29905: Meta (Re:) Dr. Ertha Pascal-Trouillot (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Angela Mata <completelynicole@yahoo.com>
Subject: Dr. Ertha Pascal-Trouillot

Hello,

  I am an Afro-American with a keen fascination with all things Haitian.  I am 
especially interested in the work of Edwige Danticatt - who has become my 
favorite contemporary writer - and Mme. President Trouillot whom I have only 
known about for a week.

  I was looking for the local weather forecast for Port-au-Prince as part of an 
exercise that I had to do for my computer class when I stumbled upon a picture 
and a brief biographical sketch of the former First Lady of Haiti.  I was 
amazed by my discovery.  For the past three years, I have been reading 
articles, books and essays on Haiti, but I had somehow managed to completely 
look over Mme Trouillet.  I was amazed!
  She is beautiful and so intelligent that her pictures brings a smile to my 
face.  As a black woman, her accomplishments fill me with pride....even though 
she never smiles!  Mme. Trouillot entered office in the same year that I 
graduated from high school.  Unfortunately, I knew close to nothing about Haiti 
in those days.  I am thankful for your website and the various Haitian search 
engines that I have found online.  I have learned so much via this new age of 
technology!

  I did read somewhere that Dr. Trouillot chooses to live a somewhat reclusive 
life these days, shunning the public eye.  I assume that this this is largely 
due to the humiliation that she incurred at the end of her term.   It has been 
reported that she has given numerous lectures at seminars and universities 
around the world since then and has resumed her interest in writing and Haitian 
law.

  I would love to know what she is doing now, where in the world she is, and 
whether or not you have any updated pictures of her.  If you do, then would you 
mind sharing them on your website?

  I would also like to know what the Haitian community's impression of her is 
all along.  Was she and/or is she still considered a political charlatan 
because of her alleged attempt at a coup d'etat?  Or is she a hero, especially 
among Haitian woman.

   Another thing that interests me is class destinction in Haiti.  I understand 
that this is determined by skin color which seems strange to an Afro-American 
born during the heyday of the so-called "Black Power Movement"  here in the 
States.  Your website has a complete list of Haitian Presidents wich includes 
Mme. Trouillot.  On this list, she is classified as "light".  Not that it 
matters, but this shocked me because she appears to be my complexion, and I 
consider myself BLACK!  What makes me proud is seeing a photo of this GORGEOUS 
black woman with prominent African features (she even has braids in one 
picture) who has managed to accomplish so much with her life.  So does skin 
color also determine a particular state of mind - do  (or did) these people 
whom you have labeled as black, dark, and light consider themselves something 
other than Black or African-American due to their high social status?

  And would you happen to know what class Mme Trouillot belonged to before her 
outstanding academic and professional achievements?   Is she now considered a 
part of Haiti's so-called "elitist" class?  Does she speak English?

  I am an ameteur artist and writer who has created a complex comic book series 
that is heavily based on African and Afro-American mythology and history.  My 
research on Haiti has served me significantly during my creative phase.  So 
impressed was I by Mme. Trouillot that I have worked diligently, night and day, 
creating a character that is largely based on her life and achievements.  I 
must say that this particular short story is now my favorite which is largely 
due to my passion for the subject.

  Howbeit, I cannot help but wonder how the Haitian people feel about Mme. 
Trouillot collectively.  Would you say that she is a hero to most?  In spite of 
my interest in her, I would hate to promote her as a hero if she has done more 
harm than good in the eyes of her compatriots.

  Please write back whenever time permits.  I am VERY anxious to hear from you!

  Peace and Blessings,
  Angela Nicole Mata


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