Haiti has experienced more than 5,000 gang-related deaths in the past year amidst a political crisis. Public radio stations in major U.S. Haitian communities will host a special program entitled “Haiti on the Line” to engage listeners about their experiences and realities as migrants. Notable guests will join the discussion as the program seeks to give a voice to those affected by the ongoing crisis.
Last year, Haiti witnessed over 5,000 deaths attributed to gang-related violence, amid a prolonged political crisis. For Haitian-Americans balancing their lives between two nations, the instability of both presents significant challenges. In light of this situation, public radio stations in America’s largest Haitian locales are collaborating to engage with Haitian listeners and share their experiences.
The 90-minute special program, titled “Haiti on the Line,” will be hosted by Brian Lehrer of WNYC, alongside Saraya Wintersmith of GBH News and Tim Padgett of WLRN. It is scheduled to air live, offering listeners a platform to discuss their personal narratives regarding Haiti’s current crisis and the experiences of migrants and refugees in America. A transcript of the program will subsequently be available in Haitian Creole.
Haitian and Haitian-American individuals are encouraged to contribute by recording voice memos, which may be featured during the broadcast. The program will include insights from notable guests such as Widlore Merancourt, editor of AyiboPost, Jacqueline Charles of the Miami Herald, and Dr. Geralde Gabeau, Executive Director of the Immigrant Family Services Institute.
Listeners are invited to tune in on Monday, February 24, at 7 PM Eastern Time through WNYC, GBH, and WLRN stations. For more information, listeners should refer to the affiliated radio stations’ websites. In addition, articles featuring critical perspectives on Haitian issues can provide valuable context on the ongoing struggles of Haitians both at home and abroad.
Haiti continues to face severe violence and a political crisis that deeply affects its citizens and those residing abroad. The collaborative radio initiative aims to give a voice to Haitian communities in the U.S., fostering dialogue about their experiences. This program will serve to highlight the ongoing struggles while providing a platform for personal stories, ultimately aiming to bridge understanding across cultures.
Original Source: www.wnyc.org
