!As Haiti finds itself at the center of U.S. political debates yet again, it’s easy to lose sight of the real people caught in the crossfire. Haitians are often portrayed as helpless victims in the narrative of political migration, but this oversimplification erases Haiti’s long history of resilience and struggle for self-determination.
The story of Haiti is one of remarkable defiance. In 1791, enslaved Haitians fought for their freedom, leading to the creation of the first free Black republic in 1804. Their descendants continue to face profound challenges but remain determined to chart their own course.
A recent documentary, The Fight for Haiti, highlights how Haiti’s ongoing struggles are far from just political rhetoric. As U.S. politicians trade barbs and push anti-immigrant agendas, they often ignore key factors contributing to Haiti’s crises—factors that include foreign intervention and political corruption.
The recent anti-corruption movement in Haiti, which aimed to expose government mismanagement, was tragically dismantled under the leadership of Jovenel Moïse, a president backed by both the Trump and Biden administrations. The Haitian people remain resilient, but their fight for a better future often goes unrecognized in the noise of U.S. politics.
As discussions around Haiti continue in political circles, it’s crucial to remember the real human stories and the ongoing fight for Haiti’s future, a struggle that echoes the revolutionary spirit of 1791.
