Pierre Toussaint

Pierre Toussaint PDF Author: Arthur Jones
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780976875130
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
This is the remarkable true story of Pierre Toussaint (c.1781-1853), a slave who gained his freedom and became a well-known high-society hairstylist in New York City. A devout Catholic, Toussaint worked tirelessly on behalf of the poor and oppressed. At the time of his death, he was hailed as New York's leading black citizen. Now, he is now a candidate for sainthood.Toussaint was born on the island of Haiti, on a plantation owned by the Bérards, a prosperous French family, who raised him as a Catholic. When the Bérards fled to New York in 1797 during a slave uprising, they took Toussaint with them as a servant. New York held its own dangers: anti-Catholic sentiment was high and African-Americans were beaten on the streets. But Toussaint began to earn a substantial income as a hairdresser to upper-class women, including Alexander Hamilton's wife, a profession he continued after gaining his freedom in 1807. Moving in the higher echelons of society, Toussaint was reputed to know everything that went on in the city.In the first biography written for a mainstream audience, Arthur Jones draws on letters from Toussaint's friends and admirers, both black and white. They praised him equally for his charming, refined manners and for his exemplary charity work: caring for the poor, helping former slaves, and raising funds for New York's first Catholic cathedral. Toussaint was supported in this work by his wife, Juliette Gaston, a slave whose freedom he had purchased.In recognition of Toussaint's charity work, in 1996, the Catholic Church declared him "Venerable," the second step toward sainthood. Although Toussaint experienced poverty and prejudice, he found strength in his religious faith, his independence of mind, and his sense of personal dignity. In defying the strictures of a racist society, Toussaint became a symbol of hope for oppressed and maligned people of all backgrounds.

Pierre Toussaint

Pierre Toussaint PDF Author: Arthur Jones
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780976875130
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
This is the remarkable true story of Pierre Toussaint (c.1781-1853), a slave who gained his freedom and became a well-known high-society hairstylist in New York City. A devout Catholic, Toussaint worked tirelessly on behalf of the poor and oppressed. At the time of his death, he was hailed as New York's leading black citizen. Now, he is now a candidate for sainthood.Toussaint was born on the island of Haiti, on a plantation owned by the Bérards, a prosperous French family, who raised him as a Catholic. When the Bérards fled to New York in 1797 during a slave uprising, they took Toussaint with them as a servant. New York held its own dangers: anti-Catholic sentiment was high and African-Americans were beaten on the streets. But Toussaint began to earn a substantial income as a hairdresser to upper-class women, including Alexander Hamilton's wife, a profession he continued after gaining his freedom in 1807. Moving in the higher echelons of society, Toussaint was reputed to know everything that went on in the city.In the first biography written for a mainstream audience, Arthur Jones draws on letters from Toussaint's friends and admirers, both black and white. They praised him equally for his charming, refined manners and for his exemplary charity work: caring for the poor, helping former slaves, and raising funds for New York's first Catholic cathedral. Toussaint was supported in this work by his wife, Juliette Gaston, a slave whose freedom he had purchased.In recognition of Toussaint's charity work, in 1996, the Catholic Church declared him "Venerable," the second step toward sainthood. Although Toussaint experienced poverty and prejudice, he found strength in his religious faith, his independence of mind, and his sense of personal dignity. In defying the strictures of a racist society, Toussaint became a symbol of hope for oppressed and maligned people of all backgrounds.

Pierre Toussaint

Pierre Toussaint PDF Author: Arthur Sheehan
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781932350999
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
In the French Caribbean colony of Santo Domingo, a young black slave, Pierre Toussaint, grows up on the eve of a violent revolution. Though Pierre has received a kindly upbringing with the Berard family, his observations of life have gained him painful insights. In 1787 the Berards, with 21-year-old Pierre, take refuge in New York City just as serious troubles begin to erupt on their island. When his master dies unexpectedly and family investments are lost, Pierre-the only man of their stranded household-quietly shoulders the financial responsibilities, covering for Madame Berard's destitution. Trained as a hairdresser, Toussaint pays all the bills from his income and cultivates an atmosphere of dignity. As a baptized youth, he had learned to read and had pored over celebrated sermons from his master's study. Now the wealthy New York ladies whose hair he dresses turn to Pierre, finding him the soul of wisdom in their perplexities. An inner freedom animates Pierre and he offers practical help to an ever-expanding circle of all ranks in life, becoming a well-known and revered figure in New York City. Today his Cause for Canonization is being promoted, and he is recognized as Venerable Pierre Toussaint.

Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood

Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood PDF Author: Michael R. Heinlein, Editor
Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor
ISBN: 1681927934
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 77

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Book Description
The Church in the United States is greatly blessed by the contributions of Black Catholics and the legacy of holiness of so many men and women of color. These men and women lived lives that are worthy of our study and emulation. In Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood, Michael R. Heinlein provides the first book to explore the lives of the six Black Catholics from the United States whose causes are under formal consideration by the Catholic Church for canonization. Including biographies and personal reflections from diverse contributors, this book shows how these six men and women provide a model of holiness for all Catholics and people of good will. Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Venerable Henriette Delille, Venerable Father Augustus Tolton, Servant of God Mother Mary Lange, Servant of God Julia Greeley, and Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman are sources of inspiration for us all. As we continue to pray for the advancement of their causes for canonization, all Catholics of every race can learn a great deal from these holy men and women. By their stories of faith and virtue, they show us how to respond to the call to holiness, bringing healing, reconciliation, and peace to our wounded nation and world. “It is my profound honor to add my voice in support of Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood. This book gives an insightful look at the Black Americans that are on the path to canonized sainthood in the Catholic Church. The book introduces readers to six Black Americans who dealt in their lifetimes with the human denigration and suffering that is manifested by America’s Original Sin of racism. Yet they not only persevered, but truly lived as Christian people, which so many Americans claim to be, but whose actions do not support that claim. These Black Americans sought to show love, compassion, and forgiveness to all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or station in life. All of the men and women you will meet in Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood — through their faith in God and by giving of themselves to God’s people, their sisters and brothers — did what Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman said: ‘we must return love, no matter what.’ These men and women show us the way forward.” Most Reverend Roy E. Campbell, Jr., Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, President of the National Black Catholic Congress “Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood is an inspiring look at six holy Black men and women who mirrored Christ in service to others. All of them persevered, despite the many rejections they encountered, giving Black Catholics today the inspiration to meet the obstacles of racial inequity with equal grace and love, and providing insight to all Catholics, regardless of race, into the effects of systemic racism and the many gifts and talents people of color bring to the Church. The accompanying reflections, written by Catholic laity and religious, provide deeper insight into the lives of the six candidates for Canonization, and how best we can learn from them and emulate their examples in our own lives.” The National Black Catholic Congress “Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood is a great expose on the lives and faith of some of our Black ancestors who responded with both prayer and action to overcome racism. Discovering through this book their life stories, their suffering, and their faith-filled response, one is inspired to seek the conversion of hearts with regard to racism through prayer and action so that we too can aspire to be saints by the manner in which we love one another.” Most Reverend Shelton J. Fabre, Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Chairman of the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism “Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood provides a glimpse into the power of God’s grace at work in the lives of men and women who were often treated with disdain. The Archdiocese of Denver has been blessed by the heroic, charitable witness of Julia Greeley on our streets, in our churches, and in our homes. This book extends that blessing to all who are seeking additional examples of courage, perseverance, and determination. As our country and Church work to address racism, may we turn to these holy men and women for their example and intercession.” Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila, Archbishop of Denver “Michael Heinlein performs a great service in bringing together engaging reflections on and portraits of Black Catholics who are on the road to sainthood. Their stories differ but they have at least one thing in common: They rose above the racism of their day to the heights of holiness. From their place in eternity, they challenge us to root out racism from our midst. This volume should prompt us to pray and work for the canonization of these worthy witnesses to the Lord’s truth and love.” Most Reverend William E. Lori Archdiocese of Baltimore “The last three Bishops of Rome have called Christ’s Church to a New Evangelization, a renewal of the mandate given at Pentecost: to carry on the mission of the Redeemer. Heinlein’s book offers us a glimpse of a central theme of our renewal — personal witness, the heart of it seen in the cloud of witness of these holy ones. These men and women of color lived their faith life and became living gospels of the Gift: the Passion of the Cross, seen in the evil of racism; the Liberation of the Resurrection, recognized in the courage of the prophets; and the songs of the Kingdom, heard and shared in the joy of the Spirit. They call us to witness.” Most Reverend David P. Talley, Bishop of Memphis “‘Can anything good come from Nazareth?’ was Nathaniel’s response in John’s gospel to Philip’s invitation to meet Jesus. Philip’s words in reply echo down the centuries: ‘Come and see’ (John 1:45–46). Within this book is a cohort of six awe-inspiring disciples who encountered the Lord and proved that, when grasped by Jesus Christ, God can raise up goodness from anywhere. As former slaves and descendants of chattel slavery, they bore fruit a hundred-fold in their time and place and bequeathed to the Church a lasting legacy. I invite all who yearn for racial justice and peace to come and see in this book six black women and men who show us the path to life in this world as they continue on the road to sainthood.” Most Reverend Joseph Kopacz, Bishop of Jackson “Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood gives us an opportunity to become better acquainted with six black women and men from the United States and to be inspired by their lives of faith. As we strive for holiness, we are given the privilege to learn more about their journey to canonization and to participate in their process.” Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans “Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood is essential reading for all Catholics, particularly at this time in our country’s history. There is a common thread in the stories of these six holy men and women: a strong faith, love for others, and personal sacrifice. I appreciate OSV raising awareness of the lives of these candidates for sainthood. It is my hope that reading about their lives and struggles will inspire not just devotion but others to follow in their footsteps. The world desperately needs models of holiness and virtue like the ones contained in this short volume. May their testimony of faith help us bring healing and reconciliation to a divided world and inspire us to respond to our own call to holiness.” Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia, chairman USCCB Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church

