Historical Context
In every country Surge works, we pay close attention to the remnants of the colonial past and take steps to ensure that our work is an active part of decolonization.
This breathtaking mountainous land is known for its culture, art, festivals, cuisine, landscapes and more. After freeing themselves from French control and slavery in the early 19th century, Haiti became the world’s first black-led republic. However, after independence, Haiti was crippled by reparations to France; decades of meddling by the United States; and generations of failed assistance programs, some of which created more problems than they solved. Haiti has survived through economic instability, natural disasters, dictatorships, insecurity, a foreign occupation, and other struggles.
Despite a history of oppressive forces that led it to being one of the poorest countries in the Americas, its people work towards positive change.
