09/21/2024
As a proud Haitian-American, Iβve had the privilege of knowing many within the Haitian-American community, as well as Haitian migrants. In fact, I currently consult for a remarkable nonprofit organization dedicated to helping them integrate into American society. Yet, I have never encountered the fictional characters that certain individuals, like Donald Trump and the JD Vance, have been describing in their fabricated political rants. These characters are clearly fictional, as Vance himself admitted when he said, βIf I have to create stories so the American media actually pay attention.β That statement alone speaks volumes.
But letβs set aside Trump and Vance for a moment. My concern lies with those who believe and perpetuate these false, harmful narratives. If you believe these made-up stories, if you genuinely think Haitians engage in the behavior these individuals describe, you might as well believe in children's tales like The Cat in the Hat or that Tom and Jerry were real. The absurd notion that Haitians eat people's pets is not only laughable, but deeply rooted in ignorance, racism, and xenophobia.
Remaining silent in the face of such bigotry makes one complicit. If you fail to call out these discriminatory statements, you are no different from those in history who stood by as others chanted "No Jews allowed" in the 1930s.
Haitians have been an integral part of American history from the very beginning. We fought alongside the Founding Fathers during the American Revolution and were the largest Black military unit in that struggle. Our contributions didnβt stop there. Haitian soldiers participated in the Battle of Rhode Island in 1778 under Colonel Christopher Greene, and in the Siege of Savannah in 1779, years before we won our own independence from France. And yet, the U.S. took 58 years to officially recognize Haitiβs independence, long after France did in 1825.
Despite this delayed recognition, Haitians have continued to contribute to America in countless ways. We are doctors, educators, public servants, politicians, nurses, entrepreneurs, and much more. Our contributions to the nationβs economy and development are as significant as those of other immigrant groups, such as the Italians, Irish, Portuguese, Africans, Asians, and Hispanics. (By the way, Haitians are also Hispanic, but thatβs a topic for another day.)
To conclude, if you, whether Republican, Democrat, or Independent, choose to remain silent in the face of such bigotry, you are no better than those who spread these racist and ignorant narratives. We all share a responsibility to speak out against discrimination in all its forms. Haitians, like everyone, deserve respect and dignity. It is time for all of us to stand up against the lies and racism that continue to harm our community.
As I often say, we are all in this together.
