The Role of Sponsors and Champions in Times of Crisis: Responding to False Claims About Haitian Migrants in Springfield, OH

The Role of Sponsors and Champions in Times of Crisis: Responding to False Claims ???????????????????????? ??About Haitian Migrants in Springfield, Ohio

By: Rockfeler Herisse, Ph.D.?????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????? Executive/Life Coach and Author: Building Better Bridges-- ???????????????????????A Coach’s Perspective on Public-Private Partnership in Sub-Saharan Africa

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Rising Above the Crisis

In times of crisis, the importance of truth, empathy, and leadership becomes paramount, especially when minority communities are targeted by misinformation and fear-mongering. Champions and sponsors who advocate for marginalized groups must not only speak up but also act decisively to protect these communities from physical and reputational harm. This dynamic came to the fore when Ohio Governor Mike DeWine penned “I’m the Republican Governor of Ohio. Here is the Truth About Springfield”, an Op-Ed Guest Essay on 20 September 2024 in The New York Times, responding to false claims about legal Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio. These claims, made by Senator JD Vance and former President Donald Trump, sought to stoke fear and resentment toward migrants, using them as scapegoats for national immigration issues. Governor DeWine's response provides a powerful example of how sponsors and champions can stand up for minority groups facing harmful rhetoric and narratives.

In this review, we will explore how sponsors and champions, like Governor DeWine, can respond in times of crisis by defending truth, fostering community solidarity, advocating for justice, and countering harmful narratives. By dissecting the strategies employed in Governor DeWine’s Op-Ed, we can gain a deeper understanding of how leaders can effectively support marginalized communities in moments of crisis. Governor DeWine was both artful and stern while both establishing his political bona fides as a Republican who voted for the former President and repudiating the harmful comments directed toward legal Haitian immigrants.

1. Defending Truth and Countering Misinformation

In the face of misinformation, one of the most crucial roles of a sponsor or champion is to defend the truth. Governor DeWine’s Op-Ed was a direct response to the misleading and false claims made by JD Vance and Donald Trump about Haitian migrants. These claims painted migrants in general and Haitians in particular as a threat to public safety, families’ pets, and community well-being, although the Haitian migrants in Springfield were lawfully present and contributing members of the community.

DeWine’s response highlights the importance of fact-checking and truth-telling in the role of a champion. In times of crisis, misinformation can spread rapidly, incite violence, particularly when it plays into existing biases or fears. Champions must use their platforms to provide clear, accurate information that counters the particular harmful narratives. This act involves not only refuting false claims but also educating the public about the realities faced by marginalized communities. In the case of Springfield, Governor DeWine emphasized the lawful status of the Haitian migrants and their positive contributions to the local economy, underscoring the fact that “Springfield has a rich history of providing refuge for the oppressed and being a place of opportunity.” Ironically, Haiti has the same rich history as a place of refuge for immigrants from Poland in the 1790’s and later joined by Syrians, British, and Lebanese.

Sponsors and champions can take this further by promoting media literacy and encouraging their audiences to critically evaluate the information they consume. By actively countering misinformation, they help to create a more informed and empathetic public discourse.

2. Fostering Community Solidarity

The words, “Never let a good crisis go to waste,” is most famously attributed to Rahm Emmanuel, former Chief of Staff to President Barack Obama. He said this during the 2008 financial crisis in the United States. Crises, especially those driven by xenophobia or racism, often aim to divide communities. One of the most powerful responses from a sponsor or champion is to foster solidarity and unity in the face of attempts to fracture society along racial or ethnic lines. Governor DeWine’s Op-Ed stressed the need for Ohioans to reject fear-based narratives and embrace the values of inclusion and community.

Sponsors and champions must work to build bridges between different segments of society, promoting understanding and empathy. In the case of Springfield, the Haitian migrants were targeted by inflammatory rhetoric, but DeWine’s message encouraged the broader Ohio community to view migrants as neighbors, not threats.

