“The Miami Heat staff, like Miami, is a brilliant mix of vibrant cultures, with many members of our Haitian community. The false rumors surrounding them are hurtful, offensive, and have unfortunately made innocent people the targets of hate speech and physical threats. Our Haitian employees, fans, and friends deserve better.”
This is the message posted last night by the Miami Heat on social networks, punctuated with a phrase in Haitian Creole, “Ansanm nou kanpé fò”, which can be translated as “Together, we are strong”.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) September 16, 2024
This is because the Haitian community has been at the center of attention in the United States since Donald Trump, in his debate against Kamala Harris, Haitian immigrants from Springfield, Ohio chargedstealing their neighbors' dogs and cats to eat them. A story he got from his running mate, JD Vance, a state senator.
Miami has the largest Haitian community in the United States
However, there is no evidence to confirm these rumors, which JD Vance says he got from direct witnesses…
“If I have to create stories to get the American media to pay attention to the suffering of the American people, then that's what I'm going to do…” he also let slip on CNNbefore trying to catch up. “I say we create a story, that is, we make the American media take an interest in it.”
The “story” has mostly unleashed a torrent of racism and hatred on Springfield's thousands of Haitian immigrants. Last week, three schools and other buildings in the city had to be evacuated following threats.
The Heat's statement is therefore a strong sign, as Miami counts the largest Haitian community in the United States. It's also a strong sign because the franchise's owner, Micky Arison, is supposedly close to Donald Trump, his cruise line having long sponsored his show, “The Apprentice.”
