Hoping for Home: From Brooklyn to Haiti (By Way of New Orleans and Harlem)

“Haiti has no debt with Venezuela — on the contrary, it is Venezuela that has a historic debt with Haiti,” –Hugo Chavez, President, Venezuela

I am considered dyaspora because I am Haitian American, born in Brooklyn to Haitian parents. But Haiti is my home. Although the last time I visited I was in diapers, Haiti has always held a special place in my heart. It is the birthplace of my parents, my ancestral homeland, the site of the first free Black republic. As Hugo Chavez attested, Haiti has served as an inspiration and provided hope for many generations of revolutionaries and freedom fighters, for those who wanted to believe in the impossible, like those slaves who first took up arms to battle a seemingly indomitable opponent.

But history has not been kind to Haiti. To the majority, it is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, ravaged by corrupt or inept leaders. It is a lawless state, at the bottom of the order of civilized societies. The scenes of despair in Haiti continue to break my heart and create a sense of urgency that I haven’t felt since Hurricane Katrina. Haiti, my home, and its wonderful, courageous residents must be supported and we must tell a different story. It has taken me a while to finally be able to write because my pain runs deep. I’ve felt helpless these last few weeks, as the news reports broadcasted story after story of the colossal devastation. For so many years, my dream has been to be able to step foot on Haitian soil. Now that I have a young daughter, that dream is extended to having the opportunity to see Haiti with my family. I will never give up on Haiti. The earthquake and the wonderful global response to aiding the country demonstrates the love many have for Haiti and its resilient people.

The Great Earthquake has killed hundreds of thousands, destroyed many cultural artifacts and thousands of homes, while utterly devastating a proud nation. It has not, however, been able to destroy the spirit and drive of the Haitian citizenry. Haiti will be rebuilt. It will not be like New Orleans, forgotten once the flood waters fully receded and the levees reconstructed. There are thousands who have not been able to return to New Orleans, usually poor Black people, and yet most people believe that things are back to normal. It will not be like Harlem, slowly but surely gentrified to the point of diluting its historical importance as a bastion of Black culture. For far too long, Haiti has been written off as a failed state, expatriates constantly lamenting its sorry condition, resigned to leaving their memories behind, sorely disappointed by constantly having dreams deferred.

The history of Haiti is steeped in trauma, to the extent that its citizens even begin to expect it. Even the brief hope developed by the Aristide presidency has since deteriorated into accusations of betrayal and theft. But Haiti will rise again. This time, the difference is that its dyaspora need to return home, those who left for better lands, must come back to build a new, never before seen Haiti. Those native born Haitian professionals should contribute their technical skills. Their children, now professionals themselves, must donate their time and expertise. The Haiti that I have always dreamed about, not the Haiti that the U.S. and its corporate allies wish to create, will inspire hope. It will be a Haiti of infrastructure, of sustainable commerce, with dignified employment opportunities for its residents. Haiti needs to be supported not exploited. Unfortunately, even in the midst of such a tragedy, there are those who intend to profit from it and savage the carcass of a fallen country. From overzealous missionaries trafficking children to black marketers gouging their neighbors for foodstuffs to the IMF drawing up draconian terms for providing Haiti with financial support, many have already set out to benefit at the expense of the Haitian people.

The dyaspora and our allies must write a different history, one of hope, not despair, of dreams, not trauma, of resurrection, not death. Haiti will know peace not war. The world will recognize the truth about Haiti, especially its beauty and its significant contribution to our global story. We must not leave it in the hands of the U.S., which has a poor record of rebuilding countries, usually choosing to co-opt the indigenous leadership and engaging in paternalistic, destructive behavior. It will be a protracted struggle which must go beyond donations and relief efforts. While money and aid are definitely needed, the rebuilding of Haiti will need long term human capital commitment. It will be done for love of country, for love of Haiti, for love of humanity. I believe it can be accomplished. My daughter will know the Haiti I never had a chance to see, and we will kiss the soil together, and enjoy the sunset in this brilliant and marvelous country I call home.