09/15/2024
As the President of the Society for the Advancement of the Caribbean Diaspora (SACD), I stand with the Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, and denounce all negative stereotypes being leveled at them. Furthermore, we denounce all the accusations that Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, are eating the residents' cats and dogs as false and malicious.
As immigrants from the Caribbean country of Haiti, Haitian immigrants share the values of all Caribbean nationals and are hardworking, ambitious, and uphold strong family values. The history of Haitians in America dates back to the early 1800s. It is an impressive and rich history that has helped to develop the United States of America.
Haitian migration to the United States began in earnest in the early 19th century, particularly after Haiti gained independence from France in 1804. The first significant wave of Haitian immigrants arrived in the U.S. during the early 20th century, with subsequent waves occurring during the U.S. occupation of Haiti (1915-1934), the Duvalier dictatorship (1957-1986), and following the 2004 overthrow of Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
Haitian immigrants have made substantial contributions to American society. Notable figures of Haitian descent include Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, the founder of Chicago, and W.E.B. Du Bois, a prominent civil rights activist. Additionally, many Haitian immigrants have established businesses, particularly in sectors like hospitality, healthcare, and retail, enriching the cultural and economic landscape of their communities.
Haitians also played a crucial role in the Louisiana Purchase. The Haitian Revolution, led by figures like Toussaint L'Ouverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines, significantly weakened French control in the Americas. This led Napoleon Bonaparte to sell the Louisiana territory to the United States in 1803, doubling the size of the country.
During the American War for Independence, Haitian soldiers fought alongside American troops. Notably, a regiment of Haitian soldiers, known as the Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint-Domingue, fought in the Siege of Savannah in 1779.
Other notable contributions include Edwidge Danticat, an award-winning author known for her works that explore the Haitian diaspora and immigrant experiences, and Josephine Premice, a celebrated Broadway performer who made significant contributions to American theater in the 1940s and 1950s. Septima Poinsette Clark, an educator and civil rights leader, played a crucial role in voter education initiatives for African Americans. In politics, Marie St. Fleur was the first Haitian American elected to state office in the United States, serving in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Paul Altidor, Haiti’s Ambassador to the United States, has highlighted the contributions of Haitians to American society.
By standing with Haitian immigrants, we recognize their resilience, contributions, and the rich cultural heritage they bring to the United States.
Vision and Mission of SACD
Vision: To serve the communities of the Caribbean Diaspora.
Mission: To engage the communities of the Caribbean Diaspora through the exploration of our common interests and concerns, and through our collective resources ensure the welfare and advancement of the Caribbean Diaspora.
Minna LaFortune
