‘This is affecting a lot of people in my community‘: Haitians in Minnesota stand strong amid hateful rhetoric

The city of Springfield, Ohio, has spent the week on edge. Hospitals, colleges, city government buildings and public schools have received threats linked to false, racist claims that target the city’s Haitian population. Sen. J.D. Vance and former President Donald Trump repeated these claims on the campaign trail and in last week’s presidential debate. Vance defended his use of the rumors, which Ohio and Springfield officials say are just that — rumors — with no evidence to support them. The rhetoric may be concentrated in Ohio, but we’re all hearing it — and it’s being amplified by a presidential and vice-presidential candidate. So, we wanted to find out how this story is landing with members of Minnesota’s Haitian population.Djenane Saint Juste is an author, dancer and the founder of the Haitian arts organization Afoutayi. She joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about the impact of this political rhetoric on her community.