"New Bridges for Haitian Success, other Haitian leaders and elected officials take this initiative to condemn the President of the United State's remarks about Haiti and African countries," said New Bridges founder Bernard Georges at a press conference in a packed room at the Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island. "I believe there should be more outrage and a dialog to understand the importance of immigrants."
President Donald Trump reportedly referred to several nations including Haiti, and all of Africa, as "shitholes."
"All Haitians do not have AIDS," said Georges, responding to Trump's bigoted claim. "Haiti is not a [shithole]. Haiti is a beautiful country with a lot of good history. Even though opportunity is very rare, my people are creative, strong and hardworking. There is no room for bigotry, divisive and racist talk. I truly believe in the philosophy of my ancestors: Unity makes strength."
The event was organized by Nirva LaFortune, the Providence City Councilor for Ward 3, Bernard Georges, Dr Norly Germaine of the University of Rhode Island and Kappy Bois. United States Senator Jack Reed, Representative David Cicilline, Lieutenant Governor Daniel McKee, Rhode Island State Representatives Marcia Ranglin-Vassell and Aaron Regunberg, Providence City Council President David Salvatore and City Councilors Sabina Matos and Mary Kay Harris all spoke at the event, as did NAACP Providence Branch President James Vincent.
"Right now about 59 thousand Haitians are facing deportation because why? Their skin color? Their language?" asked Georges. "They need your support. ... Sometimes I ask myself, where are they going? We know the situation in Haiti. We know last week was the eighth anniversary of the devastating earthquake. ... We have a lot of problems. We need you guys to take action by sending a positive message to Donald Trump, the Trump administration in Washington. ... Please, continue to fight for us."
Video of all the speakers can be seen below.
https://youtu.be/avRI0GY8u5s
United States Senator Jack Reed (D-RI)
https://youtu.be/b-XzF0-puNU
Lieutenant Governor Daniel McKee
https://youtu.be/tSLQzjv-tRo
Rhode Island State Representative Marcia Ranglin-Vassell (Democrat, District 5, Providence) (See here for full coverage)
https://youtu.be/bDTjVJ_M38s
Providence City Council President David Salvatore (Ward 14)
https://youtu.be/LZt5Cr7NjIs
Providence City Councilor Sabina Matos (Ward 15)
https://youtu.be/wHV26XaAcO4
Providence City Councilor Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11)
https://youtu.be/dJ0C4NiUs9Y
Rhode Island State Representative Aaron Regunberg (Democrat, District 4, Providence)
https://youtu.be/dJtJ1f2gZ28
Dr. Norly Germaine
https://youtu.be/a4WIf_LhIqE
NAACP Providence Branch President James Vincent (See here for full coverage)
https://youtu.be/RLNb4jdWQZ4
United States Representative David Cicilline (D-RI)
https://youtu.be/Ayx87JRVvcc
Providence City Councilor Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3) (See here for full coverage)
https://youtu.be/cz0kFKujs1M
[caption id="attachment_4279" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Kevin Olasanoye[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4278" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Jo-Ann Ryan[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4272" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Marcia Ranglin-Vassell[/caption]
See also:
UpriseRI is entirely supported by donations and advertising. Every little bit helps: Become a Patron!
[caption id="attachment_4279" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Kevin Olasanoye[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4278" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Jo-Ann Ryan[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4272" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Marcia Ranglin-Vassell[/caption]
See also:
Providence City Councilor Nirva LaFortune: We must counter darkness and hate with love and light
NAACP President Jim Vincent: We got to get conscious right now!UpriseRI is entirely supported by donations and advertising. Every little bit helps: Become a Patron!