S8E2: The Faithful Hairdresser | In High Demand (Pierre Toussaint)
Holy Donors
In today’s episode, we return to our story of Pierre Toussaint’s exodus from Saint Domingue during the Haitian Revolution. The Bérard family and the Toussaint siblings leave an island of fire and ruins, and they sail to New York City When they arrive in New York City, they find the nation's capital, a city of sixty thousand inhabitants, to be a commercial and cultural hub. Pierre and the Bérard family are popular upon their arrival in NYC as there are plenty of wealthy New Yorkers who thirst for exposure to French culture. Mr. Bérard arranges it so Pierre becomes a hairdresser’s apprentice, and Pierre learns the trade quickly. Being that Pierre is young, intelligent, and speaks fluent French, he is in high demand among wealthy socialites who want him to style their hair. While Pierre is finding success in NYC, Mr. Bérard heads back to Haiti to check on the family plantation. During his trip, Mr. Bérard becomes ill and dies, leaving no one to manage or claim the family’s property. The Bérard family estate in Haiti disappears. Back in New York City, Pierre is left to care for the widow Bérard. Pierre, though still a slave to the family, is financially successful and generous in his support for Bérard’s widow. But, with Mr. Bérard’s death, there are major changes to come to the Bérard household in New York. How will Pierre and widow Bérard survive in NYC while learning to navigate their new relationship dynamic? Join us next week to hear how the story continues! --- Recommended reading: Pierre Toussaint: A Biography by Arthur Jones Ten Christians: By Their Deeds You Shall Know Them by Boniface Hanley --- Holy Donors is brought to you by Petrus Development (petrusdevelopment.com) in cooperation with RED-C Catholic Radio (redcradio.org). For more about Holy Donors please visit our website at holydonors.com or find us @HolyDonors on Instagram and Facebook. Holy Donors: Bringing you inspiring stories of radical generosity that have changed the world.