Haiti On The Line: A Call-In Special Addressing Current Crises

A special program titled “Haiti On The Line” aims to highlight the voices of Haitians in the U.S., discussing the ongoing crises in Haiti. Public radio stations will host this 90-minute call-in show, encouraging participation from listeners to share their experiences. Experts will contribute to the discussion, airing on February 24 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time.

In recent years, Haiti has faced significant challenges, including gang-related violence that resulted in over 5,000 fatalities last year. Coupled with a prolonged political crisis, the situation remains precarious for Haitians living both in Haiti and the United States. To address these pressing issues, public radio stations in major U.S. cities with substantial Haitian populations are organizing a call-in special titled “Haiti On The Line,” aimed at amplifying Haitian voices and experiences.

The 90-minute program will feature Brian Lehrer from WNYC, alongside Saraya Wintersmith from GBH News and Tim Padgett from WLRN, facilitating a conversation centered around the Haitian crisis. The broadcast will occur live, with the inclusion of a Haitian Creole transcript post-airing. Participation from Haitian and Haitian-American listeners is encouraged, allowing them to share their perspectives on their homeland’s history and current state.

Listeners are invited to record voice memos voicing their personal experiences related to Haiti’s crisis. The special aims to shed light on the unique challenges faced by migrants and refugees in the United States, providing a platform for communal storytelling and shared insights. Experts such as Widlore Merancourt, Jacqueline Charles, Dr. Geralde Gabeau, and Representative Sheila Cherfilus McCormick will contribute their expertise, enriching the dialogue with informed perspectives.

The program will air on February 24 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time across various stations, including WNYC in New York, GBH in Boston, and WLRN in Miami. The discussions will not only address current turmoil but will also explore the cultural significance of Haiti, evidenced by resources like those discussing the impact of past agricultural policies and the effects of socio-political indifference toward Haitian immigrants.

This special event will serve as a crucial platform for the Haitian community, enabling them to articulate their collective struggles and aspirations amidst ongoing crisis. By engaging with experts and sharing personal narratives, the program aims to foster a deeper understanding of Haiti’s complex realities, reaffirming the importance of community involvement in addressing these pressing issues. Listeners are encouraged to participate and bring their voices into the discussion, which promises to be both insightful and impactful as it strives to unite the Haitian diaspora during such turbulent times.

Original Source: www.wgbh.org