To foster solidarity, sponsors and champions should engage in community-building efforts that bring different groups together. This engagement was demonstrated by an uptick of patrons to the local Haitian restaurant in Springfield. In a rather organic manner, sharing a meal prepared by people falsely criticized for “eating the dogs…eating the cats of the people that live there”, became a cultural event where the community engaged in dialogues that allow residents to interact with and learn from one another. By creating opportunities for connection, champions can help to dismantle the fear and suspicion that often drive divisive rhetoric.

3. Advocating for Justice and Fair Treatment

One of the core responsibilities of sponsors and champions is to advocate for justice, particularly when minority communities are being unfairly targeted. In his Op-Ed, Governor DeWine made it clear that the Haitian migrants in Springfield were lawfully present and entitled to the same rights and protections as any other Ohioan. By standing up for their legal status and contributions, DeWine positioned himself as a defender of justice.

Sponsors and champions must be vigilant in calling out injustice wherever it arises, whether in public policy, legal systems, or social narratives. This process involves not only defending the rights of marginalized communities but also pushing for systemic changes that address the root causes of inequality. In the context of migration, this may mean advocating for comprehensive immigration reform that provides pathways to citizenship and protections for migrants who are often scapegoated during election seasons or times of economic or social tension. Governor DeWine scored points for his Republican candidates and allies by highlighting the Biden-Harris administration’s lackluster performance at the Southern Border.

Beyond advocacy, sponsors and champions must also hold others accountable for the spread of harmful narratives. Governor DeWine’s willingness to publicly refute the claims made by Vance and Trump was a demonstration of accountability in action. In leadership, the greatest ability is accountability. Sponsors must be fearless to call out misinformation and injustice, even when it comes from powerful figures, to ensure that truth and fairness prevail.

4. Shifting the Narrative Away from Fear

A key strategy employed by those who seek to marginalize minority groups is the use of fear. Fear is a powerful motivator, and when it is harnessed to create division, it can lead to devastating consequences for marginalized communities. In his Op-Ed, Governor DeWine actively worked to shift the narrative away from fear by focusing on the positive contributions of Haitian migrants and Ohioans’ shared values.

Sponsors and champions must also engage in narrative shifting, challenging the fear-based messages that often dominate public discourse during crises. This shift involves highlighting the strengths and resilience of marginalized communities and emphasizing common humanity stating the numbers of time he and his wife visited Haiti over the years. In the case of migrants, sponsors can focus on their contributions to local economies, their cultural diversity, and their role in enriching the social fabric of communities.

Moreover, champions can work to dismantle the stereotypes and prejudices that fuel fear. Some few examples include the Governor’s Op-Ed, public masses in the local Catholic Church, non-violent marches in many US States with large Haitian migrants in the population, media appearances by Haitian-American and African-American superstars and elected officials, and partnerships with organizations that promote positive representations of minority groups. By changing the narrative, sponsors and champions help to create a more inclusive and welcoming society.

5. Providing Moral Leadership and Encouraging Empathy

Finally, one of the most significant roles of a sponsor or champion in times of crisis is to provide moral leadership. Governor DeWine’s Op-Ed was not only a fact-based rebuttal to false claims; it was also a call for empathy and moral reflection. He urged Ohioans (and the readers of his Op-Ed throughout the U.S.) to reject fear and division in favor of compassion and understanding.

Sponsors and champions must lead by example, demonstrating the values of empathy, respect, and inclusivity in their actions and words. Moral leadership involves not only advocating for the rights of marginalized communities but also inspiring others to do the same. Champions can model empathy by sharing stories of individuals from marginalized communities, helping the public to see them not as “others” but as people with hopes, dreams, and challenges similar to their own.

Where do We Go from Here—Let the Healing Begin

Governor Mike DeWine’s response to the false claims about Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, provides a powerful example of how sponsors and champions can respond in times of crisis. By defending truth, fostering community solidarity, advocating for justice, shifting the narrative away from fear, and providing moral leadership, sponsors can protect marginalized communities from harm and work toward a more just and inclusive society.

In an era where fear and misinformation often dominate public discourse, the role of sponsors and champions is more important than ever. By following the example set by leaders like Governor DeWine, sponsors can help to build a future where all communities are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.