AGP Executive Report

Haitian Diaspora & Media: WLRN, WNYC, and GBH are teaming up for “Haiti On The Line: The TPS Emergency,” a live Sept. 17 call-in broadcast examining what the end of Temporary Protected Status means for Haitians in the U.S. and for the communities and businesses affected. Elections & Governance: The OAS is urging Haiti to bar candidates with ties to criminal groups as filings open for the Dec. 13 presidential, legislative, and local elections—raising fresh questions about eligibility rules and enforcement. Diplomacy: France’s new ambassador to Haiti, Gautier Lekens, presented credentials at the National Palace, pledging renewed cooperation and security-focused preparation for the role. Sports Culture & Piracy: CANAL+ and La Liga signed an anti-piracy agreement covering nearly 50 countries, including Haiti, to share enforcement tools and protect the value of sports broadcasts. Music & Memory: Konpa fans mourn the loss of André Déjean, a founding member of Les Frères Déjean, whose trumpet helped define a generation’s sound. Arts & Community: ADIFF announced its “Black in Latin America” virtual film series, streaming Sept. 25–Oct. 15, spotlighting African-descended histories and identities through film. Human Impact: Reports continue to surface on the fallout from TPS and deportations, including accounts of Haitian families facing fear, disruption, and harassment after status changes.

Deportation Fallout: The U.S. continued forced returns of Haitians after TPS ended, with one flight landing in Cap-Haïtien after major delays and a sudden increase in the number of people on board, adding fresh chaos for Haitian reception teams. Journalism Under Threat: The Committee to Protect Journalists urged Haitian authorities to secure the release of veteran reporter Wesly Renaud Jean after his abduction in Delmas 31, saying kidnappers demanded ransom and provided proof of life. Elections in the Shadow of Gangs: Haiti’s planned presidential and parliamentary vote dates are raising alarm among LGBT+ activists and observers, who warn that voter registration, campaigning, and polling may be impossible in gang-controlled areas. Konpa Loss: Haitian music mourns André Déjean, a founding trumpet member of Les Frères Déjean, whose sound helped define a key era of konpa. Diaspora Film Spotlight: ADIFF announced its “Black in Latin America” virtual series, streaming Sept. 25–Oct. 15, bringing African-diaspora stories to online audiences. Sports Media Fight: CANAL+ and LaLiga signed an anti-piracy deal spanning Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Haiti, aiming to disrupt illegal football streaming networks.

Haitian Elections Under Pressure: Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council has set presidential elections for Dec. 13 after a 10-year gap, but LGBT+ activists warn voting will be impossible in gang-controlled Port-au-Prince, where security and campaigning are already collapsing. Journalism Under Threat: CPJ is calling for the release of veteran Haitian journalist Wesly Renaud Jean, abducted in Delmas 31 with kidnappers demanding ransom and providing proof of life. Media & Sport Rights: CANAL+ and LaLiga signed a landmark anti-piracy deal covering nearly 50 countries, including Haiti, promising shared intelligence and coordinated enforcement against illegal football broadcasts. Konpa Loss: Konpa fans mourn André Déjean, a founding trumpet voice of Les Frères Déjean, who died Sept. 11 at 75. Creole Culture in Motion: Creole Food Fest returns to Brooklyn Bridge Park on Oct. 3 with unlimited tastings, live music, and a diaspora-wide lineup. Community Grief & TPS Fallout: In Springfield, Ohio, the WSU community marked the suicide of Haitian student Pierre Damas Bel, with reports linking distress over GPS monitoring after TPS ended.

Journalism Under Threat: The Committee to Protect Journalists is calling for the safe release of veteran Haitian journalist Wesly Renaud Jean, abducted in Delmas 31 on Sept. 6; kidnappers reportedly demanded ransom and provided proof of life by phone. Forced Returns: A fourth U.S. deportation flight sent 82 Haitians back to Haiti, bringing the total returned since TPS ended to 401, as rights groups urge the U.S. to halt removals amid Haiti’s insecurity. Konpa Loss: André Déjean, founding trumpet member of Les Frères Déjean of Pétion-Ville, died Sept. 11 at 75, remembered for shaping classic konpa hits like “Marina” and “L’Humanité.” Diaspora & Culture: A Feel the Rhythm of the Drums Festival is set for Oct. 3 in Bywater, with Haitian groups among performers celebrating African and Afro-Caribbean roots. Sports Media: CANAL+ and LaLiga announced a major anti-piracy partnership spanning dozens of territories, including Haiti.

