My ancestors fought way too hard for this freedom, and my parents crossed way too vast of an ocean for me to allow my pride to be dampened by the hatred of someone who will never possess even a fraction of their humanity and courage. ✊🏿🇭🇹 #Haiti #Haitians pic.twitter.com/vJviF9ATrU
— Maco 🇭🇹 (@observhaitian) January 12, 2018
Today marks the eight-year anniversary of the 2010 earthquake that severely damaged the island of Haiti. The country was struck by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake followed by two aftershocks of magnitudes 5.9 and 5.5. The remembrance of this devastating event was soon disrupted by Donald Trump’s vulgar and offensive remarks.
He reportedly insulted Haitian and African nations by questioning why the U.S. would accept more immigrants from Haiti and ‘shithole countries’ in Africa rather than places like Norway. He also reportedly said Haitians “all have AIDS”, according to New York Times.
Haitians were fed up with Trump disrespecting their country and took to social media to show pride for their nation and clap back at Trump’s comments.
We are doctors, lawyers, engineers, nurses, pilots, accountants, elected officials, educators, astronauts, researches, chefs, home health aide workers and cooks, we make America great daily. #WeareAfricans #Eritrean #Haitians #Ethiopian #WeAreAmericans
— Hanaa A. Hamdi (@Urbnscholar_PhD) January 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/BeastNBizCasual/status/951893670952914945
Immigrants add immeasurable value to our city and our nation—and they deserve respect.
I am proud to be Haitian-American, and I will continue to fight for the dignity and safety of every member of the District’s immigrant communities.
— AG Karl A. Racine (@AGKarlRacine) January 11, 2018
My grandmother worked too hard for this disrespect. She raised 3 kids while tending other people’s homes. The oldest became a nurse, the youngest became an insurance broker, and the middle-child served in our military. All hard-working citizens who are proud to be HAITIAN! 🇭🇹
— Jason Saimpy (@JSaimpy) January 12, 2018
Haitian celebs also expressed a great sense of patriotism by tweeting heartfelt quotes and their disapproval of the Commander-in-Chief’s words.
We are all sons and daughters of immigrants pic.twitter.com/VFX8xOVk7A
— Wyclef Jean (@wyclef) January 12, 2018
Haitian-American actress Garcelle Beauvais, who starred in the Jamie Fox Show, tweeted a photo with the hashtag #NotMyPresident.
#NotMyPresident pic.twitter.com/aPA88eFaFo
— Garcelle Beauvais (@GarcelleB) January 12, 2018
Congresswoman Mia Love did not take Trump’s utterances too lightly and released a statement addressing them.
https://twitter.com/RepMiaLove/status/951603160254238720
Meanwhile, former Canadian governor general Michaëlle Jean, who was born in Haiti also clapped back at Trump in a news press saying, “It was so disturbing this morning to hear President Trump’s comments reported all over the news calling my poor native land and African countries ‘s—hole’ nations. It is such an insult before humanity.” She added that his words do not reflect the virtues of wisdom.
Someone else from a “shithole country” – the Rt. Hon. Michaelle Jean, former Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada. She came to Canada as a refugee from Haiti, and climbed to the highest office in the country. And her public contribution is ten times that of Trump. pic.twitter.com/L41Uo9ZziL
— Brad Parr ⚖️🏳️🌈 (@bradwparr) January 12, 2018
Haitians take immense pride in their country and heritage, so before Trump offends the #HaitianNation again, he should think twice.
