U.S. Elections and Anti-Black Racism: ABFE Stands in Solidarity with the Haitian Community

I’ve always been fascinated by the elections process. My mother and sister worked the polls in Long Island. As they worked, I watched as town residents made their voices heard at the ballot box. This was always a special time of year. As I’ve gotten older, my perspective has matured to see that this season, rooted in the fight for power, has always been wrought with ugliness and division. Some of us remember the use of a Black man’s image during the 1988 Presidential Campaign to strike fear in the hearts of many about the need to get tough on crime. This is about inciting racial fear for political gain.  

As we experience the 2024 election cycle in the United States, we are reminded of how much work we need to do in America to extinguish anti-Black racism and hate. The moment Vice President Kamala Harris secured the Democratic nomination, Black women around the country braced themselves for the racist, sexist attacks that would follow. However, the false accusations of Haitian immigrants eating cats and dogs spread by political leaders and the media is an all-time low – even for America. As a result of these statements, Haitian communities have been under attack. My heart goes out to our Haitian children, many of whom have been kept home from school for their own safety.  

Attempts to de-humanize and “other” Black people is a longtime strategy in this country. Stereotypes, racist tropes, and divisive narratives are tools used to disadvantage and oppress our community. It is clear that the country’s racial make-up is changing which, in turn, raises anxiety amongst communities who have been in positions of power. Black and Brown immigration is one factor driving the changing racial demographics in America. As such, we should expect more of the same for years to come. But what does this mean for philanthropy? 

We are fortunate to have Black immigrant organizations and leaders in America who are fighting to protect our communities and the well-being of all people. At a time when foundations are weighing the risks of funding Black-led organizations, these groups need resources now more than ever. The Black migrant population is growing in the United States; 1 in 5 Black people is an immigrant, with the Black migrant population expected to grow by 90% between now and 2060. At ABFE, we see this growth as a key opportunity to support Black migrant-led organizations that will help lead the way towards a more perfect union. 

ABFE envisions a world where all Black people, people of African descent, are liberated from oppressive systems, racism and hate. We believe this is possible and philanthropy has an important role to play.  

Please tune in to our upcoming webinar, Black Migrant Organizing to Protect our Democracy, in partnership with Grantmakers for Southern Progress and GCIR on Monday, October 7th, from 2:00 - 3:30 pm EDT. Register here: www.abfe.org/events/black-migrant-organizing-protect-our-democracy.