Caribbean Matters: Racist attacks on Haitians betray our shared history

The unrelenting right-wing Republican attacks on Haitian American immigrants continue. They are sparked by lies and a false story about Springfield, Ohio, being spread by Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance, Donald Trump, and their MAGA supporters. And while there may be ramifications for their actions, it hasn’t stopped. Haitian Americans and their allies are organizing to counter the dangerous rhetoric that puts not only immigrants at risk, but also other Black people who live there. 

Racism against Haitians is not a new issue, and yet Haitian Americans have deep roots in the United States and have helped shape our history. It is no coincidence that the same politicians who spread this filth and hate are also politically opposed to teaching Black history as part of American history, of which Haitians are an important and intertwined part.

Caribbean Matters is a weekly series from Daily Kos. Hope you’ll join us here every Saturday. If you are unfamiliar with the region, check out Caribbean Matters: Getting to know the countries of the Caribbean.