NPR's Book of the Day In 'Talk to Me,' the grandson of a former Haitian president uncovers family secrets
Feb 25, 2025
Rich Benjamin, a cultural anthropologist and grandson of former Haitian president Daniel Fignolé, unpacks his family's buried history in his memoir, 'Talk to Me.' He shares intriguing details about his grandfather's brief but impactful presidency and the labor advocacy that marked his legacy. Benjamin discusses the profound 'wall of silence' his family erected, reflecting on the connections between personal narratives and political events. He reveals how declassified State Department documents helped him uncover the complexities of this hidden heritage.
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Benjamin's Lack of Family Knowledge
- Rich Benjamin knew little about his grandfather's political career before visiting Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.
- He had only vague snippets, like his presidency and labor union leadership, but lacked personal details.
Fignolé's CIA Scrutiny
- Rich Benjamin's grandfather, Daniel Fignolé, became a CIA person of interest due to his labor union leadership in Haiti.
- Fignolé's effectiveness in securing better wages and conditions for workers, often employed by U.S. corporations, led to his scrutiny.
Family Silence
- Benjamin faced a "wall of silence" from his family, particularly his mother, regarding his grandfather.
- This silence forced him to seek information elsewhere, including archives and Haiti itself.
