Senator Ambassador Emile Saint-Lôt left an indelible mark on history, possessing an extraordinary ability to shape and liberate entire countries. From a young age, Emile Saint-Lôt carried and passed on a torch that continues to light the way for generations. His diverse education—as a lawyer, agronomist, and journalist—forged him into a passionate advocate for education, a steadfast guardian of human rights, and one of the most respected and accomplished leaders of our time.
(Photo: Ambassador Emile Saint-Lôt and second Secretary-General of the United Nations Dag Hammarskjöld, 1957)
Senator Emile Saint-Lôt spent his early years in the midst of the U.S. military invasion and occupation of Haiti, from 1915 to 1937. This experience impacted him profoundly and fueled his future accomplishments; rooted in the free, strong, proud and independent spirit that is Haiti.
Saint-Lôt served in numerous leadership roles as a human rights journalist/publisher, a university professor of law, the senate, and as chief justice of the civil court. On June 19, 1946, Emile Saint-Lôt was elected Senator for the West, in Haiti. On June 19, 1946, he was elected Senator for the West in Haiti, and later that year, on November 22, he became a signatory to the Haitian Constitution. Saint-Lôt’s international contributions were equally significant: he was a founding member of the United Nations (representing Haiti) and, as Haiti’s Ambassador to the UN, a signatory of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Paris alongside U.S. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt on December 10, 1948.
(Photo: Senator Emile Saint-Lôt and W.E.B. DuBois engaged in intellectual discussion at his home in Haiti.)
The birth of the United Nations in 1945 was pivotal for Haiti and for Senator Emile Saint-Lôt. Haiti became a founding and permanent member of the United Nations and Emile Saint-Lôt served as the first U.N. Ambassador for Haiti, and as a member of the UN Security Council, responsible for voting on the independence of countries. Ambassador Emile Saint-Lôt later cast the deciding vote for the independence of Israel, Libya and Somalia; and wrote the constitution for many more emerging nations.
(Photo: Ambassador Emile Saint-Lôt and Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie)
In 1957 at the U.N. in New York, Ambassador Emile Saint-Lôt presented his famous speech for the independence of Libya. Upon completing his speech, after receiving numerous compliments on his presentation, he was approached by an ambassador who remarked “le temps est sombre” (the time/setting is dark). Ambassador Emile Saint-Lôt, known for his quick thinking and optimistic energy said with a warm smile, “mais, l’esprit brille” (but the spirit is bright). This statement captures the essence of Senator and Ambassador Emile Saint-Lôt and speaks to his culture of leadership excellence. He was always seeing, being, giving and bringing; the brightness to the forefront.
Senator Emile Saint-Lôt is the original Flambeau. He sparked a movement and lit the Torch we carry forward.
Le Flambeau Foundation Inc.### How to Get Involved
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