There is a culture of internal discord, a lack of collaboration, and a tendency to undermine each other's progress. Despite being considered a newcomer in the community for the past eight years, the perceived leadership has yet to align with my observations. There is a clear trend of manipulation, exploitation, and demotion directed towards individuals seeking support and guidance. As a result of disingenuous behaviors, the Haitian community in Massachusetts is compelled to cultivate division and discord. Fostering authenticity and mutual support should take precedence over self-serving actions and perpetuating ignorance. Furthermore, there is a noticeable reluctance to engage younger community members and facilitate their transition into leadership roles, reflecting a legacy of isolation and disconnection from the next generation.
After attending over three census committee meetings, I did not receive any compensation from IFSI. I was asked to fill out W-9 forms, was appointed to the committee, and was responsible for promoting the census on social media and sharing information. After that, there was no further communication. During one of the meetings, Pastor Kiki called me senator, after which it seemed like he had a grudge against me. During a workshop at Boston Medical Center, I spoke to the audience and asked about the level of support offered to young individuals. It would be concerning if I, among everyone present, didn't personally benefit from the services provided. Unfortunately, my questions were met with hostility. During the meeting, I emphasized the need for a dedicated organization within the Haitian community providing physical premises for seeking guidance and support.
After that, I visited your establishment in Roslindale to meet an old friend, Alex, who offered volunteer assistance. During our conversation, Dr. Gabeau talked about IFSI initiatives that engage children through educational and recreational activities. She also mentioned the lack of support services specifically designed for asylum seekers like me. During a workshop in Roxbury, I felt embarrassed when my question was ignored and rejected. Later, at a conference in Dorchester, I felt isolated from the staff, making me feel disconnected in the professional setting. I was supposed to perform at a vigil to honor the earthquake victims. However, when I arrived, I discovered my performance needed to be added to the program. Additionally, Pastor Kiki was recruiting volunteers for an activity during the same event. Even though I provided him with my details, I have not received any follow-up communication, unlike the other people he recruited.
On May 18th, I participated twice in your organization's march and presented with my troop. However, we did not receive any compensation for our contribution. Despite my expertise in the literary field, I was not invited to other activities. I also want to know if other troops were paid for participating in the event. I gave Pastor Kiki a book of Creole poetry that I wrote. He said he wanted to discuss it with the principal of Mattahunt Elementary School and adapt the text for children. However, this plan has yet to happen. In December 2016, on Tele Beltop, through a literary show that I used to host, I came up with an idea for the Haitian community to have a rendezvous, a place where people have constant physical debate through an organization that brings together all social layers, a cultural center. I sit with several notables in the community about the project and promote the idea on social networks. A few months later, when I went to a gala, HAU realized that in Randolph, I saw Frantz Jean Baptiste give a speech in which he launched the need for a cultural center in Boston. I was shocked to see you go behind me to get the idea, and I posted on his video what happened.
When I tried to express my concerns, I was told that HAU had already devised the idea for the cultural center. However, when I asked about the project's status, I found no concrete evidence of its existence. Despite this setback, I was determined to continue pursuing the goal. During Michelle Wu's mayoral campaign, Michel Denis sought my involvement for two primary purposes: firstly, to secure a position within the City, and secondly, to advocate for the establishment of an ITIAHaiti office in Boston upon obtaining the position above. In addition, Jean Claude Sanon extended an invitation to participate in the same campaign. Throughout this period, I consistently attended all campaign planning meetings and noted the absence of any representatives from HAU and IFSI.
I had discussions with Jean Claude about the foundation of the exchange being developed and the expected benefits for the Haitian community. His response suggested that people should refrain from negotiating with candidates based on their interests. I disagreed, emphasizing that one of the candidates will eventually assume the position in such situations. As a minority community, we must establish a collective interest before endorsing any candidate. Some people agreed with this perspective, and Sanon requested that all participants submit their proposals via email to help prioritize the community's concerns for Michelle Wu's campaign director. In my communication with Sanon, I presented a proposal requesting the mayor's commitment to establishing a cultural center if elected. Sanon conveyed that the mayor would refrain from making a definitive promise but provided assurances regarding their determination to exert every possible effort to bring this initiative to fruition. Subsequently, I have diligently documented the endeavor through photography and developed compelling visual presentations. Vote for Michele Wu for a Haitian cultural center in Boston.
Upon assuming office, Michelle Wu initiated discussions regarding the City's interest in the cultural center project. Louis-Jeunes underscored the need for a detailed project proposal and budget. I consistently engaged in these meetings. However, after my dissent regarding the center's nomenclature as the Toussaint Louverture Cultural Center and instead proposing either the designation of the Haitian Cultural Center or naming it after Dessalines, I was subsequently excluded from the project. I once participated in a Tele Kreyòl show where Wilner Auguste discussed an issue about some people of white descent being unwilling to engage with content related to Dessalines. These individuals label Dessalines as a vagabond, delinquent, or criminal and prohibit using his name in any context. This revelation was shocking. Wilner also gave me a flyer listing the committee members running the center. Despite my support for the center, none of these individuals were associated with Michele Wu's campaign. For example, Charlot Lucien endorsed Annissa Essaibi George's electoral campaign and opposed Michele Wu's. His organization is part of the committee, and K-Dance studio was nowhere during the advocacy, as well as part of the committee, etc.
Despite my active participation in the HAU galas, I have yet to receive an invitation. As a result, I had to pay for attendance even though I used to perform for free as an artist, activist, and partner. As a young individual seeking support from our community, I find this treatment to be undignified. Jacques Daddy Jean has raised concerns about the $8 million allocated for aiding individuals crossing the Texas-Mexico border. This implies that the IFSI is mishandling the funds and seeking help from churches for accommodation. This has driven me to share the article despite my concerns about being seen as an intruder once again. Until now, I have been directing people to obtain orientation services from IFSI. The small things I do for people, such as assisting with food stamp applications and MassHealth, are the same things IFSI offers. All other services IFSI provides are paid, including help with immigration papers, Music classes for children, and their basic level English courses on a long waiting list.
On several occasions, community leaders have expressed concerns about HAU and IFSI falsely claiming to be sponsors of activities without providing evidence of their actual contribution or involvement. Additionally, there is a recurring pattern of forming committees to pursue project ideas proposed by these leaders instead of offering genuine support or collaboration. I, too, have witnessed this behavior, and it has been brought to the attention of others. What were your expectations in this regard? Do you believe that these actions are representative of our Haitian heritage?
Wilson Thelimo Louis,
For the betterment of all.
