Events › Graphic Novel Discussion: Toussaint Louverture

Join the Rogers Park Branch as we read and discuss Nic Watts' and Sarima Karimjee's graphic adaptation of C. L. R. James' Toussaint Louverture: The Story of the Only Successful Slave Revolt in History.

When C.L.R. James's play "Toussaint Louverture: The Story of the Only Successful Slave Revolt in History" opened in London featuring Paul Robeson in 1936, it marked the first time black actors starred on the British stage in a play written by a black playwright. But after this groundbreaking play ended its run, the script was lost for almost seventy years. Then a draft copy was found among James's archives, and now this extraordinary drama has been turned into a graphic novel by artists Nic Watts and Sakina Karimjee.

In 1791, cruel enslaver and San Domingo Colonial Assembly president Bullet executes a white man for seeking political equality for mixed-race people on the island of Hispaniola. Enslaved people, already incited by the French Revolution, launch a revolt. Two years later, when news arrives that the French king has been killed, Toussaint Louverture (1743--1803) rises to become a leader of the rebellion and urges a moremeasured approach. Representatives from England and the United States conspire to turn the uprising to their advantage as Toussaint inspires the population. Many political machinations and skirmishes follow. By 1802, Napoleon and other leaders convince the Haitian leader General Christophe to defect in their plan to recapture the island and reinstitute slavery. Toussaint is ultimately arrested, but his capture doesn't extinguish the fire for freedom among the formerly enslaved.

Books will be available at the Rogers Park Branch by February 1.

Accessibility
Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.