Haitian Culture Curriculum Guide

BIOGRAPHIES
Michael Brudent was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. At a very early age, he attended L’Ecole des
beaux Arts to pursue studies in decorative art. He was requested to illustrate educational manuals
for primary and secondary schools.
Brudent has proven himself to be an exceptional Haitian artist; he is well-known by Haitians as a
bold artist, who uses strong brush strokes, pens, and colors. In 1983, he took an art refresher
course in New York City and received certification in ancient and modern calligraphy. He currently
owns and manages Solfimi Art Gallery in Haiti. Many of his works appear in art galleries
throughout the United States. (Adapted from http://belimage.com/artgallery)
Henri Christophe was born a slave on the island of St. Kitts. He began to work as an apprentice
to a mason at the early age of seven. He was later taken to St. Domingue (Haiti) where he was sold
to a naval officer. In 1779, five hundred fifty Haitians sailed to Savannah, Georgia to support the
American Patriots in their attempts to gain freedom from Britain. Among that group was Henri
Christophe, who was then a mere 12 years old.
He later returned to St. Domingue and joined Toussaint’s army. After Toussaint’s arrest by the
French, Christophe became one of the leaders of the Haitian forces. When the struggle for
independence was over, Christophe became Governor of Le Cap.
Christophe was soon to succeed Dessalines as leader of Northern Haiti. In 1811, he established a
kingdom in Northern Haiti, and took the title King Henry I. He built many beautiful buildings in
Haiti, including Sans Souci Palace, which has been described as “the most gorgeous residence in
the New World at the time.”
It was during his reign that the “gourde” was first used as the name of Haitian currency.
Christophe was a stern, absolute ruler. His laws were intended to improve the lives of the people,
though they were at times too severe.
Haiti’s economy improved under Christophe. Both coffee and sugar production increased and
overseas markets were extended. Social services and communications were among his priorities.
He built roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals.
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