Haitian-Americans Push Back On Fabricated Allegations Spread By Donald Trump & J.D. Vance
Some 250 Haitians and supporters of the community gathered at Memorial Park in Spring Valley Sunday to rally against dehumanizing rumors that have been disseminated by former Republican president Donald Trump and his vice president pick J.D. Vance, who are fighting in a neck-and-neck race against the Democrats for the White House this Nov. 5th.
“Let me say it loud and clear – we are Haitians, we are like any human being on earth, no one should put you down,” said Pastor Yves Latouche of Spring Valley Church of Lazarus, alternating between English and Creole.
Latouche, speaking before a vibrant crowd waving Haitian flags and anti-Trump and anti-Congressman Mike Lawler posters, expressed visceral anger at false accusations about Haitians in Springfield, OH stealing people’s cats and dogs, and eating them. The Trump campaign has seized on the fabricated claim to stir racial tensions against immigrants, Haitians and communities of color.
Stumping for his campaign against Lawyer for the 17th Congressional District, Mondaire Jones said, “I’m happy to be in my hometown, the Haitian people raised me.” Jones went on to say “Trump/Vance tells a despicable lie. My heart is hurting, watching and hearing disgusting falsehoods.”
Speakers also included Vivian Street of the NAACP and Nicole Hines of the Nyack chapter of the NAACP.
“We’re all in this together,” Hines said.
In rousing words, Paul Adler of Rand Commercial, said “Everybody is Haitian. Haitians may be MAGA’s target today. But tomorrow, it will be that group, and that group, and that group.”
