Sonen Lanbi An — “Sound the Alarm” —is a call for Haitian people to gather, organize, and move toward action. These words have been a guiding principle for me in advocacy, and continue to push me to act even in difficult times.
On December 13, with these words in mind, I gathered twenty folks to participate in FCNL’s Letter Writing Event Campaign calling attention to International Migrants Day. When I delivered these twenty letters to Senator Warnock’s local office, I thought I had simply checked off a box on my checklist. That night, I went to bed relieved, —but still feeling hopeless, even as I worked to give hope to others. As the elimination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians seemed imminent, and people across Marrietta, Georgia spoke of ICE deployments, it was difficult to remain positive.
Thirty days later, everything changed. I received an email from Senator Warnock’s office requesting a meeting to discuss Haiti-related immigration policy. We would be meeting Annette Christie, Legislative Assistant and Immigration Policy Lead from Washington DC—she would be in town the following week. My first thought was: They received the letters! They heard us. They see us.
That moment sparked Sonnen Lanbi An.
We mobilized Haitian organizations, leaders, and Haitian media to convene the community. This would be a town hall that prioritized Haitian safety, and allowed us to receive direct answers. Annette Christie, alongside Attorney Wide Thomas and Valarie McConico, shared critical information. Community members were able to voice their concerns regarding TPS, ICE in schools and churches. The community even proposed solutions for the Senator and his staff to consider—solutions by Haitians, for Haitians.
With the information that was collected during this town hall, I knew I needed to spread the word. With TPS termination approaching, an immediate next step emerged— a Know Your Rights Training, highlighting what to do with your family if forced to deport and how to protect yourself.
With these wins underway, and a new sense of community and purpose; the path ahead is clear:
- Congress needs to support Representative Pressley’s discharge petition. If this petition is successful, there will be a vote to extend Haiti TPS to 2029.
- Congress must sign legislation that protects sensitive locations so that there is no fear of harmful immigration tactics and schools and churches across my city, and in immigrant communities.
This town hall, and the meetings that followed, were a boost of inspiration. Community members left feeling heard and supported by their senator. As an organizer, I feel that boost as well, and step into each action with the hope that a new power can come. What started as a letter has now grown into true momentum.
For me, Sonnen Lanbi An is no longer just an event—it is a movement.
