Charleston and Dominican Republic — the confluence of racism

The AME church that was attacked in Charleston, in addition to being an important part of the 20th century civil rights movement, was established in the 19th century by an abolitionist who drew inspiration from the slave revolt which secured independence for Haiti, and planned a similar revolt to try to free the slaves in South Carolina.

I can’t help noting (as have others) the confluence of Wednesday night’s horrific attack in Charleston (which left 9 dead) and the fact that today, the Dominican Republic is repatriating to Haiti more than 200,000 Dominicans of Haitian descent. It has stripped them of citizenship (retroactive to 1929, before the DR’s historic “Parsley” massacre of Haitians) thereby rendering them stateless and highlighting a long-entrenched anti-Blackness that is pervasive in many Latin American countries.

I am heartbroken at the way we repeat our history — here and there — changing one detail or another but always with the same foundation: racism.

The cost of the story

Pixabay

I have never thought journalism was a safe profession.

I remember as a child, my parents having dinnertime conversations about journalists they knew who were attacked and left paraplegic (or who had to flee the country quite literally in middle of the night) because what they had reported enraged the powers that be.

Read the rest of this in an interactive storymapped long-form piece at AL DÍA News.

Catholic Social Services offers legal assistance with TPS applications for Haitians in Philly

From Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for the citizens of Haiti. TPS provides Haitians that were physically present in the United States prior to Jan. 12, 2010 the opportunity to apply for a temporary legal status with the USCIS and to receive a work permit. Catholic Social Services is offering legal assistance with TPS applications by appointment. Call 215-854-7019 to schedule an appointment. Counselors will meet with applicants, determine if they are eligible to file for TPS and assist with the application process. Many people would qualify, including citizens of Haiti who have overstayed their visas, entered illegally, or have prior cases with the immigration court. All information discussed with Catholic Social Services is completely confidential.

Photo of Mass celebrated for Haitians in Philadelphia by Kevin Cook.

Music for Haiti

Okay, so I'm old enough to prefer the Bob Marley original, and eccentric enough to groove on the Johnny Cash and Joe Strummer cover of this song -- but this version benefits Haiti.