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The Haitian revolution is the only successful slave insurrection in history. At the center of that revolution was Toussaint Louverture who, moved by the ideals of the French revolution, sacrificed everything — homage, wealth, and ultimately his life — for the freedom of the oppressed. Through his bravery and genius, he defeated numerous attempts by the French, the Spanish, and the English armies to retake control of the colony. Through his exceptional administrative skills and the strength of his moral character, he laid the foundation of a modern state where the rights of both former slaves and former slave owners would be respected. Unfortunately, his dream of a prosperous Haiti, and the country itself, were destroyed following the last French military expedition to Haiti. Toussaint was then cowardly arrested under the cover of a peace treaty.

The Black Jacobins: Toussaint L’Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution chronicles the revolution and the life of its principal instigator. However, the book is not only about a great man and the Haitian revolution. It is overall about the torments of the African race, the wickedness of the human race, and the horrors of imperialism. The book is also filled with the noblest examples of heroism, magnanimity, and abnegation. The accounts instill in me a deep understanding of myself, a proper perspective about true values, and precious lessons of courage, discipline, and perseverance, which have profoundly influenced my life.