This month, we had the honor of hosting our first Haitian BIPOC Worker Empowerment Seminar, bringing together 34 Haitian workers for an evening of learning, community building, and open conversation. This gathering marked an important step in strengthening trust, providing essential workplace rights education, and connecting Haitian workers with information designed to protect and uplift their families.
We are deeply grateful to Yola Lamarre, a trusted Haitian community advocate, whose partnership was key in helping us reach and connect with participants. We also extend our thanks to Nadia Jean-Jacques, who provided skilled interpreting throughout the event to ensure every participant received clear and accurate information.
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34 Participants and a Growing Network of Haitian Worker Leaders
The seminar addressed a range of essential topics, including:
- Workplace rights in general
- Wage theft and how to identify it
- Discrimination and retaliation protections
- Workplace safety
- Workers Compensation
- The right to organize
- Job protections for vulnerable workers
- How to seek help and document abuses
Participants asked powerful and thoughtful questions, often related to experiences they or loved ones had faced. Their engagement reaffirmed that Haitian workers are eager to learn, advocate, and support each other.
A Major Announcement: Workplace Rights Handbook in Haitian Creole Coming Soon
During the event, we announced that our Workplace Rights Handbook will soon be available in Haitian Creole, a resource that will finally provide accessible and culturally relevant workplace rights information for Haitian workers in their native language.
This upcoming handbook represents an important step in removing language barriers and ensuring that every worker has the tools they need to protect themselves.
Looking Ahead: A Foundation for Long-Term Collaboration
This seminar was more than an event, it was the beginning of a deepening partnership with Haitian workers and community leaders. Through continued outreach and culturally informed engagement, we hope to:
- Strengthen a growing network of Haitian worker advocates
- Offer more rights trainings and educational workshops
- Provide navigation support for workers experiencing exploitation
- Build strong relationships with Haitian churches, leaders, and grassroots organizations
- The enthusiasm and trust shown by participants affirm that this work is both urgently needed and deeply valued.
Thank You to the Haitian Community
To every participant, parent, leader, interpreter, and advocate who joined us: thank you. Your voices and experiences are shaping a stronger future for worker justice in Central Ohio.
We look forward to continued collaboration, growth, and shared empowerment.
