Dr. Mimi Sheller, Inaugural Dean of The Global School at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, in Massachusetts.

ABSTRACT

The Republic of Haiti is currently experiencing a deep political, economic, and security crisis, with unknown outcomes. You may have seen the headlines: Gangs have taken hold of the country and kidnapped everyone from people out shopping to visiting American missionaries. Former President Jovenel Moise was assassinated by Colombian mercenaries; the current president Ariel Henry has been linked to the suspects who may have planned this attack; and the US government has been implicated. Elections have been repeatedly delayed, there are few sitting elected representatives, and the constitution is awaiting revision. While it is difficult to keep up with the multiple immediate crises there is also a slower unfolding crisis of climate emergency, environmental degradation, and social vulnerability. This talk will seek to put all of this in perspective by learning from Haitian history and turning to those who are seeking to build more just and sustainable Haitian futures. From the Haitian Revolution, to US occupation and foreign policy, to post-disaster Reconstruction and Climate Debt, there are many ways in which the United States owes Reparations to Haiti. What can we do to shift US policy to support Haitian efforts to build a better future?