Toussaint Louverture & The Woman Who Counseled Him
Suzanne was educated, intelligent, an avid farmer, and supporter of her husband, the Governor General of the colony
Suzanne Simone Baptiste Louverture, wife of Toussaint Louverture, was a wise and well-schooled daughter of an educator. She exhibited unwavering support of her influential husband who often sought her counsel and guidance. Suzanne wrote to powerful men of all backgrounds and is considered a historical figure in her own right, embodying resistance against colonial power as a Black woman.
Though Toussaint was not a trained military man, his organizational skills and strategy dominated any enemy in his sights
Toussaint Louverture was a visionary leader and a brilliant strategist, skilled in military campaigns, diplomacy, and social reforms. He wanted his colony to thrive in international trade with a vision for CARICOM centuries before its creation. His military achievements included conquering the Spanish, British, and French colonial armies. As Governor General of Saint Domingue, he boldly united the entire island of Hispaniola after the treaty of Basel of 1795 relinquished by Spain to France, promulgated the first and only constitution in 1801, and attempted to maintain the colony as an autonomous French possession. Despite his successes, he ultimately perished in a French prison far from the tropical home he dedicated his life to. Unlike other slaves of his time, Toussaint came from African royalty and enjoyed advantages passed down from his father’s positive influence and relationship with a white plantation owner, Bayon de Libertad.
Though he was already deceased by 1804, the beginning of Book Four, Toussaint makes a cameo appearance in spirit form during the death of his mentor, Bayon de Libertad.
Toussaint’s spirit is alive in Book Four
Book Four - The Clash of Pétion and Christophe - opens on New Year's Day of 1804, in three different cities - Cap Français, Gonaïves, and Port Républicain - where our main characters and principal protagonists begin to navigate their way through the aftermath of liberation, not knowing that their paths would soon cross at dangerous intersections. As they strive to establish stability and peace in their homeland, they will soon realize that this may be even more challenging than fighting for their freedom.