Haitian musicians died at 80
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John Boulos
John Boulos (June 7, 1921 Port-au-Prince-January 16, 2002 Brooklyn) was a Haitian personality.
He was a noted journalist, author, and editor who made important contributions to the Haitian community. Upon graduating from law school in Haiti, Boulos moved to the United States where he became an advocate for Haitian immigrants. He founded the weekly newspaper "Haiti Observateur" in 1971, which he used as a platform to address issues related to Haitian politics, culture, and immigration.
Boulos was known for his advocacy for democracy and justice in Haiti. He was a critic of the Duvalier regime and was exiled from Haiti for his political views. In addition to his work in journalism, Boulos was a prolific author and translator. He wrote numerous opinion pieces and essays, and also translated works of literature from French and Spanish into Haitian Creole.
Boulos's contributions to the Haitian community earned him many accolades, including the prestigious Path to Democracy Award in 1994. He passed away on January 16, 2002, in Brooklyn, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and activism.
Boulos's legacy continued after his death. He was remembered as a leader and a pioneer in the Haitian community, and his work in journalism and advocacy inspired many others to follow in his footsteps. Boulos's "Haiti Observateur" remained in circulation for many years after his passing, and his books and essays continued to be widely read and admired. In 2014, the Haitian Studies Association established the John Boulos Memorial Scholarship Fund in honor of his contributions to the field of Haitian studies. The scholarship is awarded annually to a graduate student or early career scholar who demonstrates excellence in their work on Haiti or the Haitian diaspora. Boulos's life and work continue to inspire generations of Haitian journalists, authors, and activists who are committed to promoting democracy, justice, and human rights in Haiti and around the world.
Boulos was born on June 7, 1921, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He grew up in a politically active family and was exposed to Haitian politics from a young age. Boulos initially pursued a career in law and earned his degree from the University of Haiti. However, his passion for journalism eventually led him to move to the United States.
After arriving in the US, Boulos settled in Brooklyn and quickly became involved in the Haitian community. He saw a need for a newspaper that would represent the Haitian community's interests and perspectives, so he founded "Haiti Observateur". The newspaper quickly gained a readership among Haitian immigrants and became a key source of information and advocacy for the community.
Boulos was a tireless advocate for democracy and human rights in Haiti. He used his platform in "Haiti Observateur" to expose the corruption and violence of the Duvalier dictatorship and to call for democratic reforms. His work was influential in helping to bring about the downfall of the dictatorship and the establishment of democratic rule in Haiti.
In addition to his journalism and activism, Boulos was known for his literary work. He wrote several books and translated works of literature from French and Spanish into Haitian Creole. Boulos was a passionate advocate for the Haitian language and culture and believed that it was essential to preserve and promote them.
Boulos's legacy continues to inspire Haitians around the world. He was a powerful voice for democracy and justice and a fearless critic of those who abused their power. His work as a journalist, author, and translator helped to bridge gaps within the Haitian community and to give a voice to those who were marginalized. Boulos's life and work remind us of the power of activism and the importance of speaking truth to power.
Throughout his life, John Boulos was a prominent figure in the Haitian community, and his advocacy for democracy and human rights left a lasting impact on the political and social landscape of Haiti. His work as an author, journalist, and activist helped to bring attention to the issues facing the Haitian community and inspired countless others to follow in his footsteps.
In addition to his numerous accomplishments, Boulos was also a devoted family man and community member. He was married to his wife, Marguerite, for over 60 years, and together they raised three children. Boulos was known for his generosity and compassion, and he often provided legal and financial assistance to Haitian immigrants in need.
Boulos's pioneering work in the field of Haitian studies continues to be recognized and celebrated today. In addition to the John Boulos Memorial Scholarship Fund, his legacy has been honored through the establishment of the John Boulos Endowed Lecture Series at the City College of New York, which brings together scholars and activists to discuss issues related to Haiti and the Haitian diaspora.
Despite his passing nearly 20 years ago, Boulos's impact on the Haitian community and beyond continues to be felt today. His commitment to justice, equality, and freedom reminds us of the enduring power of activism and the importance of speaking truth to power.
In addition to his work as a journalist, author, and translator, John Boulos was also actively involved in politics. He served as an advisor to several Haitian political figures and was a member of the Haitian Democratic Coalition, an organization dedicated to promoting democracy in Haiti. Boulos also played a key role in the formation of the National Coalition for Haitian Rights, an organization that advocates for human rights in Haiti and the Haitian diaspora.
Boulos's dedication to human rights and democracy was recognized by numerous organizations throughout his life. In addition to the Path to Democracy Award, he was also awarded the Haitian Roundtable's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. Boulos received honorary doctorates from both the University of Maryland and Brooklyn College for his contributions to Haitian culture and society.
Even after his passing, Boulos remains an important figure in Haitian history and culture. His work as a journalist and activist helped to bring about significant political and social changes in Haiti, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of Haitians around the world.
One of John Boulos's notable accomplishments was helping to secure the release of Haitian political prisoner Father Jean-Bertrand Aristide. In 1991, Boulos organized a delegation of US politicians and journalists to visit Haiti and meet with Aristide, who had been ousted in a military coup. Boulos's efforts helped to raise awareness of Aristide's plight and to pressure the US government to advocate for his release. Aristide was eventually released in 1994 and went on to serve as Haiti's first democratically elected president.
Boulos's dedication to promoting Haitian culture and language was also reflected in his work as a translator. He translated important works of literature from French and Spanish into Haitian Creole, including the works of Pablo Neruda and Federico Garcia Lorca. Boulos believed that translating literature into Haitian Creole was an important way of promoting the language and affirming its value as a literary language.
Finally, Boulos's commitment to human rights and social justice was rooted in his belief that all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. He believed that the Haitian community in the United States should have access to the same opportunities and resources as other communities, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that Haitian immigrants were able to thrive in their adopted country. Boulos's life and work continue to be an inspiration to those who seek to build a more just and equitable society, both in Haiti and around the world.
Despite facing exile and criticism for his political views, Boulos remained committed to the cause of democracy and human rights throughout his life. He was a vocal critic of both the Duvalier regime and subsequent corrupt governments, using his platform in "Haiti Observateur" to shine a light on the injustices and atrocities being committed in Haiti. He also worked to promote the rights of Haitian immigrants in the United States, fighting against discrimination and advocating for better living and working conditions for members of the Haitian community.
Boulos's legacy continues to be felt in the Haitian community and beyond. His work as a journalist, author, and activist helped to shape Haitian history and culture and continues to inspire generations of Haitians around the world. As his granddaughter noted in an interview with the Brooklyn Rail, "His memory survives, particularly among those individuals who value journalism as activism and who want to see democracy and justice prevail."
In addition to his various contributions to the Haitian community, John Boulos was also an accomplished academic. He earned a Master's degree in Political Science from Long Island University and went on to teach International Relations at Brooklyn College. Boulos was a respected scholar and expert on Haitian politics, and his research focused on issues such as political violence, human rights, and democratization in Haiti. Outside of academia, Boulos was an active member of the Haitian Studies Association and served as its president from 1986 to 1988. He was a strong advocate for the promotion of Haitian studies in the United States, and played an important role in the establishment of Haitian studies programs at universities across the country. Boulos's legacy as an academic and scholar continues to be recognized through the ongoing work of the Haitian Studies Association and other organizations dedicated to promoting the study of Haiti and its diaspora.
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