Konpa Spotlight: André Déjean, founding trumpet player of Pétion-Ville’s Les Frères Déjean, died Sept. 11 at 75, leaving fans remembering classics like “Marina,” “Débaké,” “Arrêté,” and “Mots Créoles.” Haitian Media Under Threat: Veteran journalist Wesly Renaud Jean was abducted in Port-au-Prince’s Delmas 31; kidnappers reportedly demanded ransom, with proof of life shared by phone, prompting urgent calls for his safe release. Diaspora & Deportations: A fourth U.S. deportation flight returned 82 Haitians (total past 400 since TPS ended), as UN rights officials and advocates urge an end to forced removals. Culture & Music: The Haïti Jazz Foundation and partners launched a PAPJAZZ “Scène découvertes” Discovery Stage in Pétion-Ville, spotlighting emerging artists through monthly showcases. Sports & Identity: Haitian forward Josué Casimir left Auxerre on loan to Dynamo Moscow, continuing his pro journey after World Cup appearances. Regional Arts Rhythm: New Orleans’ Feel the Rhythm of the Drums Festival (Oct. 3) brings Afro-Caribbean and African performers, including Haitian groups, to Bywater.

Haitian Media Under Threat: Veteran journalist Wesly Renaud Jean was abducted in Delmas 31, Port-au-Prince, with kidnappers reportedly seeking ransom and providing proof of life—CPJ urges urgent action to secure his release and protect journalists. Forced Deportations: A fourth U.S. deportation flight returned 82 Haitians (total past 400) after TPS ended, as UN rights officials and advocates call for an immediate halt. Music & Youth Talent: Haiti Jazz Foundation’s “Scène découvertes” Discovery Stage launches Sept. 10 at Centre Culturel Caraïbes in Pétion-Ville, spotlighting emerging artists through a Sept–Dec series. Culture & Identity: Haiti’s Embassy in France hosted events on Haiti’s contribution to the history of humanity, pairing roundtables with dance and Creole workshops. Sports & Diaspora Attention: Haitian forward Josué Casimir left Auxerre on loan to Dynamo Moscow, keeping Haiti’s World Cup presence in international headlines. Community Safety Backdrop: Reports also highlight rising insecurity and fear around immigration enforcement near schools in the U.S., echoing pressures Haitian families face abroad.

Haitian Journalism Under Threat: Veteran Port-au-Prince journalist Wesly Renaud Jean was abducted in Delmas 31, with kidnappers reportedly seeking ransom and providing proof of life, prompting urgent calls for his safe release and stronger protection for media workers. Forced Deportations: A fourth U.S. deportation flight returned 82 Haitians (total past 400) after TPS ended, as UN officials and Haitian rights advocates denounce the removals amid worsening insecurity. Music & Culture Spotlight: The Haïti Jazz Foundation and partners launch “Scène découvertes” at Centre Culturel Caraïbes in Pétion-Ville, giving selected emerging artists a monthly stage from September to December 2026 ahead of PAPJAZZ. Haiti’s Global Cultural Legacy: Haiti’s Embassy in France hosted events on Haiti’s contribution to world history, pairing diplomacy talks with dance and Creole workshops. Community Safety & Arts: In the U.S., Haitian families in San Diego face renewed fear as ICE arrests happen near schools, sparking protests from the local Haitian community.

Haiti Elections Integrity: The OAS says politicians with ties to criminal gangs must be barred from Haiti’s elections, urging faster verification by Haitian authorities. Haitian Media Under Threat: CPJ calls for a swift investigation into the killing of Haitian community radio host Joseph Willard Vancol, abducted after a gang attack on his station’s training center. Music & Youth Talent: Haiti Jazz Foundation, the French Institute in Haiti, and Centre Culturel Caraïbes launch “Scène découvertes,” a monthly Discovery Stage series (Sept–Dec 2026) to showcase emerging artists ahead of PAPJAZZ. Cultural Diplomacy: Haiti’s Embassy in France hosts events on Haiti’s contribution to world history, including dance and Creole language workshops. Community Safety & Rights: In the U.S., Haitian community members in San Diego protest ICE arrests near schools, while Haitian TPS holders face renewed uncertainty. Sports & Diaspora Spotlight: Haitian forward Josué Casimir leaves Auxerre on loan to Dynamo Moscow, adding another chapter to Haiti’s football presence abroad.

