MIAMI — The North Miami City Council, which includes a majority of Haitian representatives, has issued a strong condemnation of recent racist comments directed at Haitians.
The council unanimously approved a resolution to combat the harmful effects of these derogatory remarks, which have had a significant impact on the local Haitian community and its youth.
Council members, personally affected by the comments, stressed that immigrants are vital to the community and deserve respect, not hate speech.
Mayor Alix Desulme, who is Haitian, expressed the deep pain caused by the remarks. He noted that a substantial portion of North Miami’s population shares his background.
“It’s very hurtful and painful. We are dealing with the repercussions of these comments,” Mayor Desulme said. “Many of us who came here to work hard are being targeted unjustly.”
The remarks by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance, which included derogatory statements about Haitian immigrants, were particularly distressing.
During a presidential debate, Trump made a controversial statement: “They’re eating the dogs, the people that came in. They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets.”
Vice Mayor Mary Estimé-Irvin, also the chairwoman of the National Haitian American Elected Official Network, noted that the impact of these comments extends beyond adults. She shared that high school students in the area have been subjected to ridicule about the statements.
“Last week, some high school students faced teasing at school, with others questioning if they were eating pets,” Estimé-Irvin said.
During a city council meeting on Tuesday, each member voiced their concerns over the comments before unanimously passing the resolution. They aim to send a clear message that such hate speech has no place in the community.
“Immigrants are an essential part of our community. Despite our differences, we are diverse and should be included. Hate speech has no place here,” Estimé-Irvin added.
In response, Mayor Desulme has also reached out to the mayor of Springfield, Ohio, and is considering a visit to further address the issue.
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