Edgar Leblanc hail Haitian immigrants’ contributions amid rising racism in the U.S. 

PORT-AU-PRINCE — Edgar Gardy Leblanc Fils, president of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), praised the contributions of Haitian immigrants to the United States during his address at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday. His remarks come amid growing racism, discrimination, and threats of violence against Haitian immigrants in U.S. cities, particularly Springfield, Ohio, fueled by former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance as part of the ongoing presidential campaign.

Leblanc emphasized that Haitian immigrants have played a significant role in U.S. growth and expressed hope that one day these Haitians, who leave in search of a better life, will return to their homeland.

During his address, the CPT president highlighted the longstanding friendship between Haiti and the United States, citing Haiti’s participation in the 1779 Battle of Savannah. He expressed confidence that Americans, as champions of democracy, would reject the xenophobic rhetoric being spread against Haitians, especially those in Springfield.

“The active participation of Haitian immigrants at various levels of U.S. life is tangible and significant,” Leblanc said. 

“Passions stirred during election campaigns should never serve as a pretext for xenophobia or racism in a country like the United States, a nation built by immigrants of all backgrounds.”

He called on Amnesty International and other human rights organizations to witness and address the growing violations against Haitian migrants globally.

 “The active participation of Haitian immigrants at various levels of life in the United States is tangible and significant.”

Edgar Gardy Leblanc Fils, president of Haiti’s Presidential Council (TPC)

Response to growing hostility toward Haitians 

In his remarks, Leblanc did not detail any plans from the Haitian government to protect and support Haitian nationals facing persecution abroad. However, he noted the pattern of abuse faced by Haitians in many countries, including notably the Dominican Republic, where they are subjected to violence, forced deportation, and exploitation—issues often denounced by organizations like the Support Group for Repatriated and Refugees (GARR).

In Springfield, Ohio, Haitian immigrants have become the target of hate crimes and false allegations, spurred by Trump and Vance’s anti-immigrant rhetoric. Last year, Izaye Eubanks, a Springfield resident, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for committing hate crimes against Haitians. Many attribute these acts of violence to misinformation and long-standing frustrations within the local community.

Republican presidential candidate Trump has called for the deportation of Haitian immigrants, particularly those who entered under the federal humanitarian parole program, and has vowed to end the CPB One program that allows migrants entry into the U.S. 

Trump, along with his running mate Vance, falsely claimed that Haitian immigrants were eating American pets in Springfield—a statement that has been widely debunked but continues to circulate.

Despite denouncements from Ohio authorities and apologies from those who initially spread the false rumors, Trump and his supporters continue to push similar claims. This rhetoric has created an atmosphere of fear among Haitian immigrants in Springfield, leading some families to keep their children home from school. Bomb threats have also been reported in the area, further escalating the tension.

According to city spokesperson Karen Graves, authorities evacuated several municipal buildings, schools, and government offices in response to the threats, with the assistance of bomb-sniffing dogs. 

Nearly 20,000 Haitians have settled in Springfield in recent years, helping to ease labor shortages, but the rapid population growth has strained local resources.

Leblanc’s remarks at the UN follow various protests and public actions by Haitians in the U.S. against the discriminatory rhetoric they have been subjected to. These efforts include demonstrations, discussions, solidarity and unity messages, and community support building.

The Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA), a California-based nonprofit, has filed a criminal complaint in the Clark County Municipal Court against Trump and Vance for their persistent false accusations against Haitian immigrants in Springfield.

“HBA filed this criminal charge to hold Trump and Vance accountable for the devastating harm they caused our community in Springfield and that has impacted Haitians nationwide,” said Guerline Jozef, HBA’s executive director, in a statement. “This is about confronting white supremacy, anti-Black rhetoric, and hate speech that continues to cause suffering. No one is above the law.”

Call for restitution from France

In addition to addressing the situation in the U.S., Leblanc used his UN platform to demand the restitution of Haiti’s independence debt from France. He argued that the reparations paid by Haiti to France in the 19th century—following its successful revolution against colonial rule—had crippled the country’s development.

As the bicentennial of this “ransom” approaches, Leblanc insisted that France must acknowledge its moral and historical debt to Haiti, emphasizing that the call for restitution is not an appeal for charity but for justice.

“Haiti, the first independent Black nation in the world, is the great victim of a historical injustice that has delayed its development and burdened its people,” Leblanc said. “This debt has been an unjust penalty that has stifled the potential of the Haitian people for generations.”

Leblanc urged the international community to support Haiti’s pursuit of justice and dignity for its people, both at home and abroad.

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Edgar Leblanc hail Haitian immigrants’ contributions amid rising racism in the U.S.  was first posted on September 27, 2024 at 8:59 am.