Pierre Toussaint was a Haitian-born hairdresser and philanthropist who lived in New York City during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Born into slavery in the French colony of Saint-Domingue, he was brought to Manhattan in 1787 by his owners. After gaining his freedom in 1807, he became a successful barber and a prominent figure in the city's charitable community. He is recognized for his significant financial support of Catholic institutions and his devotion to helping the poor and immigrant populations.