By Dessalines Ferdinand
Running a successful political campaign demands significant time, effort, and financial resources. While Haitian American candidates often find the time and effort manageable, raising the necessary funds has consistently posed a major challenge for most. This difficulty can be attributed to several factors.
Firstly, South Florida’s Haitian American community has long faced economic challenges, which have hindered the accumulation of generational wealth. Many Haitian immigrants arrived in the United States in search of better opportunities, only to encounter systemic barriers such as low-wage jobs, discrimination, and limited access to capital. As a result, potential candidates often come from communities that lack the financial resources needed to support the expensive and resource-intensive nature of political campaigns.
The Haitian American candidates often lack the established networks and political infrastructure that candidates from other communities might have. The absence of a robust political apparatus means fewer opportunities for mentorship, fundraising, and strategic campaign planning. Without a strong support system, Haitian American candidates may struggle to secure the financial backing needed to run competitive campaigns.
Within the Haitian American community, there exists a deep-seated cultural reluctance to invest in political endeavors. This skepticism, whether justified or not, stems from a widespread belief that Haitian American candidates are tainted by the pervasive political corruption in their country of origin. This mistrust often manifests as a hesitancy to contribute financially to political campaigns or to commit personal funds, as the potential returns are viewed as uncertain, if not outright risky.
In South Florida, the Haitian American community often prioritizes essential needs such as education, healthcare, and housing over political contributions. With many community members facing financial challenges, supporting political campaigns is not viewed as a priority. This economic reality further limits the pool of potential donors within the community. Some individuals are even candid in their reluctance to contribute, expressing the belief that “most Haitians in politics are only looking out for themselves and their own circle when they are in power.” This sentiment reflects a broader skepticism towards political involvement, further complicating efforts to garner financial support for campaigns.
After more than three decades of political involvement in South Florida, the legacy of Haitian American politicians remains disappointingly thin. Despite holding positions at the state, county, and city levels, these officials have little to show for their contributions to the advancement of the community. Even those, whose tenures were not marred by scandal, as it is the case for many, struggle to point to tangible achievements that have significantly benefited their community.
It is important to note that candidates often depend on networks of affluent donors to finance their campaigns. However, South Florida’s Haitian American candidates frequently face challenges in accessing these networks, particularly if they lack affluent backgrounds or have not cultivated connections within the wider political or business spheres. This restricted access hampers their ability to raise substantial funds, placing them at a significant disadvantage compared to other contenders.
Those who do secure financial backing from wealthy business figures often do so at the expense of their community. These candidates may effectively become intermediaries, advocating on behalf of their wealthy benefactors at the dais. Consequently, they are often obligated to prioritize the interests of the affluent, to the detriment of the broader community they are meant to serve. The City of North Miami where a majority of Haitian Americans have been leading the council for decades is a clear example of this dynamic.
Unlike candidates in other communities; South Florida’s Haitian American candidates have not cultivated a strong culture of investing personal funds into their political campaigns. Over the years, we have rarely, if ever, seen Haitian American candidates who have committed significant personal financial resources, such as selling a home or taking out a loan, to support their political endeavors.
This reluctance likely stems from a combination of factors, including a fear of financial loss, a limited understanding of the political process, and a desire to protect personal financial stability. Candidates who lack substantial personal wealth are particularly hesitant to risk what little they have on a campaign with uncertain outcomes.
To address these challenges, there is a need for greater community-based political education and advocacy. Building a culture of political engagement within the Haitian American community in
The lack of financial support and the underdeveloped culture of investing in political campaigns among South Florida Haitian American candidates are rooted in a combination of historical, cultural, and economic factors.
South Florida Haitian Community must undertake concerted efforts to educate both potential candidates and voters on the critical role of financial investment in political campaigns. This involves launching initiatives that encourage community members to view political contributions as a powerful tool to influence policy and shape the future of their community. In turn, Haitian American candidates must commit to representing the broader community’s interests rather than catering to a narrow circle whose political agenda often exacerbates the struggles of the most vulnerable.
