Haiti on the Line: Addressing the Ongoing Crisis Through Community Voices

The program “Haiti on the Line” will air live on February 24, allowing Haitian Americans to share their experiences regarding the crisis in Haiti. Hosted by Brian Lehrer, Saraya Wintersmith, and Tim Padgett, it will include insights from experts and invite listener participation. A transcript in Haitian Creole will also be provided post-broadcast.

Last year, over 5,000 individuals lost their lives in gang-related violence in Haiti, highlighting the ongoing political crisis plaguing the nation. This instability also affects Haitian Americans, who are caught between two volatile realities. To address these issues, public radio stations in cities with substantial Haitian populations will open the lines for discussion through a special program called “Haiti on the Line,” hosted by Brian Lehrer (WNYC), Saraya Wintersmith (GBH News), and Tim Padgett (WLRN).

The 90-minute special is set to air live, inviting listeners to share their experiences and perspectives regarding Haiti’s past, present, and future. Following the broadcast, a transcript of the program will be accessible in Haitian Creole. The initiative seeks to provide a platform for Haitians and Haitian Americans to voice their stories regarding the ongoing crisis and the challenges faced by migrants and refugees in the United States.

The program will feature distinguished guests and experts on Haitian affairs, such as Widlore Merancourt, editor of AyiboPost, Jacqueline Charles, a Pulitzer Prize finalist from the Miami Herald, and Dr. Geralde Gabeau, Executive Director of the Immigrant Family Services Institute. They will contribute valuable insights based on their experiences and engagements within the Haitian community.

Listeners are encouraged to contribute their thoughts through voice memos, which might be included in the live discussion. The program is scheduled to commence on February 24 at 7 PM Eastern Time, and will be broadcasted across WNYC 93.9FM, GBH 89.7FM, and WLRN 91.3FM, as well as online.

Multiple related resources are available for those interested in understanding the context of Haiti’s current situation, including articles documenting efforts to aid Haitians amid gang violence and the significant historical implications of the country’s agricultural challenges. These resources further illustrate the profound impact of external factors on the community’s resilience and adaptability.

The upcoming radio program “Haiti on the Line” aims to shed light on the current crisis in Haiti, emphasizing the perspectives of Haitian and Haitian American communities. By engaging listeners through personal narratives and expert insights, the initiative seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the ongoing challenges faced by Haitians both at home and abroad. The program represents a crucial attempt to voice the collective experiences and concerns regarding the political and social dynamics in Haiti today.

Original Source: www.wnyc.org