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Titanic's Lost African Passenger: A Hidden Story
18 Oct
Summary
- Joseph Laroche was the only confirmed Black passenger on the Titanic.
- He was a descendant of Haiti's first president, Jean-Jacques Dessalines.
- His wife and two daughters survived, but his own fate remains unknown.
The RMS Titanic's maiden voyage in April 1912 carried 2,201 souls, including Joseph Philippe Lemercier Laroche, the only confirmed passenger of African descent. Descended from Haiti's first president, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Laroche pursued engineering studies in France, facing significant racial prejudice.
Despite challenges, Laroche married Juliette Lafargue, a white French woman, and they had two daughters. They planned to return to Haiti after Laroche secured a teaching position, influenced by his uncle, then president of Haiti. This decision led them to board the Titanic.
Their journey aboard the 'unsinkable' ship was nearly thwarted by a last-minute ticket change and a near-miss with the tender boat. The iceberg collision on April 14, 1912, led to the ship's sinking. Laroche's wife and daughters were rescued, but Joseph's fate is unconfirmed.
Historian Carlett Norwood rediscovered Laroche's story at a Liverpool museum, emphasizing its importance in understanding the diverse human tapestry of the Titanic. His narrative underscores the often-overlooked histories of Black individuals and their contributions.
