Haiti on the Line: Engaging the Haitian Diaspora in Crucial Dialogue

Haiti suffers from severe gang-related violence and political instability, impacting the lives of Haitians at home and abroad. Public radio will hold a live special, “Haiti on the Line,” to invite listeners to share their experiences. Experts will contribute insights to the discussion, which airs on February 24, and a transcript will be made available in Haitian Creole.

Haiti is currently facing a severe crisis, with over 5,000 individuals reportedly killed due to gang violence last year. Ongoing political instability has compounded these challenges, leading to an unstable reality for Haitians both within their homeland and in the United States. This situation prompts public radio stations in major U.S. cities with significant Haitian populations to engage their listeners in discussions regarding their experiences and perspectives on the unfolding crisis in Haiti.

To facilitate this dialogue, the 90-minute live special titled “Haiti on the Line” will be hosted by Brian Lehrer of WNYC, Saraya Wintersmith from GBH News, and Tim Padgett from WLRN. Listeners are invited to share their personal stories related to Haiti and the challenges they face as immigrants or refugees in the U.S. The program aims to amplify the voices of Haitian and Haitian-American individuals, offering them a platform to express their views on the current situation.

Special guests expected on the program include Widlore Merancourt, editor-in-chief at AyiboPost; journalist Jacqueline Charles from the Miami Herald, known for her reporting on the 2010 Haiti earthquake; and Dr. Geralde Gabeau, Executive Director of the Immigrant Family Services Institute. Their involvement will provide additional insights and expertise regarding the evolving dynamics in Haiti and the experiences of its diaspora, particularly in the U.S.

Listeners can tune in to the special broadcast on February 24 at 7 PM Eastern Time. The show will be available across various platforms, including WNYC 93.9FM, AM 820, and online, along with broadcasts from GBH 89.7FM and WLRN 91.3FM. A transcript of the broadcast will be translated into Haitian Creole, ensuring accessibility for the community.

Related resources include reports detailing the humanitarian efforts of individuals like Dr. Geralde Gabeau, who has worked fervently to assist Haitian refugees. Furthermore, accounts of the cultural impact of the Creole pig’s eradication in Haiti and criticism of immigration policies affecting the Haitian community provide deeper context to the situation facing Haitians both at home and abroad.

The discussion of Haiti’s current crisis serves as a crucial platform for affected individuals residing in the United States, offering an opportunity for them to share their experiences and concerns. Through collaborative efforts by public radio stations, the voices of Haitians will be amplified, fostering a better understanding of the challenges they confront. The engagement in this dialogue is essential in shedding light on the complex realities tied to Haitian identity and migration, thereby promoting awareness and fostering support within the broader community.

Original Source: www.wnyc.org