On Monday, the Miami Heat made headlines by issuing a strong statement in defense of the Haitian community, following false and inflammatory claims made by former President Donald Trump. During a televised debate against Vice President Kamala Harris on September 10, Trump and his campaign amplified baseless rumors that Haitian immigrants were abducting and eating pets in Ohio. These false allegations sparked outrage and concern, particularly among Miami’s Haitian population.
The Miami Heat, known for its deep ties to the diverse cultural fabric of the city, took to social media to denounce the racist misinformation. “The Miami Heat staff, like Miami itself, is a diverse and brilliant mix of vibrant cultures, including many members of our Haitian community,” the team’s statement read. “The false narrative surrounding them is hurtful and offensive and has sadly made innocent people targets of hateful speech and physical threats.” The team emphasized, “Our Haitian employees, fans, and friends deserve better. Ansanm nou kanpé fò,” closing with a Creole phrase meaning “Together we stand strong.”
The Heat didn’t stop there. In a bold move, the team vowed not to support Trump’s re-election campaign, standing firmly against the damaging rhetoric. This marked a significant political stance for the organization, sparking widespread discussion.
Reactions to the statement were mixed. Many praised the Heat for taking a strong stand, with comments on social media expressing gratitude for their solidarity with the Haitian community. “Proud Haitian raised in Miami here!! I love the solidarity so much THANK YOU,” wrote one user. Another added, “Thank you for standing with us ✊🏾🇭🇹❤️.”
However, not everyone was supportive. Some critics accused the team of mixing politics with sports. Comments like “Stick to basketball” and “The Miami Heat going woke again” highlighted the division in response to the team’s message. Despite the backlash, the Heat remained resolute in their stance.
With South Florida being home to one of the largest Haitian diasporas in the U.S., the Miami Heat’s message resonated deeply with the local community. Their decision to speak out against the false claims and refuse to support Trump’s election bid underscored their commitment to standing with their diverse fan base.
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