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Unity is Strength or Liberty - Equality - Fraternity: What is Haiti’s true national motto?
Unity is Strength or Liberty - Equality - Fraternity: What is Haiti’s true national motto?
Unity is Strength or Liberty - Equality - Fraternity: What is Haiti’s true national motto?

Unity is Strength or Liberty - Equality - Fraternity: What is Haiti’s true national motto?

Haiti has two mottos: "Unity is Strength" on its coat of arms and "Liberty-Equality-Fraternity" in its 1987 Constitution. Find out which one is official.

Confusion has persisted for decades in the Haitian collective imagination: what is the true official motto of the Republic of Haiti? While "Unity is Strength" proudly adorns the national coat of arms, the 1987 Constitution proclaims "Liberty - Equality - Fraternity." Immersed in this symbolic duality, it reflects the complex identity of the first independent Black Republic.

Two Mottos, One Nation: The Haitian Paradox

If you ask a Haitian about their country’s motto, chances are they will answer without hesitation: "Unity is Strength." This historic phrase, engraved on the national coat of arms and taught from generation to generation, is an integral part of Haiti’s patriotic DNA. Yet, legally speaking, the answer is quite different.

According to Article 4 of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of Haiti, the fundamental text that currently governs the country, the official national motto is: "Liberty - Equality - Fraternity." This direct borrowing from the French republican motto may seem surprising for a country that fiercely fought France for its independence in 1804.

Strength in Unity: A Legend Inscribed in the Arms of the Republic

Although it is not the constitutional motto, "Strength in Unity" nevertheless occupies a central place in Haitian national symbols. This phrase appears explicitly in the official description of the coat of arms of the Republic, as established by the Constitution:

The Arms of the Republic consist of a palm tree surmounted by the cap of liberty and, shading with its palms, a trophy of arms with the legend: Strength in Unity.

This inscription is not insignificant. It appears on the national flag, in the center of the white square separating the blue and red bands. Every Haitian grows up contemplating this motto on the emblem flown in institutions, schools, and official ceremonies.

Why this symbolic duality?

The coexistence of these two mottos reveals the historical and ideological tensions that have plagued Haïti for more than two centuries.

The revolutionary legacy of "Strength in Unity"

"Strength in Unity" has its roots in the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804). This maxim embodied the crucial message that independence leaders wanted to convey: only the unity of rebellious slaves, beyond divisions of color and origin, could defeat the French colonial armies.

This motto reflects Haiti’s unique history, the only successful slave revolt in world history. It reminds us that Haitian freedom was not granted, but rather won through the sacred union of the oppressed.

The constitutional shift towards "Liberty - Equality - Fraternity"

The adoption of "Liberty - Equality - Fraternity" in the 1987 Constitution marks a symbolic turning point. This constitution, drafted after the fall of the Duvalier dictatorship, sought to anchor Haïti in the universal values ​​of human rights and democracy.

The choice of the French motto can be interpreted as a desire to reinstate itself in the international republican community and the legacy of the Enlightenment, while turning the page on the years of dictatorship.

Which motto legally prevails?

From a strictly legal perspective, "Liberty - Equality - Fraternity" is the official national motto of Haiti, as it is explicitly designated as such in the Constitution, the country’s supreme text.

However, "Unity is Strength" retains a special status: it is the official legend of the coat of arms of the Republic, also enshrined in the Constitution. It is therefore not an "unofficial" motto, but rather a heraldic motto, distinct from the national motto.

In the hearts of Haitians: "Unity is Strength" remains essential.

Despite constitutional clarity, the social and cultural reality overwhelmingly favors "Unity is Strength." This phrase resonates deeply with Haitian historical identity. It evokes resistance, solidarity in the face of adversity, and the glorious legacy of ancestors who have broken their chains.

For many Haitians, "Liberty - Equality - Fraternity" seems like a foreign import, while "Unity is Strength" is their own. It is this motto that is sung, celebrated, and brandished during moments of national unity.

Two Mottos, One Dream

Whether it is called "Unity is Strength" or "Liberty - Equality - Fraternity," the Haitian motto embodies the aspirations of a people who paid the price in blood for their freedom.

Perhaps Haiti’s true motto, ultimately, is not to be found in legal texts, but in the hearts of every Haitian who continues to believe, against all odds, in the possibility of a better future, built on the values ​​of unity, freedom, and human dignity.

And you, which motto do you think best embodies the spirit of Haiti? Share your opinion in the comments!

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About the Author
Appolon Guy Alain
Appolon Guy Alain
Appolon Guy Alain

Full Stack Developer, Créatif, expérimenté, passionné des nouvelles technologies et de l’art.

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For the last three decades the internet has transformed the way people live, access information and promote worthy causes. Institutions that embrace this technology lead the way in their respective industries and last, while countries that embrace this technology and wisely implement it enable themselves to thrive and build sustainable economies. After decades of existence, the internet has been shared with mainly two groups of people; those who use it as a tool to build, and those who use it as a tool of destruction. Those who see the internet as a bridge to make a positive impact in the world and those who see it as the comfy bed to never leave, hence, the difference between the consumer and producer. Unfortunately our beloved home, Haiti, has been of the former mindset. Is it a lack of vision, lack of skills and competences or is it lack of hard working individuals? Regardless what it is or had been for decades, now is the time to change the paradigm on all fronts necessary and reshape the future. If the past decades have been ruled by non-production and negative press, now is the time to change the paradigm by producing and using the limitless of the web to sell the beauty, the culture and the greatness of Haïti to the rest of the world. If the past has been ruled with a selective truth and an effort to showcase the worst and by extension create the worst narrative, now, my fellow Haitian, regardless of where you are on this planet, is the time for us to undertake this mission, to take responsibility and recreate the narrative of our mother land. A narrative based on truth and transparency, a narrative that tells the story of who we are and certainly who we are not, a narrative to invite the world to explore and see for themselves. It is our duty. If not now, when? If not you and I, then, who? Our main mission at Haïti Wonderland is to rewrite the narrative of Haïti on the web. Then use the internet to bring Haïti back to the top of the touristic destination map once again. Those are what motivate us, the oxygen that we breath, they are the reason we wake up in the morning and fight. We didn’t choose this path because we know it will be easy but we choose it because: 1. It is a noble cause 2. It is necessary and 3. It must be done. But must importantly we take this path because we know you and every Haitian in this world, who knows the truth about Haïti are tired with what you see when typing Haïti on the web, and at the same time understand that something must change, and it must be done as soon as possible. We know you are ready for this, and together we will change the narrative of Haïti on the web and we will bring Haïti back to the top of the touristic destination map. This is a call of duty to you, regardless of your field of endeavor or where you’re located in this world. This is a call to join (http://haitiwonderland.com) to first see for yourself the movement you’re joining, then create your own account and start creating and sharing. Together we will rewrite the narrative of Haïti on the web. Thank you for joining this worthy cause. Let’s invite the world to discover the true face of Haiti.

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First black nation to free itself from slavery and gain independence from France in 1804 and influenced other liberation movements around the world, inspiring struggles for freedom and equality.

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