Fugitive Saints

Fugitive Saints PDF Author: Katie Walker Grimes
Publisher: Fortress Press
ISBN: 150641673X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 203

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Book Description
How should the Catholic church remember the sins of its saints? This question proves particularly urgent in the case of those saints who were canonized due to their relation to black slavery. Today, many of their racial virtues seem like racial vices. In this way, the church celebrates Peter Claver, a seventeenth-century Spanish missionary to Colombia, as “the saint of the slave trade,” and extols Martín de Porres as the patron saint of mixed race people. But in truth, their sainthoods have upheld anti-blackness much more than they have undermined it. Habituated by anti-blackness, the church has struggled to perceive racial holiness accurately. In the ongoing cause to canonize Pierre Toussaint, a Haitian-born former slave, the church continues to enact these bad racial habits. This book proposes black fugitivity, as both a historical practice and an interpretive principle, to be a strategy by which the church can build new hagiographical habits. Rather than searching inside itself for racial heroes, the church should learn to celebrate those black fugitives who sought refuge outside of it.

Toussaint L'Ouverture

Toussaint L'Ouverture PDF Author: John Relly Beard
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Generals
Languages : en
Pages : 392

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Book Description


Memoir of Pierre Toussaint, Born a Slave in St. Domingo

Memoir of Pierre Toussaint, Born a Slave in St. Domingo PDF Author: Hannah Farnham Sawyer Lee
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 138

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Book Description
Biography of Pierre Toussaint, born in 1766 on the island of St. Domingo, portrays his experiences in slavery as peaceful and happy. In addition to Toussaint's life in St. Domingo, the author also provides information about St. Domingo's economy, political climate, and a brief account of Toussaint L'Ouverture, a former slave who rose to prominence on the island. During a period of unrest, Toussaint, his sister, Rosalie and their master, John Bérard, moved to New York, where Toussaint was trained as a hairdresser, and soon developed a growing clientele. Following the death of his master, Toussaint cared for his mistress by paying her debts and buying her luxuries out of his savings and employment. Toussaint was freed from slavery upon the death of his mistress and he purchased the freedom of his sister and his future wife. Nevertheless, when asked about Emancipation he refused to participate or claim to be an Abolitionist saying that they had not seen blood shed as he had, and they did not know what they were doing. Much of the remainder of the narrative describes his most meaningful relationships, particularly with his wife, Juliette, and his niece, Euphemia, and details various charitable ventures he was involved in. Written in third person, a large part of the narrative is related through Toussaint's correspondence with various relatives and acquaintances. A short appendix relays his death announcements that appeared in New York newspapers.

