Marie Woodson. Img source: floridapolitics.com
May 26, 2024 Story by: Editor
Amidst the ongoing chaos in Haiti, Representative Woodson finds little cause for celebration. The country has been gripped by gang violence, leading to the shutdown of airports for three weeks in March, with regular flights yet to fully resume. This dire situation has left Woodson, a Democratic representative from Broward County, yearning for solutions to stabilize Haiti so that she can revisit her birthplace.
Seeking inspiration and fresh perspectives, Woodson is turning to Generation Z, recognizing their exposure to diverse experiences and viewpoints. She believes that this generation may hold innovative ideas and recommendations to alleviate Haiti’s turmoil. With the aim of providing a platform for Gen Z voices, Woodson, along with multimedia journalist Tania Francois and CBS News Miami, will host a “Conversation with Gen Z on Haiti” event at the South Regional Broward College Library. Read more about Haiti’s history here.
Reflecting on her own departure from Haiti due to political corruption in the 1980s, Woodson feels conflicted about celebrating Haitian heritage amidst the current challenges. Witnessing the talents of Haitians showcased by performers like Emeline Michel, Woodson contemplates the potential contributions of those who left Haiti for brighter prospects elsewhere.
Woodson emphasizes the significant contributions of Haitian immigrants across various fields in the United States but envisions a different scenario if they had been able to remain in Haiti to effect change. The event aims to engage young individuals aged 17 to 27, providing them with an opportunity to contribute ideas and solutions for Haiti’s future.
The event, scheduled for Tuesday at the Miramar Cultural Center, aims to foster dialogue and generate innovative solutions to address Haiti’s challenges. Tickets for the event can be obtained through Eventbrite.
