1969 – Present
Grammy-winning rapper, producer, and musician best known as a founding member of the Fugees. Born in Haiti and raised in New York, he has sold over 50 million records worldwide.
1957 – Present
Haitian-born Canadian journalist who served as the 27th Governor General of Canada from 2005 to 2010, becoming the first black person to hold the office.
1961 – Present
Popular musician known as 'Sweet Micky' who transitioned from entertainment to politics, serving as President of Haiti from 2011 to 2016. He was known for his kompa music before entering politics.
1968 – 2021
Haitian businessman and politician who served as President of Haiti from 2017 until his assassination in July 2021. He was murdered at his private residence, leading to a major political crisis in the country.
1907 – 1971
Haitian physician who became the brutal dictator known as 'Papa Doc,' ruling Haiti from 1957 to 1971. He established a repressive regime backed by the Tonton Macoutes secret police that killed thousands of political opponents.
1953 – Present
Haitian filmmaker and director best known for his documentary 'I Am Not Your Negro' about James Baldwin, which received an Academy Award nomination in 2017.
1949 – Present
Neurosurgeon who served as Prime Minister and acting President of Haiti from 2021 to 2024 following Jovenel Moïse's assassination. He struggled to maintain control amid widespread gang violence and political instability.
1953 – Present
Catholic priest who became Haiti's first democratically elected president in 1990 but was overthrown in military coups twice. He advocated for liberation theology and rights of the poor during his tumultuous political career.
1969 – Present
Award-winning Haitian-American author known for novels exploring the immigrant experience, including 'Breath, Eyes, Memory' and 'The Farming of Bones.' She has won numerous literary awards and is a MacArthur Fellow.
1758 – 1806
Former slave who led Haiti to independence and became its first ruler as Emperor Jacques I from 1804 to 1806. He was assassinated after declaring himself emperor and implementing harsh labor policies.
1966 – Present
Haitian-American actress and model known for roles in 'The Jamie Foxx Show' and as a cast member on 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.' She has also appeared in numerous films and television series.
1951 – 2014
Known as 'Baby Doc,' he inherited Haiti's presidency from his father François Duvalier in 1971 at age 19 and ruled until 1986. He was overthrown in a popular uprising and fled to France.
1936 – 2025
Haitian polymath considered the father of Haitian literature in Creole, best known for creating the theatrical form 'spiralism' and writing over 40 works including novels, plays, and poetry.
1767 – 1820
Former slave who became King of northern Haiti from 1811 to 1820, ruling from his massive Citadelle Laferrière fortress. He declared himself Henri I and built elaborate palaces before dying by suicide when facing rebellion.
1943 – 2017
Haitian politician who served two non-consecutive terms as President of Haiti from 1996-2001 and 2006-2011. He was the first president to serve two full terms and transfer power peacefully.
1770 – 1818
Mulatto general who became the first President of the Republic of Haiti, ruling the southern part of the country from 1807 to 1818. He competed with Henri Christophe for control of Haiti after Dessalines' death.
1946 – Present
Haitian diplomat and politician who served as Prime Minister of Haiti from 1995 to 1996 and held senior positions at the United Nations.
1782 – 1867
President and emperor of Haiti (1782-1867)
1776 – 1850
Military leader who unified Haiti and ruled as president from 1818 to 1843, making him one of Haiti's longest-serving leaders. He conquered the eastern part of Hispaniola and abolished slavery throughout the island.
1930 – 2014
President of Haiti (1930–2014)
1796 – 1865
Haitian politician and historian
1953 – Present
Haitian-Canadian writer who gained international recognition for his autobiographical novel 'How to Make Love to a Negro Without Getting Tired' and became the first Haitian elected to the Académie française in 2013.
1872 – 1951
Etzer Vilaire was a Haitian poet.
1873 – 1928
Haitian novelist (1873–1928)
1848 – 1917
Haitian politician and writer
