Haitian Dominican Unity Press Rally

On Friday, June 26, 2015, I attended my very first rally. I'm usually a behind-the-scenes person, but the situation happening in Haiti has challenged me to "speak up." Silence is no longer an option when an injustice is committed against the poor, the weak, the helpless, etc.

I believe God through Jesus Christ, who always talked about being concerned for the less fortunate in society. Proverbs 31:8-9 says, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice."

When I heard about the situation in the Dominican Republic where migrant workers (who are mostly of Haitian descent), I felt saddened by it. "What can I do?" I asked myself. I truly felt helpless.

Imagine for a second that your grandfather came to a new country when he was a teenager. He worked so hard to have a better life for himself. He learned the language until it became his own. A few years went by, and he found the love of his life.They got married, and had two children in the new country. Each child grew up, and had children of their own. Now, these children (and everyone dating back to grandfather's time) are being asked to go back to a country they've heard about only in the stories that grandfather shared. They don't know the language. They've never been to the place. The only place they've called "home" was this new country - the place of their birth. Now, they are being asked to leave everything behind, to leave behind heir jobs, their friends, their schools - everything that described their very existence, their being.

Essentially, this is what's happening in the DR right now. It's a sad situation, and as a person of Haitian heritage, my heart aches for the people who are facing these unfortunate conditions.

"So, what can I do?" I keep asking myself. "What can I do?"

On Friday, June 26, 2015, I joined elected officials and community leaders on the steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall to stand in solidarity with people of Haitian descent threatened by mass deportation from the Dominican Republic at the Haitian Dominican Unity Press Rally. It's just the beginning... I am also praying to God that He grants mercy on the afflicted, and place compassion in the hearts of  the oppressors.

All human beings deserve dignity, respect, and honor. The situation in the DR is a human rights issue. I am reminded of the words of the words of Martin Niemöller, a prominent Protestant pastor who emerged as an outspoken public foe of the Nazi regime.

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— 
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— 
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.