On September 22, a rally and press conference lead by Amnesty International demanding the U.S. to end discrimination and ill-treatment in the immigration system, specifically directed at Haitians, launched activities focused on human rights in Haiti. Building on this moment during the first week of October, thousands of people will be in Washington, DC for Haiti-themed events including A Week on Haiti, the Haitian Studies Association Annual Conference, and the Haitian Ladies Network Annual Weekend. This is an extraordinary opportunity to bring together three key groups – Haitians coming from Haiti, the Haitian American diaspora, and solidarity activists – to build one broad coalition that is too big to be ignored.

As the conditions in Haiti continue to deteriorate, despite our increasing advocacy efforts, now is a perfect opportunity to take some time to reflect on our strategies, our tactics, and what solidarity means. What is being asked of advocacy groups? Is the model of ‘advocacy’ itself sufficient? How do we maintain organic relationships with the vital movements in Haiti but also the movements in the U.S. that are making deep structural change? How can we work together to move beyond ‘coalitional’ into a truly ‘solidarity’ politics?

On this date in 1803, Haiti’s flag was created for the new independent nation. As was true two hundred years ago, Haitians have the right to choose their own leaders as well as the form of their democracy. Today we want to remind the US government that the only sustainable way forward is one that makes room for Haiti to chart its own course.