REMARKS
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse addresses harmful rhetoric about Haitian immigrants
1:14:43
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130 sec
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse delivers a passionate speech addressing the harmful allegations and rhetoric being spread about Haitian immigrants.
She draws from personal experience to highlight the damaging effects of such discourse and calls for responsible leadership and unity.
- Narcisse shares her experience of discrimination as a Haitian American when her community was wrongly blamed for the spread of AIDS.
- She emphasizes the real consequences of irresponsible rhetoric, especially on social media, and its impact on innocent people.
- The council member calls for rising above party politics and focusing on elevating the standard of political discourse, particularly in light of the 9/11 commemoration.
Mercedes Narcisse
1:14:43
Thank you, madam Maduri, leader.
1:14:46
Thank you, madam speaker.
1:14:48
Today, I feel compelled to address the harmful and baseless allegations being spread about patient immigrants, even by members of our very counsel member here.
1:15:01
As a prime patient American, I know firsthand the pain that such lies can inflict.
1:15:06
When I was younger, our community was wrongly blamed for the spread of AIDS, leading to bullying and discrimination.
1:15:14
Now I fear that a new generation of Haitian American children will face the same harmful treatment because of this dangerous rhetoric.
1:15:24
As leaders, we must understand that what we say and share, especially on social media, has real consequences.
1:15:33
It can deeply impact the lives of innocent people.
1:15:36
The migrant issue is real and a demand solution.
1:15:40
I agree totally, but using false thoughts to shock hatred and division is this service to us alone.
1:15:50
Our words carried weight, and it is our duty to use them responsibly with the understanding that they can either unite or divide uplift or harm.
1:16:01
Unfortunately, the blind allegiances of party politics to often fuels with harmful discourse.
1:16:10
Instead of addressing the real issues, saw exploit fear and misinformation for political gain.
1:16:18
This is detrimental not only to our city, but to our nation.
1:16:24
In the 2nd week, as we commemorate the 911 attacks, We must remember that we are all one people.
1:16:33
What divides us is so much smaller than what unites us.
1:16:38
Let us rise above parties and politics and focus on letting the standard of political discourse.
1:16:46
Enough is enough.
1:16:48
And I'm gonna leave this with saying, May Carlos, recipes.
1:16:52
May my father,