News Americas, New York, NY, September 16, 2024: Haitian-born celebrities have joined in denouncing Donald Trump and his MAGA Republicans over racist and false claims that Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, are “eating pets,” including cats and dogs. These baseless accusations have sparked outrage among Haitian-American public figures, who are using their platforms to combat this dangerous rhetoric.

Haitian born actress Garcelle Beauvais is among those slamming Donald Trump on his racist, fake claims about Haitians in Springfield, Ohio. (Photo by Kayla Oaddams/Getty Images)

Haitian-born rapper and musician Wyclef Jean took to social media to express his thoughts on Trump’s claims, urging his fans to ignore the lies. “I will be forever grateful for my family’s life, for having a fair chance to live what is called the ‘American Dream,’” said Jean. Having immigrated to New York City at age 9, Jean emphasized the value of the immigrant community in America. “Haitian-Americans are good neighbors and good people,” he added.

Haitian musician and philanthropist Wyclef Jean has also slammed the racist claims. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)

“On behalf of Haitian Americans, I ask that we stop these racist messages and accusations. Put our hands out in peace and say thanks for being my neighbor,” Jean continued. “We need to respect one another and vote based on policies and facts, not crazy talk. And we need to shake hands with one another and be thankful we are part of an America for all.” Jean, a member of the Fugees, has long been vocal against Trump’s racist rhetoric, even releasing a 2015 freestyle criticizing Trump’s comments about Mexicans. He also condemned Trump’s plan to deport nearly 60,000 Haitians who received temporary protected status after Haiti’s 2010 earthquake.

Haitian-born actress Garcelle Beauvais, best known for her role on Bravo’s Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, also spoke out against the claims. In a video posted to her social media, Beauvais condemned the false narratives targeting her community, saying, “This madness has got to stop.”

“Staying silent in the face of racism and hate is something that I refuse to do,” Beauvais said. “This past week, the lies that have been spewed about the Haitian community — about my community — have been disgusting, deeply hurtful, and dangerous.” Beauvais, who moved to the U.S. from Saint-Marc, Haiti, at age 7, emphasized that this issue transcends politics, stating, “We must condemn this kind of hatred, this kind of racism, for anyone.”

The false claims about Haitian immigrants were amplified by Trump and his 2024 running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance. During the September 10 debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump falsely claimed that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were eating pets. Despite the moderators and local officials debunking these statements, Vance continued to spread the conspiracy theory, further stoking fear in the community.

Beauvais, who has faced personal attacks on the Real Housewives franchise, spoke out as these conspiracy theories led to bomb threats and a growing sense of fear among immigrants in Springfield. “I have always been a proud Haitian immigrant. Coming to America, working hard, that’s what we do,” she said. “And I will not sit by and let people talk about my community in any way they want for their own gain.”

Melissa Chataigne, a first-generation Haitian-American stylist, also condemned Trump’s rhetoric, calling his comments “ignorant” and harmful. “It’s so ignorant, and I don’t understand why Haiti, which has been through so much, always seems to be this punching bag for American politics,” Chataigne told PEOPLE. “Enough is enough.”

The Haitian immigrant community in Springfield, Ohio, has been targeted by these conspiracy theories, leading to heightened tension. Bomb threats have been reported, schools are receiving threats, and businesses are closing early due to fears for safety. Springfield, a predominantly white city, has seen an influx of Haitian immigrants in recent years, drawn by the area’s economic revival.

These Haitian-American celebrities continue to stand against the harmful rhetoric, using their platforms to promote truth, unity, and respect.

News Americas, New York, NY, September 16, 2024: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, with her Caribbean roots, made a bold fashion statement at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Phoenix Awards in Washington, D.C., trading her usual pantsuits for a dazzling creation by Caribbean heritage designer LaQuan Smith.

Caribbean roots US Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation 2024 Phoenix Awards at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on September 14, 2024 in Washington, DC., wearing LaQuan Smith. The Phoenix Awards, the culmination of the week-long 53rd Annual Legislative Conference, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to society. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Harris wore a stunning long-sleeved, sequined gown by Smith, a Trinidadian-rooted designer and native of Jamaica, Queens, NY. The dress, featuring a high, rounded neckline and black sequins, struck a perfect balance between elegance and celebration.

