THE ISSUE

For generations, Dominicans have been trained to unsee, exploit mistreat and fear Haitians and Darker-Skinned Black Dominicans in order to maintain the racial and cultural project of Dominican nationality. Dominican elites, like other Spanish-speaking and European descendant members of the Latinx and Caribbean world, have benefited from an association with U.S. imperialism and white supremacy. They have shaped a nation steeped in the casual cruelty of anti-Blackness and anti-Haitianism. These twin evils fuel and are fueled by economic inequality, gender discrimination, sexual violence and state violence. The denationalization of Dominicans of Haitian descent in 2013, for example, was one act of structural violence among many.

In Haiti, national elites and the members of the CORE group have similarly abused the nation and its population. For generations, but in particular after the 2004 coup against then-President Jean Bertrand Aristide, these entities have created a cycle of political instability, corruption and structural violence that is keeping most Haitians living in financial misery, deep insecurity and instability. Haitian identity embraces Black nationalism with authoritarian leanings, but has left little room to constructively address its white and light-skinned oligarchy or contest state power democratically. This too has led to periods of extreme violence and identity politics within Haiti

Both peoples continue to be haunted by this traumatic history of state sanctioned violence. The failures of leaders to reconcile this past impacts politics today. It has allowed the normalization of human rights abuses, oppression, and inequality. It continues to reinforce racial-ethnic boundaries that prevent these groups from combining their economic, social, and political power to advance their shared, pan-ethnic interests.

We want an end to this cycle for good.

 Decolonizing Knowledge Workshop

In Cultured Company engages participants in a unique understanding of how historical narratives have promoted identities and worldviews shaped by conflict. Facilitators convene communities with historic tensions together to help the participants deconstruct historical myths, propaganda, and historical traumas, guiding the dialog process between the two groups. The goal is to understand differences, hold space to learn about each others common experiences, and reimagine a shared future without conflict.

Sawubona Haitian Healing Circles

Our online healing circles hold space for Haitian community impacted by anti-Haitian rhetoric and the unfolding security crisis in Haiti. These virtual circles leverage the Association of Black Psychologists’ Sawubona Healing Circle model to leverage Haitian culture and wisdom for community healing.

CONSULTING AND SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Our racial justice consulting and speaking offerings are tailored to helping organizations develop strategies to address systemic anti-Haitianism and anti-Blackness among Spanish-speaking Latinx populations. Long-term consulting services typically include anti-racism training and leadership coaching, all aimed at identifying biases, building a more inclusive culture, and implementing sustainable solutions for long-term change. Shorter term speaking engagements are available upon request.

Online Political Education & Training

Peace is a deliberate act that requires constant education and ongoing action. We use our social media presence as an entry point into critically rethinking Dominican and Haitian relations. Our online political education series trains participant how to build empathy, share power, and work within their own community to commit to the enduring work of achieving social justice and making peace.