Ep 1. Haiti & the Dominican Republic: An Island Divided

"Black in Latin America" is a documentary series created and hosted by Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. that explores the influence of African culture in Latin America. In season 1, episode 1, Gates travels to Hispaniola Island, which is shared by two countries, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The episode is titled "Haiti & the Dominican Republic: An Island Divided" and focuses on the history of these two nations and their complex relationship with race.

Gates begins the episode by providing a brief overview of the history of slavery in the region, explaining how the Spanish and French brought African slaves to the island to work on their plantations. He then moves on to discuss how the two countries developed differently, with Haiti becoming the first independent Black nation in the world in 1804, while the Dominican Republic remained a colony until 1821 and did not abolish slavery until much later.

The episode examines the legacy of these historical differences and how they have contributed to tensions between the two nations over the years. Gates highlights the racial divide that exists on the island, with Haiti being predominantly Black while the Dominican Republic has a significant Mulatto population. He interviews experts and locals to gain insight into the social, economic, and political factors that have contributed to this divide.

Gates also explores the cultural differences between the two countries, focusing on the intertwined history of music and dance in the region. He visits Haiti's capital city, Port-au-Prince, to witness the vibrant and eclectic culture of Haitian music, dance, and Vodou religion. He then travels to the Dominican Republic to explore its own unique blend of Spanish, African, and Taino (indigenous) cultural influences, which are prominently displayed in their merengue music and dance.

Throughout the episode, Gates showcases how Haiti and the Dominican Republic have both struggled with issues of poverty, corruption, and political instability. He interviews experts to gain a better understanding of how these situations have impacted the lives of the people on the island, particularly those of African descent. He also discusses the impact of globalism and tourism, and how these forces have influenced the cultural landscapes of both countries.

Overall, "Haiti & the Dominican Republic: An Island Divided" is an engaging and informative episode that provides a thought-provoking look at the shared history and complex relationship between these two nations. The episode offers insight into the cultural, social, and political factors that have shaped these two countries and provides a nuanced understanding of the African diaspora's influence in the region.