At Bois Caïman in Saint-Domingue, enslaved Africans held a pivotal Vodou ceremony guided by the houngan Dutty Boukman. This gathering, deeply rooted in African spiritual traditions, involved rituals designed to invoke the spirits and seek empowerment against the brutal conditions of slavery. Enslaved people from various plantations attended, fostering a sense of community and mutual resolve. During the ceremony, participants made vows to each other and the spirits, uniting in their desire for liberation from the oppressive French colonial rule. The atmosphere was charged with the urgency of their plight, and the tones of traditional drums echoed the heartbeat of their collective resistance. This spiritual undertaking marked a significant turning point as it manifested their desire not only for spiritual solace but also for practical rebellion.The ceremony was a clear precursor to the Haitian Revolution, which would begin shortly after. Buoyed by the spiritual encouragement received during this night of rites, the attendees left with a burning determination to fight for their freedom, setting the stage for a series of uprisings that would change the trajectory of not only Haiti but the world’s understanding of slavery and resistance. The Vodou ceremony emphasized the role of African cultural practices in mobilizing collective action and solidifying a revolutionary identity that was critical in the ensuing conflict.