In a new initiative called “Community Conversations,” RWC welcomed former child slave Jean-Robert Cadet to the Muntz auditorium on October 6 for an eye opening look into the world of child slavery in Haiti. Before an attentive audience, Cadet, who has published a book entitled “Restavec: From Haitian Slave Child to Middle Class American,” spoke about his experience as a child slave and his eventual rise to freedom. He discussed the child slave lifestyle and how it is ingrained into and seen as a normal function of the Haitian culture.
His speech included heart-wrenching personal stories, humorous yet unbelievable accounts of his adaptation into American society, and mention of the Jean-Robert Cadet foundation at restavekfreedom.org, which seeks to put an end to child slavery in Haiti.
His thoughtful and admirable courage certainly set a powerful tone for future “Community Conversations” events.