(1912, Joseph) the only Black man who traveled on the Titanic — broke the silence 83 years later

.
.

Title: The Untold Story of Joseph Laros

In the early hours of April 14, 1912, the RMS Titanic sailed across the North Atlantic, a marvel of human engineering and luxury. Onboard, among the thousands of passengers, was a man whose story would remain hidden for decades—Joseph Phipe Lame Merier Laros. At just 25 years old, Joseph was the only black man traveling on the Titanic, a detail that would render his voice silent for 83 years until his daughter finally chose to share their family’s incredible journey.

Joseph was born on May 26, 1886, in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, into a family of privilege. His father, a former military officer, had connections to the government, and his mother, Usuzeli, hailed from the Haitian elite. They lived in a comfortable home filled with the scents of coffee and sea salt, and Joseph grew up surrounded by love and encouragement. His parents valued education, believing it was the key to a better future. Joseph was a curious child, always asking questions and taking apart old clocks just to see how they worked.

When Joseph turned 15, his mother made a life-altering decision: she sent him to France to pursue his dream of becoming an engineer. The journey was long and daunting, but Joseph arrived in France with hope and ambition. He enrolled in a school in a small town called Beauvais, where he excelled in his studies, mastering French and mathematics. However, the reality of racism soon became apparent. Despite his intelligence and hard-earned degree, Joseph faced constant discrimination in the job market. Employers turned him away, refusing to hire a black engineer, regardless of his qualifications.

In 1908, Joseph’s life took a turn when he met Juliet Marie Louise Lafag, the daughter of a local wine merchant. Their love blossomed despite societal disapproval. Juliet’s father initially opposed the relationship, fearing the scandal it would cause. However, Juliet’s unwavering love for Joseph eventually won him over, and they married in a small ceremony. They faced the challenges of racism together, but Joseph’s struggle to find meaningful work continued.

By early 1912, the couple had two daughters, Simone and Louise. However, Louise was born premature and required constant medical attention, placing additional strain on their finances. Desperate to provide a better life for his family, Joseph decided to return to Haiti, where he believed his engineering degree would be valued, and opportunities would abound.

As they prepared for their journey, Joseph secured tickets aboard the RMS Titanic, trading their original passage on another ship due to its restrictive policies regarding children. Excited for a new beginning, the Laros family boarded the Titanic in Cherbourg, France, on April 10, 1912. The ship was a floating palace, and Joseph felt a sense of pride as they embarked on their journey to America.

The days on the Titanic were filled with wonder. Joseph reveled in the luxury of the ship, enjoying meals with his family and sharing stories of Haiti with Juliet. However, subtle glances and whispers from other passengers reminded him that their family was not entirely accepted. Still, Joseph held his head high, determined to focus on the future.

On April 14th, as the ship glided smoothly across the ocean, Joseph felt a shiver run down his spine. He had just finished a drink in the smoking room when a sudden jolt rocked the ship. Confused passengers began to emerge from their cabins, and Joseph’s instincts kicked in. He raced back to his family’s cabin, finding Juliet and their daughters still asleep.

He quickly urged them to dress warmly and put on their life jackets. Panic began to set in as he realized the gravity of the situation. The Titanic had struck an iceberg, and the ship was in danger of sinking. Joseph’s heart raced as he led his family through the chaos on the ship, navigating through frightened passengers and crew members shouting orders.

When they reached the deck, the scene was chaotic. Lifeboats were being loaded, but Joseph knew the rules—women and children first. He pushed Juliet and their daughters toward the lifeboats, urging them to board while he stayed behind. Juliet’s eyes filled with tears as she clung to their daughters, unwilling to leave Joseph.

In a moment of desperation, Joseph handed Louise to a stranger, pleading with her to pass the baby to Juliet in the lifeboat. He watched as the woman complied, and in that fleeting moment, he saw Juliet’s face light up with relief as she held their daughter close. But as the lifeboat descended into the freezing water, Joseph felt an unbearable weight in his heart. He was losing his family to the dark depths of the ocean.

As the Titanic began to break apart, Joseph stood at the railing, watching the lifeboat grow smaller and smaller until it disappeared into the night. The ship was tilting dangerously, and panic surged through the remaining passengers. Joseph felt the icy grip of reality wash over him. He was alone, and there was no escape.

The Titanic sank beneath the waves, taking with it the dreams and hopes of more than 1,500 souls, including Joseph Laros. His body was never recovered, and his story faded into obscurity, overshadowed by the tragedy of the shipwreck. For decades, the world forgot the name of the only black man aboard the Titanic.

Years later, in 1995, Louise Laros, now an elderly woman, decided to break the silence surrounding her father’s story. She shared her family’s journey, recounting the struggles, love, and loss that defined their lives. Her father’s legacy was finally acknowledged, and Joseph Laros became a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.

Today, Joseph’s name is honored in museums and history books, reminding us that every life matters, and every story deserves to be told. His journey, marked by love and sacrifice, echoes through time, a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit.