Introduction
Title
Introduction
Subject
Alexis, Jacques Stéphen, 1922-1961.
Description
“Remembering Jacques Stéphen Alexis: A Centenary Celebration” commemorates the centennial anniversary of the birth of Jacques Stéphen Alexis (1922– -1961), renowned Haitian novelist, essayist, activist, and neurologist born in Gonaïve, Haiti. Alexis’s lineage stretches back to the birth of the nation as a descendent of General Jean-Jacques Dessalines, who was one of the primary leaders of the battle for independence culminating in the establishment of the first Black republic in 1804. Alexis followed in the
footsteps of family members who were known for their intellectual and political engagement, as well as their fiery advocacy for the equal flourishing of all the people of their native land regardless of their station in life. Alexis’ life and literary works were intimately bound to freedom and to the struggles of the working class. In 1946 he led a successful student strike—soon joined by workers, civil servants, and businesses—against the government of then Haitian president, Elie Lescot.
Alexis wrote four novels, “Compère Général Soleil” / “General Sun, My Brother” (1955), “Les arbres musiciens” / “The Musician Trees” (1957), “L’Espace d’un cillement” / “In the Flicker of an Eyelid” (1959), and “Romancero aux étoiles” / “The Romance With Stars” (1960). Throughout these, a rich set of characters incarnate the political and social struggles of land expropriation of farmers producing food crops, the indifference and failures of the national elites and foreign occupation, and the perilous migration to other countries. The literary pieces are anchored in the reality of the common people striving for agency over their own lives. The works on display are a testimony not only to the linguistic genius of Jacques
Stéphen Alexis, but also to his profound understanding of the complexities of human nature and the experiences of marginalized people.
footsteps of family members who were known for their intellectual and political engagement, as well as their fiery advocacy for the equal flourishing of all the people of their native land regardless of their station in life. Alexis’ life and literary works were intimately bound to freedom and to the struggles of the working class. In 1946 he led a successful student strike—soon joined by workers, civil servants, and businesses—against the government of then Haitian president, Elie Lescot.
Alexis wrote four novels, “Compère Général Soleil” / “General Sun, My Brother” (1955), “Les arbres musiciens” / “The Musician Trees” (1957), “L’Espace d’un cillement” / “In the Flicker of an Eyelid” (1959), and “Romancero aux étoiles” / “The Romance With Stars” (1960). Throughout these, a rich set of characters incarnate the political and social struggles of land expropriation of farmers producing food crops, the indifference and failures of the national elites and foreign occupation, and the perilous migration to other countries. The literary pieces are anchored in the reality of the common people striving for agency over their own lives. The works on display are a testimony not only to the linguistic genius of Jacques
Stéphen Alexis, but also to his profound understanding of the complexities of human nature and the experiences of marginalized people.
Creator
Duval-Carrié, Edouard, 1954- artist.
Beatrice Colastin Skokan, 1970-author.
Beatrice Colastin Skokan, 1970-author.
Contributor
University of Miami Libraries, Creative Department.
Publisher
University of Miami Libraries.
Date
2023-2024
Files
Citation
Duval-Carrié, Edouard, 1954- artist.
Beatrice Colastin Skokan, 1970-author.
, “Introduction,” UM Libraries Digital Exhibits, accessed July 3, 2024, http://scholar.library.miami.edu/digital/items/show/1870.