Triumph to Tragedy: A Collaboration on Haitian History

Join us in conversation with two local thinkers: Carl Craig, The Storefront's resident artist for February, and Daniel Bayard, a local Haitian historian. Together, they presented "Triumph to Tragedy" to the world -- a series of books spanning Haiti's history from 1771, the start of the Haitian Revolution, through 1845, the unification and disunification of Hispaniola and the start of the Dominican Revolution.

Learn about Haiti's extraordinary history, its historical figures, and how the story and art for "Triumph to Tragedy" came to be.

About the Author:

Daniel Bayard is an award-winning author born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and raised in the United States when his parents moved to New York in 1958. He returned to Haiti for the first time at the age of 18 and has been fascinated by Haiti's culture, people, and the country's historical significance ever since. He lived and owned a business in Haiti for several years.

While researching his family’s ancestors dating back to the 17th century, he became intrigued with the complexities and drama of St. Domingue, the colonial precursor to the Republic of Haiti.

In-depth research into all aspects of history and colonial society led him to write this thrilling, enlightening, and entertaining story.

Mr. Bayard is a Chief Marketing Officer for a major company, married with 4 children, blessed with 6 grandchildren, and resides in South Florida.

About the Artist:

Carl Craig is a notable, self taught Haitian-American portrait painter based in Broward County, and the current resident artist at The Storefront, Main Library, through February 2026.

"I believe that hope lies in the human spirit and, by capturing the balance between delicate facial expressions and body language of my subjects, my message is conveyed."

-- Carl Craig

Craig skillfully captures Haitian history and culture through representational oil paintings and bold, tantalizing colors. Craig has exhibited at national and international art fairs and galleries in Mexico, Cayenne, and South Florida. Craig's painting, GoudouGoudou 7.2, was the semi-finalist two years in a row in Bombay Sapphire's annual competition. Most recently, Craig collaborated with Haitian historian and scholar, Daniel J.D. Bayard, in creating six historical art paintings for Bayard's six-book series, “Triumph to Tragedy.”

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