Broward Democratic Party Statement on Haiti
3/19/24
The Broward Democratic Party sympathizes with the plight of our neighboring Haitian people. Haiti’s Capital is sieged by gangs who have released 4000 prisoners, taken over two Ministerial institutions, and closed the international airport and major roads. The International Organization on Migration reports that more than 165,000 displaced people. Since the escalation of violence with the siege of the Capital, families have suffered from hunger; hospitals have closed because of staff being kidnapped and patients gunned down by foes inside the hospitals. People are afraid to get out of hiding to access food, drinking water, medication, and necessities for fear of being killed.
Haiti, geopolitically and strategically, is critical to US security. Haiti’s current chaotic political situation threatens the region’s national security when heads of gangs and people with the ambition of becoming president boast their ties with Russia. The State Department and Congress have stated on many occasions how the crisis in Haiti is a threat to the national security of the US and the region. The Biden Administration proposes assistance in resolving the situation by supporting a United Nations multinational security mission. Congress approved $40 Million in immediate aid to squash the imminent dangers that erupted on March 6, 2024.
$10 Million is disbursed, and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick demands the immediate release of the remaining $30 Million blocked by the Republicans, crucial to sending officers to Haiti. Democracy is indispensable for stability, peace, economic and social development, and respect for human rights. All of these are the root causes of mass migration. We urge the Republican Party to release the funds needed to suppress the threat of mass migration and to end this horrific humanitarian crisis.
Broward Democratic Party Chair’s Statement on Florida Department of Education’s Revision of Black History
The Governor’s most recent assault on Black History curriculum in Florida is just the latest outrage leveled for political gain. As a Black, United States History teacher of middle school students and a legacy educator, I am especially appalled by the blatant attempt to erase my history.
The new guidelines created by the Florida Department of Education direct teachers to reinvent slavery as a skill building technique “applied for their personal benefit.” This is an absurd misrepresentation of one of the most horrifying institutions the world has ever known.
Further disabling an already intentionally under supported public education system is a dereliction of duty, and a broken promise. Florida’s children, educators, and Black constituency demand better. We demand the Governor and the Florida Department of Education comply with the Constitution and allow educators to teach history the way it happened and in the appropriate context.
Rick Hoye
Broward Democratic Party
Chair
