From the First of the Blacks to the First of the Whites: Immortal Technque's Essay On Haiti

If you haven't heard from Immortal Technique Felipe Coronel lately and are one of the folks that is always complaining about how he takes forever to drop, understand that dude has always been more than just a "political" or "conscious" rapper...In fact last I checked Tech was trying to fund and start up an orphanage in Afghanistan and doing speaking engagements at some of this county's biggest universities and abroad. A far cry from most American MC's who you could likely find currently updating their facebook status or rolling another L, rather than engaging their mind about the rest of the world, what exactly is going on in it and even further what they can do via their music and capitol to change it.

Recently EveryDropCounts.com published an essay that the continuously wired Peruano wrote that delves into the recent crisis in Haiti, but more so the historical context behind some it's recently much (and perhaps grossly incorrect) referenced revolution, as well as that island's racial identity. Put on your thinking cap, stop watching those ridiculous Grammy clips and read up, Tech takes us all to school here...

-BIG D O

Since the recent tragedy that has befallen the proud and persevering nation of Haiti, there has been an outpouring of support followed by a few disturbing falsities being spread about the history of the island and its people. I wrote the following to shed some light on events during and around the Haitian Revolution. Please remember memorizing and reiterating should never pass for learning. Deciphering the significance of individuals and events is what truly teaches us not just about history, but also about ourselves.

There is a wide spectrum of beliefs behind what has caused Haiti to suffer ceaselessly over the years. Some see the problem as being mostly political, bad governance, modern day colonialism, and the perceived necessity to make an example to the world of what a successful slave revolution will get you. There are even those on the fringe who cling to an ancient superstition that the island was freed by a mythological pact with Satan (video) In order to shed light on the issue I am forced to go back in time. Obviously not to the beginning of occupational history, but far enough to give others a realistic perspective on Haiti and it’s struggle.

Read the rest here