Colorado's Haitian Culture Grows in Colorado Despite Growing Unrest at Home

Above: Photo/Pasqual Gorriz. www.un.org/av/photo/

Haiti is grappling with serious challenges now — rampant gang violence and ineffective governance. Through this journey, many Haitians have fled to the United States, a few of which have found their way to Colorado. Understanding these dynamics is key to understanding how they impact Haiti and the Haitian community in the U.S., particularly here in Denver.

Above: Photo/Pasqual Gorriz. www.un.org/av/photo/

The Political Context in Haiti Today

Haiti continues to contend with escalating violence, with gangs taking over much of Port-au-Prince, the capital city. Gang-related assaults rose sharply since October 2024, exploiting the political turmoil, according to reports. The Transitional Presidential Council has failed to assert its authority or organize elections.

Key issues include:

• Gang Rule: Armed groups are in charge of public security, instilling fear and forcing many people to leave their homes. Recent statistics show that about 2,500 were killed or injured from gang violence in the first quarter of 2024, a substantial rise in casualties from years past

• Political instability: The council's inability to engender any system legislative changes leaves the country without effective leadership. Woes, in turn, further complicate the political landscape as Haiti has been without any elected official since January 2023.

• International Response: The Biden administration extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and provided options for humanitarian parole, enabling more Haitians to enter the U.S. legally

Such circumstances push many Haitians to abandon their home country in search of safety and stability.

Haitian Diaspora and Community in Colorado

Haitian Community and Diaspora in Colorado Haitians have been migrating to the U.S. for decades, and the number of migrants spiked after the earthquake in 2010. In 2023, there are an estimated 731,00 Haitian immigrants in the U.S., ranking them among the largest foreign-born populations. In Colorado, the Haitian diaspora is expanding but still smaller than in states such as Florida and New York.

Cultural Representation: New Haitian Restaurant

New to the Denver food scene is Mama Josie’s Café Créole serving authentic Haitian food. For Haitians in Denver, this satisfyingly opens a bridge to home; it offers comfort cuisine that is connected to their roots.

• Menu Options: You’ll find traditional dishes such as griot (fried pork), pikliz (spicy pickled vegetables) and soup joumou (pumpkin soup) (pronounced “joo-moo”). They are meals that bring comfort as well as cultural connections.

  
  

• Enthusiastic praise/ Community Feedback: Google reviewers compliment the cozy ambiance and genuine tastes. “The food reminds me of my grandmother’s cooking,” wrote one reviewer, illustrating how the restaurant mends cultural ties.

And people like Farah-Jane Jean Pierre are vital to sharing Haitian culture through food. Jean Pierre runs a food truck, Fritay Haitian Cuisine [pronounced fwee-tie], serving traditional dishes and helping people connect.

Contributions of Haitians in Denver

Members of the Haitian community in Denver have made significant contributions to the community in multiple ways:

• Local Businesses: Mama Josie’s, Fritay Haitian Cuisine and other restaurants foster cultural exchange and community connection.

• Community Organizations: Locally Haiti, formerly the Colorado Haiti Project, organizes to meet Haitian communities' sustainment needs through education and infrastructure development. They link Haitians with the resources and support networks.

• Activism and Advocacy: Several members of the community advocate for policies to help Haitian immigrants and bring awareness to the issues affecting their homeland

Challenges Faced by Haitian Immigrants

Many Haitians have discovered new opportunities, but they also confront several challenges:

• Cultural Adjustment: Migration from a densely populated area with a vibrant Haitian community to a less diverse environment can be isolating.

• Economic Challenges: New immigrants tend to find it hard to get permanent jobs  because of language difficulties or lack of recognition of their credentials.

• Community Building: Without existing networks, it can be hard to build connections.

Instability and a lack of security have forced many Haitians to leave their country in quest of a better life. In addition to enhancing the state's standard of living, the Haitian community in Colorado works to protect its cultural heritage. Now, the launch of Mama Josie’s Café Créole makes this work possible from a new space dedicated to cultural representation and connection. Grasping these dynamics is key to creating support within the larger community. Supporting local organizations that help elevate Haitians allows Haitians and newcomers to coexist.