Local Haitian Community Gathers For Change on the Boston Common

As the battle for votes heats up, several questions and controversies have arisen regarding statements made by the presidential candidates following the debate on September 10. Reacting to Former President Trump’s claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were “stealing and eating people’s dogs,” the Boston community gathered in solidarity to address the backlash. 

In a rally at the Boston Common on Tuesday, individuals joined together to stand in solidarity with the immigrant population speaking against the speculative statements. 

Sheri Cajuste, the founder of Haitians of Boston, felt disheartened but not surprised as “Haitians have been the butt of the joke for years.” With false allegations flooding the media, community members like Cajuste are working consistently to get their word out and inform voters of misconceptions. While Americans debate over how the country should be managed, many express the personal threats and separation that can follow, emphasizing the true importance of this rally’s push for connection. 

Carline Desire, the head of the Association of Haitian Women, said, “Every time there’s a heated situation with politics, you see the hate come out.”Boston’s rally for truth exhibited the exact opposite. With around 25,000 Haitians in Boston and over 100 individuals in the rally’s attendance coming together in their push for truth, celebratory signs of unity flooded the park.

As the election approaches, the rally served as an example of the importance of connection and truth in a time of division. To many, this is more than a vote for a person but a vote for their reputation and protection as well.