On January 1, 1804, Jean-Jacques Dessalines declared Haiti’s independence and the country became the first free Black Republic, ending slavery. The Soup Joumou (winter squash), which was prepared by the slaves, for the slavemasters, was forbidden to them. Therefore, since January 1st 1804, its consumption is a strong symbol of celebration and liberation of the Haitian people which is celebrated every year around the world.
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Premye Janvye 1804, Jean-Jacques Desalin te deklare endepandans Ayiti, se te premye Repiblik nwa lib, sispan esklavaj. Soup Joumou, ki te prepare pou met esklav yo, te entèdi pou esklav yo. Se sa ki fè, depi jou sa a, nan dat sa a, konsomasyon li se yon senbol solid nan selebrasyon ak Liberasyon pep Ayisyen ke yo selebre atravè mond lan.
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Le 1er Janvier 1804, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, déclare l’indépendance d’Haïti et elle devient la première République Noire libre, mettant fin à l’esclavage.
La soupe au Giraumon qui était préparée pour les maîtres, était interdite aux esclaves. Par conséquent, depuis ce jour, à cette date, sa consommation est un symbole fort de célébration et de libération du peuple haïtien célébrée autour du monde.
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#ayiti #independance #endepandans #istwa #1804 #janvier #joumou #soupe #soup #ayisyen #haitien #haitian #blackrepublic #dessalines #slaves #slavery #history #histoire #haiti #slave #slavemaster #maitre #westindies #hispaniola #carribeans #africa #france #french 📸: Cindy Similien-Johnson

Florida-bred filmmaker Dudley Alexis decided to dig deep into the history of soup joumou—Haitian pumpkin soup that is consumed heavily in some Haitian-American households on the first of the year. The documentary Liberty in A Soup is the result of his cultural research.

The documentary is a breakthrough for his career. It’s his first feature documentary, and he not only directed it, but also wrote and edited the work. Interestingly enough, it was a conversation in a taxi that led him to produce Liberty in A Soup! The cabbie, who was of West African origin, asked Alexis about the significance of the soup, and the director decided to create a documentary that would explain its history to his fellow Haitian-Americans and other curious folks.

Liberty in A Soup contains interviews with Dr. Benjamin Hebblethwaite, a professor at the University of Florida, who lectures on Haitian Creole and culture, Babacar M’Bow, an art curator, and author Edwidge Danticat, among other commentators and experts.

Prior to releasing Liberty in A Soup, Mr. Alexis produced several short documentaries. He was heavily involved with the Miccosukee Magazine, as post production producer.

This has been another episode of…Haitian-American Culture from your favorite chick Kreyolicious.

You can watch a trailer of Liberty in A Soup below.

CLICK HERE to visit the Liberty in A Soup website!