Haiti On The Line: Engaging Haitian Voices Amid Crisis

Public radio stations are hosting a live call-in special titled “Haiti On The Line” to address the ongoing violence in Haiti and the political crisis affecting the Haitian community. The program will feature expert guests and encourage Haitian listeners to share their experiences, with a focus on their relationship to Haiti and the realities faced in the U.S. It will air on February 24 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time across three radio stations.

In response to the escalating gang-related violence that claimed over 5,000 lives in Haiti last year and the ongoing political crisis, public radio stations from three major U.S. cities with significant Haitian populations are collaborating on a special program titled “Haiti On The Line.” This 90-minute call-in event, hosted by Brian Lehrer, Saraya Wintersmith, and Tim Padgett, aims to engage with Haitian listeners, offering them a platform to share their perspectives on Haiti’s challenges and prospects.

Listeners are invited to contribute their thoughts on Haiti’s past, present, and future by recording voice memos. The program, scheduled for February 24 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time, will be broadcast live across WNYC, GBH, and WLRN, and will feature both personal narratives and insights from experts. A transcript in Haitian Creole will be made available post-broadcast to enhance accessibility.

The program will feature prominent guests, including Widlore Merancourt, Jacqueline Charles, Dr. Geralde Gabeau, and Rep. Sheila Cherfilus McCormick, each bringing valuable knowledge regarding the crisis in Haiti and the experiences of Haitian immigrants in the U.S. Their participation promises to deepen the audience’s understanding of the continuing struggles faced by the Haitian community.

Additionally, the program will highlight relevant resources including articles that discuss ongoing challenges in Haiti, such as the humanitarian work led by Dr. Gabeau and the historical implications of the Creole pig’s culling, which severely affected Haiti’s agriculture and economy. Such narratives will help contextualize the collective experiences of Haitians navigating both their homeland’s turmoil and life in the United States.

The “Haiti On The Line” radio special seeks to create a vital connection between the experiences of Haitian and Haitian-American individuals, shedding light on the socio-political dynamics affecting their lives. By allowing listeners to voice their concerns and share their stories, the program emphasizes the importance of community engagement amid ongoing crises. With expert insights, it aims to foster a deeper understanding of the intricate ties between Haitian communities both in Haiti and abroad.

Original Source: www.wgbh.org