The Bathroom

The Bathroom PDF Author: Jean-Philippe Toussaint
Publisher: Dalkey Archive Press
ISBN: 9781564785183
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 116

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Book Description
"An original and significant writer, whose fiction can be as engaging as it is surprising." The Times Literary Supplement

Black Spartacus

Black Spartacus PDF Author: Sudhir Hazareesingh
Publisher: Macmillan + ORM
ISBN: 0374722161
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 327

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Book Description
Winner of the 2021 Wolfson History Prize “Black Spartacus is a tour de force: by far the most complete, authoritative and persuasive biography of Toussaint that we are likely to have for a long time . . . An extraordinarily gripping read.” —David A. Bell, The Guardian A new interpretation of the life of the Haitian revolutionary Toussaint Louverture Among the defining figures of the Age of Revolution, Toussaint Louverture is the most enigmatic. Though the Haitian revolutionary’s image has multiplied across the globe—appearing on banknotes and in bronze, on T-shirts and in film—the only definitive portrait executed in his lifetime has been lost. Well versed in the work of everyone from Machiavelli to Rousseau, he was nonetheless dismissed by Thomas Jefferson as a “cannibal.” A Caribbean acolyte of the European Enlightenment, Toussaint nurtured a class of black Catholic clergymen who became one of the pillars of his rule, while his supporters also believed he communicated with vodou spirits. And for a leader who once summed up his modus operandi with the phrase “Say little but do as much as possible,” he was a prolific and indefatigable correspondent, famous for exhausting the five secretaries he maintained, simultaneously, at the height of his power in the 1790s. Employing groundbreaking archival research and a keen interpretive lens, Sudhir Hazareesingh restores Toussaint to his full complexity in Black Spartacus. At a time when his subject has, variously, been reduced to little more than a one-dimensional icon of liberation or criticized for his personal failings—his white mistresses, his early ownership of slaves, his authoritarianism —Hazareesingh proposes a new conception of Toussaint’s understanding of himself and his role in the Atlantic world of the late eighteenth century. Black Spartacus is a work of both biography and intellectual history, rich with insights into Toussaint’s fundamental hybridity—his ability to unite European, African, and Caribbean traditions in the service of his revolutionary aims. Hazareesingh offers a new and resonant interpretation of Toussaint’s racial politics, showing how he used Enlightenment ideas to argue for the equal dignity of all human beings while simultaneously insisting on his own world-historical importance and the universal pertinence of blackness—a message which chimed particularly powerfully among African Americans. Ultimately, Black Spartacus offers a vigorous argument in favor of “getting back to Toussaint”—a call to take Haiti’s founding father seriously on his own terms, and to honor his role in shaping the postcolonial world to come. Shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize | Finalist for the PEN / Jacqueline Bograd Weld Award for Biography Named a best book of the year by the The Economist | Times Literary Supplement | New Statesman

The Black Jacobins

The Black Jacobins PDF Author: C.L.R. James
Publisher: Vintage
ISBN: 0593687337
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 465

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Book Description
A powerful and impassioned historical account of the largest successful revolt by enslaved people in history: the Haitian Revolution of 1791–1803 “One of the seminal texts about the history of slavery and abolition.... Provocative and empowering.” —The New York Times Book Review The Black Jacobins, by Trinidadian historian C. L. R. James, was the first major analysis of the uprising that began in the wake of the storming of the Bastille in France and became the model for liberation movements from Africa to Cuba. It is the story of the French colony of San Domingo, a place where the brutality of plantation owners toward enslaved people was horrifyingly severe. And it is the story of a charismatic and barely literate enslaved person named Toussaint L’Ouverture, who successfully led the Black people of San Domingo against successive invasions by overwhelming French, Spanish, and English forces—and in the process helped form the first independent post-colonial nation in the Caribbean. With a new introduction (2023) by Professor David Scott.

The Slaves Who Defeated Napoleon

The Slaves Who Defeated Napoleon PDF Author: Philippe R. Girard
Publisher: University of Alabama Press
ISBN: 0817317325
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 458

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Book Description
In this ambitious book, Girard employs the latest tools of the historian's craft, multi-archival research in particular, and applies them to the climactic yet poorly understood last years of the Haitian Revolution. Haiti lost most of its archives to neglect and theft, but a substantial number of documents survive in French, U.S., British, and Spanish collections, both public and private. In all, this book relies on contemporary military, commercial, and administrative sources drawn from nineteen archives and research libraries on both sides of the Atlantic.