Martha Jean-Claude

Martha Jean-Claude (21 March 1919 - 14 November 2001) was a Haitian writer, civil rights activist, entertainer, and composer. She was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and was well known internationally during her life and could perform in many languages. She incorporated Haitian folklore and Voodou lyrics into her performances. She spoke out against Haitian authorities who were exploiting the Haitian people. She was arrested in 1952 during the administration of President Paul Eugene Magloire after publishing her play "Anriette". Officials considered it to be directed toward and against the government at that time. When she was arrested she was pregnant but was released two days before giving birth.

Jean-Claude was exiled to Cuba on December 20, 1952. She was married to Victor Marabal, a Cuban journalist. Jean-Claude was well-known to the Hispanic communities who admired her talent and activism. She was featured in radio and television broadcasts in Cuba. She starred in a movie in 1957 with the Cuban-Mexican actress Ninon Sevilla. Cuba has claimed her as a great artist of that country. She became a member of The Cuban Union of Writers and Artists. She performed at many international venues that included: Salle Claude Campagne, Casas de Las Americas in Cuba, Palais des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Madison Square Garden in New York City, Maison de L'UNESCO in Paris, United Nation Headquarters in New York City, and for the Faculty of Music at Montreal University. She traveled and visited almost all the nations of Central and South America and Angola. She also spoke in Panama against those who violated basic human rights in that country. She wrote and performed political songs. She returned to Haiti in 1986. She died in Havana, Cuba on November 14, 2001, aged 82, at her home there. She has been described as "...one of the most precious jewels Haiti has ever had."[1][2][3][4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Martha Jean Claude's Biography". www.hougansydney.com. Retrieved 3 November 2017.
  2. ↑ "Black History Month Highlight: Singer Martha Jean-Claude – L'union Suite". 18 February 2013. Retrieved 3 November 2017.
  3. ↑ "Martha Jean Claude". IMDb. Retrieved 3 November 2017.
  4. ↑ "Singer Martha Jean-Claude Dead at 82". www.hartford-hwp.com. Retrieved 10 January 2018.



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