Statement on Crisis in Haiti

Written by Lovely Lacey

Published: June 10, 2024

In the wake of the ongoing crisis engulfing Haiti, Black Mothers in Power stands in solidarity with the Haitian people, condemning the dire circumstances they face and the urgent need for international aid. The situation in Haiti is a tragic testament to the failures of both domestic governance and international intervention.

We are weary witnesses to the repeated cycles of intervention by the United States, often exacerbating the very issues they purport to resolve. The history of Western involvement in Haiti is fraught with manipulation and exploitation, perpetuating instability and thwarting genuine progress. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - as of January 2024, before the uptick in violence, nearly half the country, approximately 5.4 million people, were in need of some form of humanitarian assistance. As advocates for justice and equity, we call for a reevaluation of interventionist approaches and a genuine commitment to supporting Haitian-led solutions.

We echo the sentiments of Amnesty International by “calling on all states in the Americas, and in particular the governments of the United States and the Dominican Republic, to put an end to racist policies and practices and to ensure that Haitian nationals are not turned back at the border and have access to a fair and effective asylum procedure. States must suspend returns to Haiti, as conditions in the country are putting the lives and safety of Haitian nationals at risk.”

We stand firmly in the stance that the international community must provide immediate humanitarian assistance instead of silence and fostering more geopolitical unrest - to alleviate the suffering of Haitian people who have been displaced.

Black Mothers in Power reaffirms our dedication to changing the material conditions of Black birthing families in Delaware, particularly in Wilmington. Our organization recognizes the intersections of global crises with local struggles, understanding that systemic change must occur both at home and abroad. Our struggles are and have always been inextricably linked. We stand in solidarity with movements for liberation, advocating for a world where Black and Indigenous lives are valued and protected.

Moreover, we declare our unwavering stance against genocide and oppression in all its forms. We believe in the power of revolution, not only as a means of resistance but as a pathway to liberation and justice for colonized communities worldwide.

In the spirit of solidarity and collective action, we urge individuals and organizations to join us in supporting the Haitian people, amplifying their voices, and advocating for sustainable solutions that prioritize their autonomy and dignity. Together, we can work towards a future where all communities thrive, free from the shackles of systemic oppression.