Today Mayor Eric Adams, Reverend Al Sharpton, and a coalition of faith leaders from diverse communities convened a press conference to spotlight the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Haiti. The assembly resonated with the collective anguish and concern for the Haitian people, both within the nation and among its vast diaspora in New York City, home to the largest Haitian population in the United States.
Reverend Sharpton opened the conference, emphasizing the critical need for the U.S. to intensify its efforts in addressing the turmoil in Haiti. He highlighted reports of gun trafficking from Florida fueling gang violence and called for immediate investigations. Sharpton also noted previous joint efforts with Mayor Adams spanning over three decades on Haitian issues.
Mayor Adams took the podium to commend the advocacy of Councilwomen Mercedes Narcisse and Rita Joseph, both of Haitian descent and to outline the tangible impacts of the crisis on New York City. He pointed to the proliferation of American-made weapons in the Caribbean, exacerbating violence and instability, and stressed the moral and governmental obligation of the United States to intervene.
Reverend Sam Nichols and Reverend Maury Jean-Pierre, representing the Haitian American community, delivered poignant accounts of the daily horrors faced by Haitians. They called for immediate international assistance to restore security and democracy in Haiti, underscoring the desperation of a nation where armed violence contrasts starkly with the people’s will for peace and governance.
Bishop A. Arbonale and Rabbi Joseph Potassic expanded the notion of solidarity, drawing from religious teachings to advocate for action and empathy toward the Haitian plight. They urged the U.S. government to step up to curb the flow of firearms to Haiti and to support efforts in rebuilding the nation’s physical and societal infrastructure.
The conference concluded with a unified pledge from all speakers to continue advocating for Haitian relief, emphasizing that faith and community leaders across New York City and beyond stand ready to support Haiti and its people.