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks during the 2024 Phoenix Awards Dinner at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, on September 14, 2024. (Photo by Drew ANGERER / AFP) (Photo by DREW ANGERER/AFP via Getty Images)

At the event, which honors the CBCF’s work in advancing the global Black community, Harris praised the Congressional Black Caucus for its leadership. “The Congressional Black Caucus has served as the conscience of the Congress and our nation,” she remarked. “As a former CBC member, I know firsthand that America relies on the leaders in this room for both conscience and vision.”

US Vice President Kamala Harris arrives on stage during the 2024 Phoenix Awards Dinner in Washington, DC, US, on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 wearing LaQuan Smith. The dinner, hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), honors the work done by the two groups to uphold democratic norms and institutions and chart a pathway for progress for Black Americans. Photographer: Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg via Getty Images

LaQuan Smith, since launching his label in 2013, has become a standout name in contemporary fashion, known for his daring, boundary-pushing designs. His unique cuts and innovative use of materials have made him a rising star, with collections showcased at New York Fashion Week. Smith’s creations have gained fans like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and Bahamian rocker Lenny Kravitz. Now, he can add the U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential contender to his list of high-profile admirers.

Smith’s journey began with his grandmother, who taught him sewing and pattern-making as a child. Despite early setbacks, including rejections from top fashion schools, he persevered, eventually working his way up in the industry through internships and hard work. Today, his glamorous designs have earned him accolades, including the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund and an ACE Hero Award. Smith’s star continues to rise, with recent collaborations, including one with LOUIS XIII.

His fashion is celebrated worldwide, and his work remains a testament to his Caribbean heritage and creative brilliance.

News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. September 13, 2024: Trinidadian musical collective Critical Mas, made up of formerly incarcerated artists, is set to release its debut single “Born a Criminal” on September 20, 2024.

The song, written by group member Friday while incarcerated in Trinidad’s youth prison, is a powerful collaboration with renowned jazz musician Etienne Charles. It blends dancehall, Afrobeats, and an ominous jazz riff, with lyrics that highlight how poverty and inequality can turn citizens into criminals.

Critical Mas: Friday, Nicholas Khan, Cherese Washington, Marvin Alexander, Romel Lezama. (PHOTO: COLIN WILLIAMS)

A listening event for “Born a Criminal” took place on September 12th at Doux Nightclub in New York City, ahead of another event on September 21 at The Burg in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The track is produced by Rheon Elbourne, the creator of the “Trinibad” genre, and was originally written in 2010 when Friday won a People’s Choice Award for the song while incarcerated.

Critical Mas is the first group of formerly incarcerated individuals in Trinidad and Tobago to use their artistic platform to push for justice reform in a country with one of the highest homicide rates globally. Trinidad faces rampant gun violence and drug trafficking, and a deeply flawed justice system, where the average wait for trial is six years, leaving thousands imprisoned without due process.

Group member Nicholas Khan, who spent 11 years in prison waiting for trial, found solace in poetry and now brings his spoken-word talent to Critical Mas. Romel Lezama, another member, spent a decade in Trinidad’s Youth Training and Rehabilitation Centre (YTRC) and became the first incarcerated individual to qualify for a National Calypso Monarch semi-final. Lezama’s song “Prison to Palace” will be the group’s next release.

Critical Mas is supported by the Incarceration Nations Network, a global prison reform organization led by Dr. Baz Dreisinger, who co-founded the group with Etienne Charles. The project began in 2024 with arts workshops for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals in Trinidad, which grew into the formation of Critical Mas. The name reflects the group’s mission to reach a critical mass of voices advocating for change, while paying homage to Trinidad’s cultural symbol of Carnival, or mas.

The group debuted at Charles’ Road March show at Queen’s Hall Performing Arts Center in February 2024, followed by another performance in Port of Spain in April. They are now preparing for a Carnival season tour that will bring them to schools, concerts, and community spaces across Trinidad, using art to promote discussions on justice reform, particularly with youth.

By combining art and personal experience, Critical Mas is part of a growing movement, similar to those in the U.S., that seeks to use culture as a catalyst for justice reform. This approach has proven effective in shifting public opinion on issues like mass incarceration in the U.S. and is now being implemented in Trinidad and Tobago.