Haiti Elections Oversight: The OAS says politicians with ties to criminal gangs should be barred from Haiti’s elections, urging faster verification during the preparatory phase. Journalism Under Threat: Haitian community radio director Joseph Willard Vancol was found dead nearly three weeks after abduction, prompting the CPJ to call for a swift investigation and stronger protection for media workers. Culture & Music: The Haïti Jazz Foundation, with partners, launches a “Scène découvertes” Discovery Stage series (Sept–Dec 2026) to spotlight emerging artists ahead of PAPJAZZ. Haitian Identity on Stage: Haiti’s Embassy in France hosts events on Haiti’s contribution to the history of humanity, pairing roundtables with dance and Creole language workshops. Sports & Talent: Josué Casimir leaves Auxerre on loan to Dynamo Moscow, a move that keeps the Haitian forward in top-flight competition. Diaspora & Deportation Pressure: Reports highlight how Haitian communities in the U.S. face intensified enforcement and uncertainty around protected status, adding strain to already fragile lives.

Haiti Jazz Foundation: The Haïti Jazz Foundation, French Institute in Haiti, and Centre Culturel Caraïbes launch “Scène découvertes,” a monthly Discovery Stage for emerging artists (Sept–Dec 2026), starting Sept. 10 in Pétion-Ville with selected young talent and 20-minute showcases. Haiti Culture & Identity: Haiti’s Embassy in France hosts “The Making of Diplomacy” events on Sept. 5–6, including a roundtable on “Haiti’s Contribution to the History of Humanity,” plus dance and Creole workshops. Haiti Security & Media: Haitian community radio director Joseph Willard Vancol was found dead nearly three weeks after abduction in Gressier; CPJ urges Haitian authorities to investigate and protect journalists. Haiti Deportation Backlash (US): Commentary highlights the cruelty of Trump-era deportations and the wider impact on Haitian lives, laws, and futures. Haitian Student Death (US): Ohio officials and candidates respond to the death of Haitian immigrant Pierre Damas Bel, who died by apparent suicide after bullying tied to an ICE ankle monitor. Sports (Regional): Trinidad & Tobago players accept a CONCACAF Nations League invitation after payment issues were addressed, with Haiti set as an opening opponent in Kingston. Fashion (Diaspora): Harlem Fashion Row’s 19th annual awards celebrates Black style and entrepreneurship, honoring figures from Erykah Badu to emerging designers.

Education Under Attack: UNESCO’s “The Crossing” installation at UN headquarters spotlights the rising attacks on schools, urging protection of learning spaces and backing Haiti’s community-school efforts as part of a broader Plan of Action. Haiti Security & Governance: The UN Security Council is set to vote on Sept. 30 on renewing Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force, with debate focused on whether security support should continue while development aid is mobilized amid a fractured donor landscape. Kidnapping Alarm: Haiti reports three high-profile kidnappings in days—journalist Wesly Renaud Jean, lawyer Caleb Jean-Baptiste, and ONAPE director general Stéphanie Paultre—renewing fears about gangs reaching civilians, legal workers, and officials. Haitian Diaspora Pressure: Haitian communities in the U.S. face wider TPS uncertainty fallout as DHS keeps Salvadorans in limbo, a reminder of how quickly protections can shift for immigrant families. Culture & Sport: A feature on how football builds social cohesion in Haiti, even as gang violence disrupts the “beautiful game.” Search & Social Media: “Nice B” (Esther Thomas) remains livestreaming while authorities seek her in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, as Dominican groups offer a reward for information.

Haitian Arts & Culture: A Haitian journalist, lawyer, and government official were kidnapped in separate incidents in Delmas and Artibonite within 24 hours, renewing fears for media and legal workers as gang violence spreads beyond Port-au-Prince. Music & Film: Somali-Canadian rapper K’naan—known for “Wavin’ Flag” and its Haiti charity remake—was acquitted of sexual assault charges in Quebec City; the full decision is expected to be released. Sports & Community: Football in Haiti is highlighted as a rare social bridge across class lines, even as insecurity reshapes everyday play and national-team selection. Immigration & Identity (Haitian diaspora angle): In the U.S., Haitians face intensified enforcement as TPS politics and deportation pressure ripple through immigrant communities; meanwhile, DHS drew backlash for a post that appeared to mock Haitian “entrepreneurs” while offering $3,000 to self-deport. Arts Calendar: South Jersey’s Caribbean Festival was postponed by storms and is now set for Sept. 26, with soca star Rupee headlining.

