Submitted by Louis C. Ward
(Source: Florida Courier )
Former President Donald Trump’s statement at last week’s presidential debate that Haitians were eating pets in Springfield, Ohio has created serious problems for the Haitian American community and sparked outrage from Haitian Americans living in Florida.
Florida has the largest Haitian population in the United States with about 500,000 individuals.
Germain Bebe is a Haitian American who lives in South Florida. The chief operating officer of Black in Marine Science who has vast experience in the non-profit sector, climate-tech organizations and technology industries, said, “As someone who is not only a proud Haitian immigrant but also an advocate for equity, inclusion and truth, I found his words deeply offensive and harmful.’’
Germain holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning from Florida Atlantic University and an MBA from West Texas A&M University.
“Hearing that statement stirred a mix of emotions – anger, frustration and disappointment. It felt like an attack on my identity, on the communities I come from, and on the ideals this country is supposed to stand for,’’ he added.
He continued, “As a Haitian, it was especially painful. Haitians have faced decades of unfair treatment, discrimination and stereotyping, and hearing such a blatantly false and degrading statement from someone aspiring to lead this nation only deepened that sense of hurt.’’
Bebe says that he does not want a person who harbors that kind of mindset to lead the country.
“The reason is simple: The president of the United States holds immense power and influence, both domestically and globally, Bebe explained.
“A leader with such a mind- set—one who perpetuates harmful stereotypes, spreads misinformation, and sows division— cannot effectively represent the diversity, values, and dignity of all Americans. A president should unite, uplift, and create policies that are inclusive, just, and rooted in truth,’’ he added.
Wyliene, a Haitian American resident who lives in Tampa, would not give her last name. She said she knows of some Haitian American men who are business owners and doing well economically that seem to be in-different to Trump’s statement that “Haitians are eating pets.”
Their attitude, Wyliene said is that “I’m not doing that so it doesn’t really matter to me. They have become desensitize to Trump’s false rumors.”
“My initial response was complete disgust,’’ she said. “I was heartbroken, I still am. Heartbroken for my fellow Haitians, immigrants and African American brothers and sisters. Embarrassed. Angry. So many emotions. It also took me back in time as an immigrant child in America and the horrible stereotypes I had to hear and overcome.’’
On the other hand, Dr. Mercidieu “Phil” Phillips, a South Florida pastor whose parents were born in Haiti, returned from Springfield, Ohio on Tuesday, where he talked with Haitian residents there about the rumor spread by Trump and its effects on the community.
“Haitians,” he said, “are living in fear of the unknown, confusion and uncertainty. The climate is extremely tense. He was told that “different hate groups have threatened violence and that the Federal Bureau of Investigation already is aware of threats. Eight people have been assaulted,’’ he told the Florida Courier.
“Many people are planning to leave and relocate to other cities,’’ the pastor said.
He added, “I am not shocked at what President Trump said. We’ve witnessed his type of leadership. What a level of sadness and such irresponsibility to make such a ridiculous claim.”
