Haiti on the Line: Addressing Crisis Through Community Voices

Haiti has been grappling with severe gang violence and political instability, which has significantly affected both local citizens and the Haitian diaspora in America. Responding to this situation, a special call-in program titled “Haiti on the Line” will be hosted by Brian Lehrer, Saraya Wintersmith, and Tim Padgett. The live broadcast aims to give voice to Haitian listeners, fostering discussion of their experiences and the current situation in Haiti.

In the past year, gang-related violence in Haiti led to over 5,000 fatalities amidst an ongoing political crisis. For Haitians residing in America, navigating life between two unstable realities is increasingly challenging. In response, public radio stations from the three U.S. cities with the largest Haitian populations will collaborate during a live call-in special.

Brian Lehrer of WNYC, alongside Saraya Wintersmith from GBH News and Tim Padgett of WLRN, will host the 90-minute show titled “Haiti on the Line.” This program will engage Haitian listeners, providing a platform for them to share their insights on Haiti’s issues, both historical and current, as well as the new challenges faced by migrants in the U.S. A transcript in Haitian Creole will be made available after the broadcast.

The hosts invite Haitian and Haitian-American individuals to contribute their perspectives by recording voice memos, which may be featured during the program. Special guests, including journalists and experts familiar with Haitian affairs, will join to discuss the situation.

Among the guests are Widlore Merancourt, editor-in-chief of AyiboPost; Jacqueline Charles, a Miami Herald reporter known for her Pulitzer finalist work on the 2010 earthquake; and Dr. Geralde Gabeau, Executive Director of the Immigrant Family Services Institute. The program is set to air on Monday, February 24, at 7 PM Eastern Time across multiple radio stations.

Listeners can tune in through WNYC 93.9FM/AM 820 in New York, GBH 89.7FM in Boston, and WLRN 91.3FM in Miami. The broadcast promises to elevate personal stories and reflections on Haiti’s enduring crisis and its impact on communities abroad.

The special radio program, “Haiti on the Line,” aims to provide a platform for Haitian voices, illuminating the struggles faced by individuals connected to Haiti amidst rampant violence and political instabilities. The collaboration across major U.S. cities enhances the opportunity for shared narratives and deeper understanding of Haitian life and the diaspora experience. Engaging experts will further enrich the dialogue, contributing to a broader discourse on these issues.

Original Source: www.wnyc.org