Haitian Community Organizes to Elect Kamala Harris for President: A New Grassroots Movement

In a bold step towards making history, Haitian organizers in South Florida are rallying behind Vice President Kamala Harris for her bid to become the next President of the United States.

On August 1, 2024, the grassroots organization Ayisyen Pou Harris opened a new campaign office in North Miami Beach, signaling the Haitian community’s determination to elect the first U.S. president of Caribbean and immigrant heritage. This movement, previously known as Ayisyen Pou Biden, is now focused on ensuring Harris’ success in the upcoming election and amplifying Haitian political involvement.

A Historic Campaign Office: A Symbol of Community Unity

The opening ceremony of the Ayisyen Pou Harris office was a momentous event attended by Haitian community members, young leaders, and local politicians. Among the speakers was North Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Joseph, who addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of uniting as a community to support a leader who resonates with their shared experiences. Joseph has been an ardent supporter of Harris, reflecting the community’s belief that her leadership could significantly shape policies that affect immigrants and the Caribbean-American population.

As Linda Joseph, one of the founders of Ayisyen Pou Harris, eloquently stated, “You have to know when to lay your weapons down and let the young generation take over. We’ve got some brilliant young people who can take the fight on.” This sentiment was echoed by the attendees, highlighting the growing belief that the younger generation holds the key to shaping the future.

Young Leaders Take the Stage: A New Generation of Political Activism

The ceremony’s highlights included two young women, 19-year-old Christel Louidor and 17-year-old Angelina Fleurime, cutting the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the office. For them, the significance of supporting Kamala Harris transcends politics; it’s about identity and representation. “It’s our first time voting for a political figure who actually resembles us,” Louidor told The Miami Times. “Not just because she’s Black, but also because she understands us.”

Both Louidor and Fleurime will cast their votes for the first time in November, marking a significant milestone for the younger generation of Haitian Americans. Their passion for civic engagement reflects a growing trend of youth involvement in politics, as they work to ensure that their voices and concerns are heard.

Building Support for Kamala Harris in the Haitian Community

While the primary focus of Ayisyen Pou Harris is to galvanize Haitian support for Kamala Harris, the group is also tackling challenges unique to their community. Haitian Americans in South Florida often face barriers to political engagement, such as language differences, misinformation, and a lack of understanding about the American political system. However, Ayisyen Pou Harris aims to bridge this gap by providing resources and education to ensure that Haitian voters are empowered to make informed decisions.

“We’re a young community, democracy is still very new to us,” Commissioner Michael Joseph said during the opening. “So, we’re going to have some growing pains. But look what we did today.” His words reflect the determination of the Haitian community to overcome these challenges and make a significant impact in the upcoming election.

Tackling Misinformation and Boosting Voter Engagement

One of the group’s main priorities is combating misinformation, especially among older Haitians who rely on platforms like WhatsApp for news. As 17-year-old Fleurime pointed out, “You can say, ‘Trump is going to buy you all houses’ in a WhatsApp group chat, and they might believe it and vote for him.” The spread of false information poses a serious challenge to political involvement, but Ayisyen Pou Harris is working to address this by promoting voter literacy and providing accurate, reliable information.

Additionally, the organization is focusing on increasing access to mail-in ballots and other voting resources to ensure that every Haitian American in South Florida has the tools they need to participate in the democratic process.

The Importance of Kamala Harris’ Candidacy for Haitian Americans

For Haitian Americans, Kamala Harris represents more than just a candidate; she embodies the hopes and aspirations of immigrants and minority communities across the nation. As the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, Harris’ background resonates deeply with many Haitian Americans, who see her as someone who understands their struggles and dreams.

Linda Joseph, a key figure in the Ayisyen Pou Harris movement, believes that Harris’ candidacy offers a unique opportunity for Haitian Americans to have a voice in shaping the future of the country. “Our intent is to be vocal, be consistent. We cannot wait for someone to bring us to the table,” said Joseph.

The organization is determined to build a coalition that not only supports Harris but also champions policies that reflect the values of the Caribbean-American community. This sentiment was echoed by Nancy Metayer Bowen, the campaign’s Florida Caribbean vote director, who emphasized the importance of building strong connections with community leaders, organizations, and constituents.

Challenges Facing the Haitian Community

While the enthusiasm for Kamala Harris is high, the Haitian community faces significant challenges, both in the U.S. and back home in Haiti. Gang violence in Haiti has claimed over 1,000 lives, and many Haitians in South Florida, especially those under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), are concerned about their future. The Biden administration recently extended TPS protections until 2026, but these protections could be at risk if the political landscape changes.

“We are always going to have these challenges until we have an administration that prioritizes Haiti,” said North Miami mayoral candidate Naomi Blemur. Harris, with her immigrant background and understanding of Caribbean issues, offers hope to Haitians who want to see real change in U.S. policy toward Haiti.

A Growing Movement: Haitian Political Involvement on the Rise

The opening of the Ayisyen Pou Harris office is just the beginning of what organizers hope will be a wave of political involvement from the Haitian community in South Florida. As the November election approaches, the group will work tirelessly to engage more Haitian voters, providing them with the resources and support they need to stay involved in the political process.

The movement has already garnered significant attention, with more than 15,000 Floridians signing up to volunteer for Harris’ campaign, many of whom will work at the campaign’s three official Miami offices set to open by the end of August. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to mobilize the Caribbean-American vote and ensure that their voices are heard in the upcoming election.

Conclusion: A United Community, A Powerful Voice

The Ayisyen Pou Harris movement is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Haitian community in South Florida. By rallying behind Kamala Harris, they are not only supporting a candidate who understands their struggles but also taking an active role in shaping the future of the country. As Commissioner Michael Joseph said, “Ayisyen for Harris is all people run. That’s how we identify ourselves.”

As this grassroots movement grows, the Haitian community’s political influence will continue to expand, ensuring that their voices are heard and their values are represented in the highest offices of government.

FAQs

1. Why is the Haitian community supporting Kamala Harris?

The Haitian community is supporting Kamala Harris because of her immigrant heritage, shared cultural values, and her potential to implement policies that address the unique challenges facing Caribbean Americans and Haitians in the U.S.

2. What is Ayisyen Pou Harris?

Ayisyen Pou Harris is a grassroots organization formed by Haitian Americans in South Florida to rally support for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. The group aims to mobilize Haitian voters and provide resources to ensure political engagement.

3. What challenges does the Haitian community face in this election?

The Haitian community faces challenges such as misinformation, voter literacy issues, and concerns about the future of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under changing political landscapes.

4. How are young Haitian Americans involved in the campaign?

Young Haitian Americans like Christel Louidor and Angelina Fleurime are playing a pivotal role in the campaign, engaging in political activism for the first time and encouraging others in their generation to vote and participate in the democratic process.

5. How is the Ayisyen Pou Harris movement addressing misinformation?

The movement is addressing misinformation by promoting voter literacy, providing accurate information about the election, and helping community members navigate misinformation, particularly on platforms like WhatsApp.

References:

• “Haitians organize to elect Kamala Harris for president.” The Miami Times, August 6, 2024. Link to the article