Francois Mackandal: The First Haitian Revolution Leader
After acquiring knowledge about the historical background of Haiti and its revolution, one cannot help but ponder upon the sickle cell gene’s potential role in the events mentioned.
When viewing the documentary “1804 The Hidden History of Haiti,” I learned about Francois Mackandal, a prominent leader during the Haitian Revolution. According to historical accounts, Francois Mackandal was reputed to possess sorcerous abilities and purportedly harnessed the forces of nature to his advantage.
He was an individual of African descent who played a role in the emancipation of his fellow enslaved individuals. He was responsible for the deaths of more than 6000 European French men.
The individual in question posed a significant danger to enslavers and was regarded as a visionary figure by the enslaved population in Haiti. Additionally, this person possessed a deep understanding of botanical matters and was adept at crafting a toxic mixture utilizing various herbs.
The plantation owners strategized to undermine Mackandal due to his formidable sway, as many of his endeavors proved effective.
Mackandal Spiritually Connected
During a social gathering, Mackandal’s romantic interest acted treacherously towards him, resulting in his capture and subsequent sentence being immolated at stake.
In his final speech, he vowed to return as a mosquito and inflict further harm. There exist varying accounts regarding the fate of Mackandal, with some asserting that he perished in a conflagration while others maintain that he escaped from the scene.
The narrative, albeit mythical, exhibits a significant degree of irony, as duly noted by Tariq Nasheed in the documentary. After the purported events, a widespread malaria outbreak arose several decades later, which afflicted the French colonizers upon their arrival.
Conversely, the enslaved population remained unharmed, owing to their immunity to the disease. It appears he possessed knowledge that the enslaved people’s immunity to malaria would render them unaffected.
This observation is intriguing as the sickle cell mutation is reputed to confer resistance to malaria. Therefore, it begs the question of whether the enslaved individuals carried the sickle cell trait? But not only that, did this mutation play an important part in the revolution giving the enslaves the advantage to win?
Alternative sources have reported the occurrence of a yellow fever epidemic. It is important to note that yellow fever and malaria are distinct diseases, each transmitted by different mosquito species.
Hardships of Haiti, but Natives Continue to Strive
Haiti National Flag Isolated 3D White Background
Despite not being a native of Haiti, I sincerely appreciate its historical significance in its tumultuous past, which has played a significant role in the annals of black history. This inquiry aims to acquire knowledge regarding the insurrection that resulted in emancipation and the dismantling of colonial rule.
Haiti was a prosperous colony due to its abundant production of sugar cane. As a result of the Haitian Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte, a prominent French military commander, successfully lobbied for the cessation of trade between European nations and Haiti. This cessation of commerce had a detrimental impact on Haiti’s economic stability, ultimately leading to the country’s impoverishment.
Haiti has received numerous unfavorable remarks due to its ongoing struggles as a nation. The location in question has experienced seismic activity. Some have suggested that the freedom attained by the individuals in question may be attributed to their voodoo rituals, which have been interpreted as a manifestation of karma.
Consequently, it became the initial country to attain independence. Haiti has encountered numerous challenges, particularly in light of the recent demise of its head of state, Jovenel Moise.
Haiti is presently recognized as a highly hazardous destination for travelers, primarily due to the prevalence of incidents involving abduction and theft. The island of Haiti retains its aesthetic appeal.
According to a statement by Dr. Berthude Albert on one of her Instagram posts,
“Haitians are the solution to Haiti’s greatest challenges.”Dr. Berthude Albert
Sickle Cell and Haiti
An African-American boy getting a checkup by a doctor
Nonetheless, I had uncertainties regarding the monitoring and observing of sickle cell disease in Haiti. It is plausible to infer that Haiti had a lower population when importing enslaved individuals was still ongoing.
The present study involves an investigation into the surveillance of individuals who have sickle cell disease. As per The Haitian Roundtable, the incidence of sickle cell disease is observed to be 1 in every 150 newborns in Haiti.
Haiti needs a national newborn screening program, clear national infant management standards, and family education standards. The Haitian Round Table has partnered with Dr. Natasha Archer to address the matter of newborn screening by the end of 2022.
Sickle cell disease elicits varied cultural responses and corresponding approaches across different societies.
Despite the longstanding existence of sickle cell, it still needs to be more adequately recognized and comprehended, with a significant proportion of individuals remaining unaware of their sickle cell trait status.
In 2006, a nationwide program for universal screening of sickle cell disease was implemented across all states. Although the first recorded instances of sickle cell disease in Western medicine date back to 1910, the condition was known to many ancient tribes.
Battle of the Blood
Despite the uncertain role of sickle cell in the Haitian revolution, a correlation between sickle cell and slavery can be observed. Sickle cell disease is an inherited genetic disorder whereby the physical discomfort experienced by each affected individual appears to be a manifestation of genetic trauma.
In addition to enduring physical discomfort, individuals with sickle cell disease must also confront the adverse social perceptions associated with their condition.
Living with sickle cell disease can often be likened to residing at the lowest rung of the societal hierarchy. A paradigm shift must occur in managing and treating sickle cell disease.
Just like our enslaved ancestors, individuals who live with sickle cell disease exhibit remarkable resilience and fortitude.
And to all my Haitians, Happy Haitian Heritage Month, Bòn Fèt Drapo!
