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.

News Americas, New York, NY, September 13, 2024: Jamaican actress Miranda Melhado has joined the cast of Not About Eve, the award-winning drama by Karl O’Brian Williams, which will be presented as a staged reading by the Atlantic Theater Company.

Jamaican actress Miranda Melhado at the London Premiere of Thor- Love and Thunder. (Contributed image)

Part of the theater’s annual Caribbean MixFest, the event runs from September 14th to 20th at The Atlantic Stage 2 Theater in New York City. Not About Eve will be performed on Wednesday, September 18th, at 7 p.m., as a one-night-only event.

Melhado will perform alongside an all-female cast of three, which includes Jamaican actors Heather Alicia Simms, known for her role in Broadway’s Purlie Victorious, and Mitzi Pratt from Amazon Prime’s Nanny. The production will be directed by Patrice Johnson Chevannes, a celebrated Jamaican-born filmmaker, actress, and director, whose credits include Broadway’s The Crucible and Shakespeare Theater of DC’s Othello.

Miranda Melhado in ‘From Yard -The Series.‘ (Photo courtesy of Cupcake Rapture Studios.)

Set in modern-day Jamaica, Not About Eve follows three generations of women in the Shields family: Mama Agatha Rochester (played by Pratt), her daughter Katherine (Simms), and granddaughter Kimberly (Melhado). While they share a home, their lives remain disconnected. The anniversary of Katherine’s husband’s death sparks a series of events that forces the women to confront deep emotional truths about their relationships, ultimately challenging the bonds that hold them together.

Originally premiering in Kingston, Jamaica, in 2006, Not About Eve won the 2007 International Theatre Institute (Jamaica) Actor Boy Award for Best New Jamaican Play. The drama made its New York City debut in 2012 and was later featured at the 2013 National Black Theatre Festival in North Carolina.

For Melhado, the role of Kimberly Shields is another significant milestone in her growing career. She was last seen on the New York stage in the American premiere of Alwin Bully’s McBee, and also appears in the horror film Amityville Vampire, currently streaming on Amazon Prime. Her other credits include the upcoming TV pilot From Yard, which will premiere at the Nollywood Film Festival in Toronto this month, and David Heron’s Against His Will at The Apollo.

“I’m thrilled to be part of such an incredible cast of Jamaican actors and to work with the talented Patrice Johnson Chevannes,” says Melhado. “Karl has crafted three strong, complex female characters who are financially stable but emotionally tested. I look forward to bringing Kimberly to life and offering audiences a memorable experience on September 18.”

Though born to Syrian and Portuguese parents, Melhado grew up in Jamaica and holds a BA in acting from the University of Southern California (USC). Remarkably, Not About Eve is only the second time she has portrayed a Jamaican character on stage, the first being in Against His Will.

“People often assume I’m Brazilian, Italian, or even Greek, so I rarely get cast as Jamaican,” she adds. “Playing Kimberly is a wonderful opportunity to connect with my roots and tell another rich Jamaican story.”

The Atlantic Theater Company, founded in 1985, has produced over 200 plays, including Tony Award-winning Broadway productions like Spring Awakening and The Band’s Visit. The MixFest series, which celebrates diverse voices in theater, is free and open to the public, but reservations are required.

For tickets to Not About Eve, visit AtlanticTheater.org.

News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. September 13, 2024: Acclaimed Caribbean-born jazz artist Marie-Claire Giraud has been named the winner in the Jazz category at the prestigious 2024 InterContinental Music Awards, (ICMA).

Caribbean-born jazz singer Marie-Claire Giraud

These global awards celebrate outstanding musical talent across diverse genres, recognizing artists from all over the world.

Marie-Claire, originally from Dominica and raised in the Bronx, expressed her excitement at receiving this recognition. “Winning ‘Best of America Jazz’ for my original song Chasin’ Rainbows is incredible because it means more people will hear my song, which is all about positivity and never giving up on your dreams,” she said.

The 2024 ICMA competition attracted submissions from over 55 countries, highlighting the rich diversity of musical talent across the globe. A total of 116 winners were selected across genres such as Flamenco, Reggae, New Age, Asian Pop, and Jazz, with entries divided into geographic regions to spotlight talent from Africa, Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East.

“We celebrated not just individual melodies, but a harmonious global symphony where artists from different cultures, time zones, and backgrounds shared their voices and stories,” said Shahed Mohseni, Founder and Executive Director of ICMA.

Judges for the awards included top professionals from Hollywood’s music, entertainment, film, and media industries. They evaluated entries based on originality, composition, production quality, and overall message. Winners, including Marie-Claire, will receive prizes such as scholarships, mentoring sessions, promotional support, and official ICMA awards.

Marie-Claire is currently working on her upcoming jazz album Caravan with Plaid Dog Recording, set for release in late October 2024. A seasoned performer, she regularly appears with renowned pianists Jon Davis and Matt Baker at the Scarlet Jazz Lounge in New York City. Her previous performances include her acclaimed one-woman show The Great American Songbook at the Movies and headlining at Maui’s Jazz Maui Sunset Jazz Series.

Beyond her jazz career, Marie-Claire has graced iconic venues like Carnegie Hall, the Barclays Center, and Madison Square Garden. She has also performed at international festivals such as the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival and Cartagena Jazz Festival.

A recipient of several accolades, including the NYC Caribbean Heritage Award and recognition from the NAACP for her career achievements and community service, Marie-Claire continues to inspire through her music and advocacy.

For more updates on her upcoming performances, visit her official website at marie-clairegiraud.com.