The Forgotten Genocide: Remembering the Parsley Massacre
In the annals of 20th-century history, countless acts of brutality and violence have been etched into our collective memory. However, among these horrific events, some have been relegated to the shadows of obscurity, their victims forgotten and their stories left untold. One such event is the Parsley Massacre, a harrowing chapter in the history of the Dominican Republic and Haiti that remains one of the least-remembered acts of genocide of the last century.
The Parsley Massacre, also known as the Haitian Massacre, took place in early October 1937, when as many as 20,000 Haitians were brutally murdered in the Dominican Republic on the orders of the dictator Rafael Trujillo. This atrocity, fueled by deep-seated anti-Haitian sentiment, was a dark and tragic episode that has long been shrouded in silence and denial. Trujillo, a ruthless and oppressive ruler, instigated an environment of fear and xenophobia, perpetuating a narrative that excluded ethnic Haitians from becoming part of “the Dominican melting pot.” His regime actively fostered animosity towards Haitians and created an atmosphere of intolerance and discrimination that ultimately led to the mass slaughter of innocent men, women, and children.
One of the most chilling aspects of the Parsley Massacre was the method employed by Trujillo’s soldiers to identify their victims. Along the border with Haiti, they would hold up a sprig of parsley and ask individuals to pronounce the Spanish word for parsley, “Perejil.” Those who were unable to trill the “r” in the word were deemed to be Haitian Creole speakers and were summarily executed. It was a cruel and arbitrary test that cost countless lives and left a deep scar on the collective psyche of both nations.
For decades, the Parsley Massacre remained shrouded in secrecy, with many Dominicans unaware of the horrors that had taken place in their own country. Trujillo’s henchmen had kept the truth hidden, perpetuating a culture of silence and denial. It wasn’t until much later that the full extent of the massacre began to emerge, thanks to the efforts of historians, activists, and survivors who sought to bring this dark chapter into the light. Today, there is a growing recognition of the need to acknowledge and remember the victims of the Parsley Massacre. Efforts such as the “Border of Lights” commemoration in the Dominican Republic serve as a poignant reminder of the tragedy that has long been forgotten by many. This annual event aims to honor the memory of those who perished and to bring attention to a historical injustice that has been overlooked for far too long.
Renowned writer and Middlebury College professor Julia Alvarez, herself a daughter of Dominicans and someone who lived through this tumultuous period, has been a vocal advocate for acknowledging the atrocities of the past. She emphasizes the importance of bearing witness to history and recognizing the impact of these events on shaping the present and future. According to Alvarez, we must confront the painful truths of our past to pave the way for a more just and compassionate world. Joining her in shedding light on this dark chapter of history is Haitian-American author Edwidge Danticat, whose powerful work “The Farming of Bones” vividly depicts the horrors of the 1937 massacre through the eyes of a young domestic servant. Danticat’s poignant storytelling has brought attention to the human cost of this tragedy and has helped to ensure that the voices of the victims are not forgotten.
The legacy of Rafael Trujillo’s reign of terror extended far beyond the Parsley Massacre. His brutal regime continued until 1961 when he was finally assassinated, putting an end to decades of oppression and tyranny. Even in his death, Trujillo’s shadow loomed large over both the Dominican Republic and Haiti, leaving behind a legacy of pain and suffering that continues to reverberate to this day.
As we reflect on this dark chapter in history, we must remember the victims of the Parsley Massacre and honor their memory. By acknowledging the atrocities of the past, we can strive to create a more inclusive and compassionate future, one where such horrors have no place. The “Border of Lights” commemoration stands as a testament to our collective commitment to never forget those who have suffered and to ensure that their stories are told and remembered for generations to come.