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Rep. Waters Works with Colleagues to Stop Political Violence in Haiti; Includes Provisions in FY 2020 State, Foreign Operations Report

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “During my recent trip to Haiti, I was shocked and appalled to learn of the massacre and the burning of homes in La Saline and other evidence of politically motivated violence, and I am deeply disturbed by the allegations that the Haitian government may have been involved,” said Congresswoman Waters. “I thank my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, for working to include language in the report accompanying the State, Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill to address this urgent crisis.”

Published

5 years ago

June 10, 2019

Oakland Post

WASHINGTON – After returning from a trip to Haiti during which she saw evidence of politically motivated violence carried out by gangs allegedly affiliated with the Haitian government, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Financial Services, worked with Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) to ensure that language addressing the political crisis in Haiti was included in the report accompanying the State, Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2020. Congresswoman Lee, in her capacity as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, helped negotiate the language, which expresses great concerns about civil unrest and specifically mentions incidents in La Saline in November 2018, involving alleged human rights abuses and the burning of homes. The State, Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill was approved by the Appropriations Committee, along with the accompanying report, on May 16^th on a vote of 29 to 23,^[1] and is scheduled for consideration on the floor of the House of Representatives this week.^[2]

“During my recent trip to Haiti, I was shocked and appalled to learn of the massacre and the burning of homes in La Saline and other evidence of politically motivated violence, and I am deeply disturbed by the allegations that the Haitian government may have been involved,” said Congresswoman Waters. “I thank my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, for working to include language in the report accompanying the State, Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill to address this urgent crisis.”

The report accompanying the State, Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill, as approved by the Appropriations Committee, includes the following language regarding the crisis in Haiti:

“The Committee is greatly concerned by civil unrest in Haiti. The Committee expects the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator to support dialogue aimed at resolving the political crisis and ensuring that upcoming elections are transparent and inclusive. The Committee is especially concerned about the incidents in November 2018 in La Saline, including alleged human rights abuses and the burning of homes in the area. The Committee encourages the Government of Haiti to address the real grievances in the country, including access to housing. The Committee encourages the provision of technical support for thorough and independent investigations into both the allegations of corruption and human rights violations.”^[3]

The report also includes the following additional provision conditioning U.S. foreign assistance for the central Government of Haiti on progress towards reforms:

“Haiti.—Pursuant to subsection (c), funds are withheld for assistance for the central Government of Haiti unless the Secretary of State certifies and reports that the Government of Haiti is taking the following steps: (1) strengthening the rule of law including by transparently selecting judges based on merit, reducing pre-trial detention, respecting the independence of the judiciary, and implementing reforms to increase transparency and accountability including through the penal and criminal code; (2) combating corruption including by implementing the 2014 anti-corruption law and prosecuting corrupt officials; (3) increasing government revenues, including through tax reforms, and increasing expenditures on public services; and (4) resolving commercial disputes between U.S. entities and the government of Haiti.”^[4]

Congresswoman Waters led a delegation to Haiti on April 24, 2019, during which she saw evidence of politically motivated violence in La Saline and nearby neighborhoods. The delegation met with residents of these communities, who described a series of brutal attacks over the past six months, carried out by alleged government-connected gangs and police officers.

Upon returning to the United States, Congresswoman Waters discussed Haiti’s political crisis with Congresswoman Lee, members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and other concerned Members of Congress, and they agreed to work together to pursue justice for the people of Haiti.

Additional details about the violence in La Saline have surfaced since Congresswoman Waters’ delegation visit. On May 15^th, the Miami Herald reported that, during a four-day period in La Saline on Nov. 13-17, 2018, “[w]omen were raped and set on fire, as was a police officer” and “men, women and even children as young as 4 were shot to death, their bodies then fed to dogs and pigs.” Furthermore, local human-rights groups estimated the death toll of the massacre between 15 and 71 people. The Miami Herald also reported that a police investigation had confirmed the participation of high-level government officials in the La Saline massacre, and had traced an assault rifle assigned to the National Palace to the massacre.^[5]

^[1] “Appropriations Committee Approves Fiscal Year 2020 State and Foreign Operations Funding Bill”, House Committee on Appropriations, May 16, 2019, https://appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/appropriations-committee-approves-fiscal-year-2020-state-and-foreign-operations.

^[2] “Floor Schedule Update for the Week of June 10, 2019,” Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, https://www.majorityleader.gov/content/floor-schedule-update-week-june-10-2019.

^[3] “State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill, 2020”, House of Representatives, https://appropriations.house.gov/sites/democrats.appropriations.house.gov/files/FY2020%20SFOPs%20Filed%20Report%20-%20HR%202839.pdf, Report 116-78, pages 122-123.

^[4] “State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill, 2020”, House of Representatives, https://appropriations.house.gov/sites/democrats.appropriations.house.gov/files/FY2020%20SFOPs%20Filed%20Report%20-%20HR%202839.pdf, Report 116-78, page 122.

^[5] “Dozens brutally killed, raped in Haiti massacre, police say. ‘Even young children were not spared’”, Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, May 15, 2019, updated May 17, 2019, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article230380739.html.

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#NNPA BlackPress

OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org