Houston is no stranger to standing up for what’s right, and on Monday, September 23, 2024, the city’s moral compass pointed due north. Congressman Al Green (TX-09) joined forces with local leaders and Haitian advocates to host a powerful press conference denouncing the outrageous and offensive rhetoric recently spewed by former President Donald Trump. This time, Trump’s target? The resilient and hardworking Haitian community.

Trump’s inflammatory comments, made during a speech in Springfield, Ohio, perpetuated dangerous, dehumanizing stereotypes—accusing Haitians of practices so absurd, they barely deserve repeating. However, this isn't the first time Trump has resorted to divisive, fear-mongering rhetoric for political gain. The September press conference made it clear: enough is enough.

Hosted at Congressman Al Green’s Houston District Office, the press conference featured a united front of political, faith, and community leaders, including Bishop James Dixon, President of the Houston NAACP, and representatives from Houston Haitians United (HHU), Houston Caribbean Professionals Association (HCPA), and the Texas Caribbean Chamber of Commerce. Each speaker took a stand to set the record straight, fiercely defending the Haitian community against Trump’s recent tirade.

Defending Dignity: The Haitian Community Speaks

“Haitians have been at the forefront of resilience for centuries,” Congressman Al Green opened with his signature blend of conviction and compassion. “People of goodwill have a moral imperative to unite against Former President Trump’s disrespect of Haitians for political gain, causing pain. This baseless attack is not just an assault on Haitians, but on all of us. Disrespectful injustice against Haitians is a threat to respect and justice for all.” 

Green’s powerful words set the tone for the press conference, which sought not only to address Trump’s hurtful rhetoric but also to highlight the enduring strength of the Haitian people—who’ve faced down centuries of economic hardship, political instability, and natural disasters, all while contributing meaningfully to every community they’ve touched.

James Pierre, Chairman of Houston Haitians United, echoed Green’s sentiments: “We denounce these harmful allegations and urge all candidates to refrain from divisive rhetoric. Let’s focus on unity, truth, and respect for all communities, not misleading propaganda.” Pierre’s remarks drove home the point that the time for tolerance of such political smears is long gone.

A Larger Battle: Dehumanization Tactics Exposed

One of the most impactful speakers of the morning was Bishop James Dixon, a longtime advocate for civil rights and human dignity. “With no truthful basis or evidence, Haitians have been described in ways that are nothing short of dehumanizing,” he stated. “It’s a continuing scheme to make citizens fearful of all people of color. The Houston NAACP stands fully in support of demanding respect for Haitians, just as we do for any group under attack by racist and xenophobic rhetoric.”

Dixon’s message highlighted a grim reality—Trump’s words aren’t just harmful to Haitians but to everyone. Today it’s Haitians; tomorrow it could be any marginalized group. The speakers drew clear parallels between this attack on the Haitian community and broader attempts to divide Americans along racial, cultural, and ethnic lines.

Houston’s Promise: Standing with Haiti

Houston’s rich tapestry of multiculturalism, including its vibrant Haitian community, has made the city a beacon of diversity and unity. In response to Trump’s comments, Houston leaders are determined to show that this type of hate will not take root in the Bayou City. 

“We will not be silent,” Bishop Dixon affirmed. “The people of Houston and the greater Caribbean community demand respect. This city has always been a refuge for those seeking justice, and we stand with our Haitian brothers and sisters in demanding that they receive the dignity they deserve.”

Congressman Green’s event not only called for an end to harmful stereotypes but also celebrated the immense contributions Haitians have made—both in Houston and beyond. The Haitian community, through organizations like Houston Haitians United and the Texas Caribbean Chamber of Commerce, continues to drive cultural, economic, and social progress in the city.

A Call to Action

As the press conference concluded, attendees were left with a call to action: to push back against harmful rhetoric, to uplift communities under attack, and to foster unity in the face of divisiveness. Congressman Green’s message was clear: whether you are Haitian, Latino, African American, Asian, Muslim, or part of any marginalized group, there is a place for you in Houston, and your humanity is non-negotiable.

Houston, the city known for its heart and hustle, continues to stand tall against injustice—this time with the Haitian community front and center. Through events like this press conference, leaders like Congressman Al Green remind us that when one community is under attack, we all must rise to defend it.

For more info, visit algreen.house.gov