Stephen Dillet Explained

Stephen Dillet Sr. (1796 - 1880) was a businessman, civil rights leader, public official, and parliamentarian in the Bahamas. He was elected to the House of Assembly in the 1833 Bahamian general election, the colony's first to allow non-white voters.

Biography

He was born in Saint-Domingue.[1] Etienne Dillet and Hester Argo (Mary Cartherine Esther Argo / Hester Argeaux) were his parents. He was brought at age 6 with his mother to the Bahamas from Haiti. He was the maternal grandfather of the brothers James Weldon Johnson.[2] and J. Rosamond Johnson.

His sons Thomas William Dillet and Stephen Albert Dillet Jr. also became public officials. Stephen Dillet Primary School in Nassau, Bahamas is named for him.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Browse In Civil Rights Activist, Africa and Diaspora Studies, 1775–1800: The American Revolution and Early Republic. Oxford African American Studies Center.
  2. Book: McCartney, Donald M.. Bahamian Culture and Factors which Impact Upon it: A Compilation of Two Essays. August 6, 2004. Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.. 9780805963250. Google Books.