2021 has seen an unprecedented series of disasters for the world’s first free Black republic: in addition to COVID and its economic crisis, Haitian people have faced a constitutional crisis, state-sanctioned violence and human rights violations – both in Haiti and along the U.S.-Mexico border – the assassination of the president, two earthquakes and a deadly hurricane with several more months in the hurricane season extended because of climate change.

Haitian Studies Association has attempted to step up and fulfill our responsibility to make our reservoir of knowledge accessible to journalists, activists, and policymakers, convoking timely conversations. If you haven’t already done so, please register for Monday’s emergency brainstorming with Haitian Bridge Alliance on what to do about the situation on the border, 8 p.m. Eastern.

This conversation continues – we invite you to join H.S.A. and partners American Jewish World Service, the Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center at Florida International University, the Haiti Advocacy Working Group, Haiti Response Coalition, Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti and the North American Congress on Latin America, for Advocacy Day – Thursday, October 21.

Advocacy Day begins with a Workshop on Sustainable Advocacy Strategies from 1-2:30 Eastern. Learn how to craft an approach to policy advocacy that also acknowledges the need for self-care and maintaining energy for long-term, effective engagement. Attendees will come away with best practices for advocacy and a deeper understanding of various advocacy tools and how to use them.

Following this is a public Briefing, Disentangling Discourses of Disaster, 3-5 p.m. Eastern. This panel offers timely analyses from a diverse group of leaders on the ground, including the earthquake impacted areas and the U.S. Mexico Border, that explores the common roots of these seemingly separate events, including the international community’s role in the problems. The panel asks hard questions about how to balance the need for a Haitian solution with the still quite urgent need for international assistance.

Both events are free and open to the public, as the lead-up to H.S.A.’s Annual Conference, “Nou La Pi Rèd Toujou! Embodying a New Praxis.” Day rates are available for participants.

Click here to register for the conference. As a reminder, all presenters must be registered by Monday September 27.

Nou la pi rèd toujou!

The Haitian Studies Association