CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS AND HAITIAN BRIDGE ALLIANCE HOST SECOND ROUNDTABLE ON ANTI-HAITIAN RHETORIC AND MISINFORMATION

CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS AND HAITIAN BRIDGE ALLIANCE HOST SECOND ROUNDTABLE ON ANTI-HAITIAN RHETORIC AND MISINFORMATIONOctober 9, 2024

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San Diego, CA – In response to recent inflammatory and false comments by former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance regarding Haitian migrants allegedly eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), in partnership with Haitian Bridge Alliance, hosted a second roundtable discussion with leaders within the Haitian community to confront the dangerous rhetoric and its impact on Haitian communities in the U.S. and abroad.

The discussion, led by Rep. Horsford, the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, centered around countering misinformation and protecting migrants’ Dignity,” brought together lawmakers, advocates, and community leaders to debunk these baseless claims and emphasize the need for responsible public discourse. Participants also highlighted the broader issue of racism and xenophobia toward Black immigrants, as well as the harmful consequences of such narratives on both public opinion and policy.

CBC members who attended the meeting found the comments deeply harmful and noted that such dehumanizing rhetoric has no place in our society. It stokes fear, emboldens hate, and threatens the safety of already vulnerable communities. 

Guerline Jozef, Executive Director of Haitian Bridge Alliance, stressed the urgency of addressing such false and dangerous narratives head-on. “The Haitian community is once again being scapegoated for political gain, with outright lies that dehumanize and vilify people seeking safety. We must hold those in power accountable for their words. These comments are not only cruel but dangerous, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and fanning the flames of anti-immigrant sentiment,” she said. 

Last month, Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) filed criminal charges in a municipal court in Springfield, Ohio against Donald Trump and JD Vance stemming from the baseless and malicious comments made against the Haitian community.

HELP US DEFEND THE HAITIAN COMMUNITY AGAINST MALICIOUS ATTACKS AND RESPOND TO ONGOING EMERGENCIES

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