bicentenaire d’Haiti Inc.; Wilner Auguste & Family; Jean M. Louis-Charles; Henriot & Huguette D. Vincent; ED Menswear
Solange Raphael; Edouard and Ena Mondestil; Roger C. Dazume; Radio Soleil d’Haiti NY; Fresh Clippers Barber Shop; Pologne Charles & Family; Help for the Children Our Future; Rev. Pierre E. Laguerre & Family; Ernesto Figueroa
Gonzalo Cuervo; Goutier Funding Group; Saint-Lot Lafortune & Family; Starina C. & Stara C. d’Haiti
Names on brick plaza at left side of plinth
Voltaire Dieudonne; Jackie Eugene & Family; Jean M. & Bernice Laurenceau; Rev Joseph E. Simon & Family; Elwood Ave Church of God; Irbain-Roger Laurent & Family; Fritzner Pierre Haitian Poet; Rev. Jacques E. Chavannes
Ketelie A. Altena; Odin-Danny & Camille Bazelais; The Families Prophete, Jean & Raymond; Westlande Saint-Vil & Family; Elie Marie M. Milien; Nehemy Theodore; JN Francis Richemond Alias LouLou; Marie Yanick Hendricksen
Radyo Pa Nou Brooklyn NY; Ing. Steve Conti; Ing. Alemy & Florence Mondestin; Yves Alcindor; Fredze D. Leger; Rev. Jean G. Rhau & Family; Perez & Associates Inc.; Dumarsais M. Cimeus TX; Emelda Jill Benitez; Noailles St. Louis & Family; Daphne Darius; Robenson St. Franc & Family
Names on brick plaza at right side of plinth
Rev. Jean Remond Borgelin; Jean and Eva Leger & Family; Rosette Charles & Family; Yves Dambreville & Family; Bernard Bayard; Charlescar Family; Christopher Bizzacco; Chenet Dazulma;
A. Sciolto & Son 942-7480
Erick Denor & Family; Ing. Stephen Lariviere; Pelegge Laurent & Family; Homere & Erla Fontaine; Ernest Philogene & Family; Radio Lakay Int. NY; Rev. Aggee Vetiaque & Family; Angelucci Manigat Jr
Ginnette Jovin; Serge Petit-Homme; Councilman Miguel C. Luna; Guillaumard & Eliza Leger; Emanuel Leger NJ; Hannah Resseger; Nancy Desroses; Fontri Therlonge
Edzer Erilus; DJ Love Sound Production; Celeste Elysee & Family; Rev. Gerard Jean-Juste; Holly Sneider
Charlot Charlemagne NJ; Amyot Daniel Anthem Distributor; Sedric & Rosette Couter; Dr. Marc Calix
Names on brick plaza at back of plinth, inscription side
Maurice, Joseph & Family; Claude Blanc Brooklyn NY; Antoine Mehu & Family; Jean B. Jean-Charles Family; Franck Payen & Family; Jean R. Gina Francois & Family; Victor M. Patricia Jean Dorvil; Patrick Dume
Eder Daniel Athem Distributor; Brendy-Ruby Rodney Derogene; Mosanto & Stine James; Rev Erold Jean-Baptiste & Family; Jacques A. Borges Family; Irving & Shirley Fils-Aime; Dec’s Liquor Store; Ketacha G. Altena
Marie Gertha Therlorge; Deslande Rincher Brooklyn NY; Reginald & Shirley Laurenceau; Dr. Alex Etienne; Henry Jean Conte & Family; Deslourdes Abelard
Facilitrans Herve Jr-Baptiste; Renes Charles & Family; Henriot Belizaire & Family; Farah Juste Haitian Singer
Minou Louis-Charles; Lehi Mortgage Services Inc.
Medium
Painted plaster (blue-green)
Bibliographic Citation
Davis, Karen A. "Sounds of Freedom: Haitian Independence Marks 200th Year." Providence Journal, December 31, 2003.
Rights Holder
Department of Art, Culture, Tourism, City of Providence
Citation
A. Sciolto & Son Monuments, Inc., “The Bicentennial of Haitian Independence Memorial Plaza,” Commemorative Works of Providence, accessed April 1, 2026, https://monuments.artculturetourism.com/items/show/31.