Hati – History: Message from Lesly Cond on the occasion of the 233rd anniversary of the Caman Wood Congress

It is with ever-increasing pleasure and enthusiasm that I find myself in your company each year to commemorate the anniversary of a significant event in the history of our Nation. We are deliberately departing from the interpretation that our history books had given to the great gathering that took place on the night of August 14 to 15, 1791, at the instigation of “Boukman” in “Bwa Kayiman.” Instead of saying that it was a black magic ceremony during which African rites were practiced, contrasting with the Christian teachings of the French colonists, we prefer to speak of a historic congress that deserves a much better place in the history of humanity.

Indeed, on the night of August 14-15, 1791, while slavery reigned in all its brutality, an event occurred in the rich colony of Saint Domingue that marked the beginning of the end of a world order based on the cruel exploitation of humans by humans. Three centuries of physical and psychological abuse had not succeeded in destroying the humanity of these black men and women who had in common the language of human dignity, the love of freedom. This gigantic historical event that some historians still call the “Bois Caïman Ceremony” deserves to be seen as the first steps of an important revolution that the world still persists in ignoring.

Today’s true historians refuse to speak of the “Bois Caïman Ceremony.” For them, this brave Congress was neither a vulgar meeting of sorcerers nor a macabre evening of black magic, as historians of a certain era and a certain tendency like to describe, as well as racists insensitive to Haiti’s current problems. For them, we are a cursed Nation because our ancestors defeated slavery thanks to a pact with Satan.

One of the principal organizers of the congress was “Boukman.” This English name confirms that he was a slave from the island of Jamaica. Probably initiated into Islam from his native Africa. He was often seen with his Koran; hence the name “Book Man.” He was the Imam, and the gathering took place in the woods of his home (“BWA Kay imam”). It is no wonder that our early historians completely emasculated our heroes, and trivialized their exploits. This is the sort of thing that happens when the detractors of a nation write its history.

This world which proclaims itself to be in love with freedom and justice, should celebrate each year with us this courageous gathering which was a declaration of love for universal freedom, that of every human being.

Today, it is hard to believe that a nation born of such bravery deserves to be so mercilessly humiliated in its 220th year of existence. We will not say that our ancestors who were brave enough, proud enough and determined enough to organize the important “Congress of Bois Kay Imam”, were not ready for freedom. Our country is still in the midst of a struggle for justice and democracy in a totally hostile or indifferent world. We cling to our right to survive with dignity and on our own terms. This is the spirit of the “Congress of Bois Kay Imam”.