How Will You Honor Their Magic Within You?
The power to conjure revolution lives within each of us; this power has been passed down to us by strong Black women. How will you honor their magic in you?
Born enslaved in Haiti in the late 18th century, Cécile Fatiman was a conjure woman. During the Haitian revolution, Fatiman gave food and shelter to revolutionaries and persuaded other Vodou practitioners to join the rebellion.
Before the revolution, Fatiman and another Vodou priest, Dutty Boukman, were approached by enslaved Africans seeking guidance in planning their uprising. As they gathered in the Bois Caïman forest, Fatiman and Boukman performed a Vodou ritual.
Fatiman made an offering to spirit guides before leading hundreds of enslaved men and women through their vows to free themselves from their French colonizers.
The ceremony catalyzed the Haitian revolution, but Fatiman’s influence had only just begun.
Fatiman cast protective spells over the resistance throughout the Haitian revolution, refused to divulge information to the French army, and used her communication networks to deliver important messages to the freedom fighters.
Unfortunately, Fatiman is one of many Black women not credited for the work that they have done for their spiritual communities, political organizations, or the Civil Rights Movement.
Fatiman inspired and helped lead a revolution. We should question any history that erases the role of Black women like her.
Black women have always conjured revolution.
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