Life of Baukman Dutty

With every big event in history, a series of people, organizations, and/or incidents have started the ball rolling. Nothing of significance in history has just magically appeared. We often learn about one famous person or event and hear no mention of the supporting and contributing figures. For example, when we study the Haitian Revolution at the turn of the 19th Century, we learn about Toussaint L'Ouverture and the Louisiana Purchase but hear nothing about Baukman Dutty and much less the unnamed people who supported his revolutionary action.

Baukman Dutty was one of the contributing factors to the Haitian Revolution. In the years before 1796 and the start of the Haitian Revolution, Baukman gave hope to many enslaved Africans and struck fear in the hearts of white slave owners. Sold from Jamaica, Baukman eventually settled on the Clement plantation, where he worked as a driver and coachman. This work enabled him to travel to different plantations and contact other revolutionary-minded enslaved Africans. Baukman then killed his master and ran away into the hills, living as a maroon. He wanted to start a revolution and spent years planning it and training his forces.

In 1791, his plan was to be put into action. But before that could happen, Baukman's army was attacked, and he was beheaded. However, instead of suppressing the maroons' change-seeking spirit, his death strengthened their resolve. He was adored by the enslaved Africans and honored as a legendary figure who represented their hopes for freedom.

Baukman Dutty's story is not in many history books nor is his name a household name, as it should be. But he died a beloved martyr of his people and a man whom all people who respect freedom and democracy should love.