Haitian Arts & Culture: A new documentary, “Black Zombie,” traces the zombie’s Haitian roots and Haitian Vodou’s influence, with writer-director Maya Annik Bedward describing a decade-long journey to connect horror history to Black spiritual traditions. Haitian Diaspora Spotlight: Haitian tennis star Naomi Osaka hit back at critics over her bold US Open outfits, saying her Haitian identity is “in my blood” and fashion is part of who she is. Community & Arts Events: In the U.S., the South Jersey Caribbean Festival (featuring soca star Rupee and other Caribbean acts) is rescheduled to Sept. 26 after weather forced postponements. Haiti in the News (Arts-adjacent): Haiti’s cultural life is shadowed by violence and fear, including the kidnapping of journalist Wesly Renaud Jean, lawyer Caleb Jean-Baptiste, and ONAPE director general Stéphanie Paultre—a reminder of how unsafe it is for public voices. Immigration & Identity: Haitian TPS fallout continues to ripple through communities, including reports from Springfield, Ohio, where enforcement has intensified and residents face ankle monitoring and distress.

Caribbean Arts & Community: Brooklyn’s West Indian American Day Parade brought Haitian pride to Eastern Parkway, with organizers saying the celebration doubled as a message of resilience amid the TPS crisis. Music & Culture: Wyclef Jean challenged hip-hop’s elders to prove they can still compete, tying the conversation to Haiti’s revolutionary legacy and the evolution of Kreyòl hip-hop. Film & Representation: Logan St. Hilaire’s “Maroon” revisits Haitian racism in the U.S., linking personal family history to today’s deportation pressure on Haitians in Springfield. Haitian Immigration Reality (Arts-adjacent): In Springfield, Ohio, enforcement surged after Haiti’s TPS ended, with many fitted with ankle monitors—fear and humiliation spreading through the community. Global Spotlight: UNESCO warned that verified attacks on schools rose 33% in 2025, underscoring why protecting education matters for children in crisis zones. Sports (Regional): Concacaf confirmed the 2026 W Championship schedule, with Haiti among the eight teams heading to Texas and Houston. Soccer Honors: Ballon d’Or 2026 shortlists are out, with Haiti’s Melchie Dumornay named among top women’s contenders.

Haitian Diaspora & Culture: Brooklyn’s West Indian American Day Carnival Parade kept Haitian pride front and center, but this year’s music and mas came with a somber edge as Haitians marked the TPS crisis and intensified U.S. enforcement. Community Spotlight: Lespri Ayiti/Team Madada and other Haitian bands used the Labor Day route as a public message of resilience through art, dance, and costume. Film & Identity: Logan St. Hilaire’s “Maroon” draws on Haitian family history and racism in New York, tying personal storytelling to today’s deportation pressure on Haitians in Springfield. Documentary & Vodou: “Black Zombie” revisits the zombie myth through Haitian Vodou’s history as resistance and living spiritual practice. Sports (Global): Ballon d’Or 2026 shortlists are out, with Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal among the men’s names, while PSG dominates nominations. Immigration Human Impact: Reports continue to circle around Pierre Damas Bel’s death after TPS ended, fueling renewed calls to rethink ICE ankle-monitor practices. Youth & Fashion: Haiti-born Argentine prospect Kiki Ramos signs a Nike sponsorship, adding another win for Haitian talent on the global stage.

Haitian Diaspora & Culture: Brooklyn’s West Indian American Day Carnival Parade drew huge crowds, but Haitian marchers carried a somber message as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) fallout and intensified federal enforcement loom over families; organizers say music, dance, and art are still the fuel to push through. Immigration Human Impact: In Springfield, Ohio, the death of 20-year-old Haitian student Pierre Damas Bel has sparked renewed outrage after family members and advocates link his death to ICE ankle-monitoring and deportation fears. Global Rights Watch: UN High Commissioner Volker Türk urged stronger migrant protections and accountability for deaths in detention, warning that a surge in wars and rights rollbacks is pushing the world into “particularly dangerous territory.” Sports (Haiti): Club Sando FC, led by Coach Angus Eve, is set to host Delfines Del Este in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup with a chance to press toward the semifinals. Fashion Spotlight: Naomi Osaka’s Haitian connection gets a style moment as her mother, Tamaki Osaka, turns heads with standout US Open looks.