What is Toussaint Louverture Cultural Center
The Toussaint Louverture Cultural Center (TLCC) of Massachusetts is an initiative of the Haitian Americans United, Inc. (H.A.U.) and its partners to promote and preserve the rich and vibrant Haitian heritage, deliver educational programming, and leave a legacy for future generations.
Who was Toussaint Louverture?
Over two hundred and twenty years ago, in 1793, Toussaint Louverture, who at the age of fifty had spent thirty years of his life in slavery, rose in the ranks of the African slaves of the French colony of Saint Domingue (now Haiti) as a fierce abolitionist and a brilliant military strategist.
For 11 years he pursued a relentless military and guerilla war against the Spanish (March 1794), the British (1798) and the French armies (1801-1802), systematically dismantling the slave structure that had close to 500,000 Africans in bondage for about three centuries.
His quest for freedom for the African slaves later took a shift when he moved to assert the autonomy of the French colony under his
sole authority, prompting Napoleon Bonaparte to send between 1802 and 1803 the most powerful armada ever to reconquer “his” colony, to deport the leaders of the Haitian revolution and reestablish slavery.
Toussaint was later captured in June 1802 when he accepted to attend an administrative gathering during a truce. He was sent in exile in France where he died in April 1803. His lieutenant Dessalines and his officers continued a fierce battle against the French troops, which resulted in 1804 in the independence of Haiti, the first black republic in the world and the second republic in the Western Hemisphere after the US.
Mission & Vision
The mission of the Toussaint Louverture Cultural Center is to preserve, promote, and celebrate Haiti’s cultural heritage.
Our vision is to serve as a vibrant community hub that fosters cultural pride, inspires future generations, and strengthens connections between Haitian culture and the world.
Our Values
Unity and Engagement
2000
Community Leaders and Haitian Americans United (H.A.U.) developed the vision for a Haitian cultural center in Boston.
2023
Community fundraising and advocacy efforts gained momentum and H.A.U. engaged in a competitive bid to get the 131 Beverly Street location.
May 2025
TLCC opened its doors at 131 Beverly Street, Boston — the first Haitian Cultural Center in New England.
Why Should you Support TLCC
Testimonials
What they say about TLCC
