“It’s hurtful” Haitian-Americans and others react to false claims about immigrants
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)- Former President Donald Trump's false remarks about Haitian immigrants eating pets stunned Vice President Kamala Harris and many others watching the debate at week ago. The repeatedly debunked rumors ignited a firestorm of hate, bomb threats, fear, crass jokes and unwanted attention on a small Ohio town.
News 8's Theresa Marsenburg spoke to the Pastor of the church she attended as a child and young adult in Springfield, Ohio. "It goes against our faith beliefs and traditions to show hatred to anyone because of the fact that they are different", explained Ernest C. Brown, Sr, who pastors St. John Missionary Baptist Church. Brown and several other faith leaders have joined city and state leaders who call for peace and an end to the false rumors and outright lies. "They're perpetuating the same lies and they have not stopped even though all of our city officials, everyone has told them it was false accusations," Brown said.
Viles Dorsainvil is among the pastors who are seeking change. He operates the Haitian Community Help and Support Center. He describes himself as a bridge between the Springfield community and the more than 15,000 Haitian immigrants, many of whom are there legally. "With all those bomb threats they hear they are very afraid.", said Dorsainvil. Following the presidential debate, Dorsainvil quickly became a bridge between Springfield and seemingly the world. He's been interviewed by scores of journalists. "Some people tell me it's very risky and I tell them I have to do this because at the end of the day there should be somebody speaking up for those folks who don't even speak English." said Dorsainvil.
"It hurts a lot. It hurts a lot," shares Edair Louis. Louis immigrated to Rochester from Haiti 25 years ago. Today, he owns Bongo-la African Haitian Cuisine and Market in Rochester. He says the former president's remarks are just another example of an attack that fuels hatred and animosity towards Haitian communities everywhere , feeds negative stereotypes and forces a deeper division and distrust. "It's not a soap opera this is real people's lives you're talking about that they're doing things that you lie on public tv and you refuse to apologize for it," he said, "I thought the U.S. is supposed to be the example for the rest of the world."
Back in Springfield, an increased police presence gives Dorsainvil and others some sense of safety after all the threats. He says this past week he has experienced both the good and ugly in humankind. "I see there is a group of people who would like to suppress or denigrate people." But he described a moment that restored his hope in America. It took place at the end of an ESL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) class at the community center for Haitians. Dorsainvil says to his delight, a group of people from Springfield and the surrounding areas showered them with flowers, cards and cookies. " I also experience an America where there are some good citizens who still preserve the beauty of America," Dorsainvil explained.
Both Dorsainvil and Brown are hopeful for some positive to come out of the negativity and chaos. They say Springfield needs more healthcare workers, more housing and interpreters and other resources to accommodate the 15,000 new residents who recently joined the fewer than 60,000 people who call Springfield home.
