COMMENTARY: Addressing racist allegations against Haitians through community support

By now, the unsubstantiated rumors of Haitians eating pets in Springfield, Ohio have been completely debunked. However, the animosity and hate towards Haitians has only heightened. Indianapolis and other communities in Indiana have also seen a large influx of Haitian immigrants in the last few years. The reality is – that Haitians come to places like Springfield, Indianapolis and Evansville because of the availability of jobs — period.

Theses times, however, are particularly dangerous as right-wing groups are weaponizing such dog-whistle lies to reignite racism that has been suppressed in mainstream America for the past few decades. All week long, I’ve been fielding calls about Haitian community centers receiving bomb threats from community leaders who are rightfully afraid for the safety of the Haitian people and theirs. Prominent Haitians in Ohio and elsewhere have been victims of swatting and other threats.

So, what can be done when those so much power repeat such despicable lies? With the advent of social media where unverifiable news move at such an exponential pace, the only viable option for leaders in the Haitian community is to set the record straight by providing new perspectives.

So, what really took place? Both Indiana and Ohio were economically depressed and devastated by COVID-19. The labor shortage in the Midwest, especially in the manufacturing sector, called for extraordinary business measures. Employers throughout the Midwest states, unable to fill regular orders, resorted to employing those willing and able to work back-breaking jobs, odd shifts, and overtime, often running the gamut of 60-70 hours a week — when needed.

It turned out that the group valuing hard work the most — since good wages and stable work have eluded them for most of their lives — were Haitians.

So, this rapid relocation of Haitians to the Midwest has been transformative for both Haitians and the manufacturing sector in the Midwest. During these past four years, Haitians have worked ungodly number of hours to help close manufacturing production gaps, while Midwest employers fulfilled orders, added new shift and kept labor costs low — a win-win situation. According to the Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, on the aggregate, the US economy has largely benefited from adding immigrants to its workforce. As a result, the tradeoff is that social costs have also risen, and inflation has lingered, creating angst and anxieties among the average American — further fueled and exploited by the extreme right rhetoric.

It is obvious that hospitals, local police departments, and school districts are in need of more employees with Haitian Creole proficiencies to accommodate the population increase. In Indiana, where I live, many such prominent organizations have reached out to local Haitian organizations to learn about the community they serve. These efforts have led to significant initiatives. Collaborations between city officials, the Indianapolis Mayor’s Office, and numerous healthcare organizations, including prominent research universities, have led to coalition addressing maternal, infant, and mental health, as well as jobs and housing challenges.  

Hoosier efforts

From my humble opinion, these efforts could be replicated in other communities with burgeoning Haitian populations throughout the US. The model here is to have local Haitian leaders help major organizations and city officials navigate the deep cultural, social chasm that might exist between Ohioans, Hoosiers, and Haitians. Established Haitian organizations can play a powerful role and serve as a bridge, informing and guiding the best use of local resources, providing culturally appropriate recommendations by assisting in cultural competency and advocacy.

What gives me comfort is knowing that most Americans do care! Americans have always been known to lend a hand to those in need. Our organization received help from many strangers, all Hosiers; especially when Haiti suffered from the most devastating earthquake in 2010. So, what I’m essentially suggesting is that — if it feels broken to you, here are a few tips on what you can do: 

Patronize a local Haitian business such as a restaurant or a Haitian bakery. Buy Haitian products online you like. Offer a space of worship to local Haitians who don’t have their own church building.  Attend events organized by local Haitian organizations to learn about their culture and way of life. Be an ally and donate to your local Haitian organization, so they can continue to support programs that help Haitian families integrate into the community.

By taking these steps, you can empower Haitians trying to make a difference in their community, while uplifting your own community.