Haitian-American Foundation for Democracy

Statement of the Haitian-American Foundation for Democracy Tuesday, September 10, 2024 Once again, the Trump/Vance team shamelessly exploits Haitians as scapegoats during their bid for the presidency. Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance and several congressional leaders have spread dangerous falsehoods, demonizing Haitian immigrants as homeless and hungry invaders that represent a threat to Ohioans — even suggesting they pose a danger to pets. This reckless fear-mongering puts vulnerable communities at risk, stokes division, and incites hate crimes. Local law enforcement, faith communities, and social services must be supported in protecting these new community members from harm. The simple truth is that towns like Springfield, Ohio, whose economy were in decline, have been revitalized by the influx of Haitian and other legal immigrants. As these communities adjust to demographic changes, this transitional period should be viewed as an opportunity for growth and collaboration, not for sowing confusion and fear. We urge all Haitian-Americans and our allies to counter these vile attacks by actively engaging in the democratic process, promoting inclusivity. By doing so, we can help ensure that all members of society are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. For more information, please contact Ariel Dominique, HAFFD Executive Director, at +1-754-277-5727. www.haffd.org

Productive discussions recently with Haiti’s Prime Minister Gary Conille and HAFFD Board Members on the pivotal role of the diaspora in driving progress and transformation in Haiti.

Great meeting last month at the State Department with HAFFD board members and staff Michelle Austin Pamies Ariel Dominique Jean-Philippe Austin Tamara Beliard Rodriguez Jocelyn McCalla, Alix Cantave from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and US Ambassador to Haiti Dennis B. Hankins. Constructive discussions on Haiti and diaspora support initiatives.

?? HAFFD’s Chairman, Dr. Jean-Philippe Austin, was awarded the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his outstanding civic engagement work! Since 1986, this esteemed award has celebrated inspiring Americans striving for the betterment of our nation and its citizens. Dr. Austin now joins the ranks of distinguished Americans, including six US presidents, in receiving this honor. His dedication to our community exemplifies the spirit of service and leadership that the Medal represents. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! #HAFFD #EllisIslandMedalOfHonor #CivicEngagement #Leadership #Inspiration #MakingADifference #haitianamerican

Jocelyn McCalla, HAFFD Senior Policy Advisor, and Bill O’Neill, UN Special Rapporteur on Haiti, led a briefing on Haiti at the Vatican’s Dicastery for Integral Human Development. Speaking to thousands of people who had gathered on St. Mark’s square in Venice a few days later, Pope Francis said “the population [of Haiti] is in despair because of the collapse of the health care system, food shortages and violence that is forcing people to flee.” He also said he hoped this new Presidential Council would help Haiti restore “the peace and stability it so badly needs”.

Today at Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida’s Haitian American Emerging Business and Healthcare Innovation Summit, HAFFD’s Executive Director Ariel Dominique spoke on “Creating a Legacy: What Do we Want Haiti to Look Like,” highlighting the successes within our community and the need to build coalitions for positive change. #HAFFD #HaitiLegacy #CoalitionBuilding ????

Thank you to the panelists, moderators, and speakers who contributed their knowledge and perspectives to the “Haiti: From Crisis to Catalyst” symposium this week. Your commitment to understanding the complexities of the country’s crisis and exploring solutions is invaluable. #HaitiCrisisToCatalyst Roots of Development American University

Last night our policy and governance expert Jeffsky Poincy spoke with NBC News's Yamiche Alcindor at the half-day symposium, Haiti: From Crisis to Catalyst, hosted by The Haitian-American Foundation for Democracy, American University, and the Center for Latin America and Latino Studies, and Roots of Development. The event curated a series of conversations on issues relevant to #Haiti, the diaspora and the international community's role in the ongoing instability. Jeffsky spoke to the need to prioritize solutions that strengthen Haitian institutions and foster self-sufficiency in the country. He emphasized that the only path forward is for international engagement in Haiti to be Haitian led. #peacebuilding #Haiti #localsolutions Learn more here--> https://lnkd.in/dCcWQUuu

The Haitian-American Foundation for Democracy, Roots of Development, and American University’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies present Haiti: From Crisis to Catalyst, a 3-panel symposium on April 4th exploring the solutions to Haiti’s greatest challenges in a global context. The second panel, “Local Power & International Aid,” will explore the topic of localization and best practices to achieving sustainable change in Haiti and globally. The discussion will feature remarks from Jake Johnston and Jessica Hsu, and the panel will feature Professor Scott Freeman, grassroots leaders Louino Robillard and Castin Milostene, USAID localization expert Sarah Rose, Former Prime Minister of Haiti Michele Pierre Louis, and Movement for Community Led Development director Gunjan Veda. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/dkSgSQNQ

The Haitian American Foundation for Democracy, Roots of Development, and American University’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies present a 3-panel symposium exploring the solutions to Haiti’s greatest challenges in a global context. In the first panel, “Reexamining the Impacts of Haitian Migration” (1:30 - 3:00 pm), we delve into the profound implications of US migration policies on Haiti and on the US communities receiving Haitian migrants. Panelists Ernesto Casta?eda, Frandley Julien, Guerline Jozef and Leonie Hermantin will consider differences between US approaches and other countries in the region, including the Dominican Republic.