Indiana

Addressing racist allegations against Haitians through community support • Indiana Capital Chronicle

Published

1 year ago

September 23, 2024

Addressing racist allegations against Haitians through community support • Indiana Capital Chronicle

By now, the unsubstantiated rumors of Haitians eating pets in Springfield, Ohio have been completely debunked. However, the animosity and hate towards Haitians has only heightened. Indianapolis and other communities in Indiana have also seen a large influx of Haitian immigrants in the last few years. The reality is – that Haitians come to places like Springfield, Indianapolis and Evansville because of the availability of jobs — period.

Theses times, however, are particularly dangerous as right-wing groups are weaponizing such dog-whistle lies to reignite racism that has been suppressed in mainstream America for the past few decades. All week long, I’ve been fielding calls about Haitian community centers receiving bomb threats from community leaders who are rightfully afraid for the safety of the Haitian people and theirs. Prominent Haitians in Ohio and elsewhere have been victims of swatting and other threats.

So, what can be done when those so much power repeat such despicable lies? With the advent of social media where unverifiable news move at such an exponential pace, the only viable option for leaders in the Haitian community is to set the record straight by providing new perspectives.

So, what really took place? Both Indiana and Ohio were economically depressed and devastated by COVID-19. The labor shortage in the Midwest, especially in the manufacturing sector, called for extraordinary business measures. Employers throughout the Midwest states, unable to fill regular orders, resorted to employing those willing and able to work back-breaking jobs, odd shifts, and overtime, often running the gamut of 60-70 hours a week — when needed.

It turned out that the group valuing hard work the most — since good wages and stable work have eluded them for most of their lives — were Haitians.

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So, this rapid relocation of Haitians to the Midwest has been transformative for both Haitians and the manufacturing sector in the Midwest. During these past four years, Haitians have worked ungodly number of hours to help close manufacturing production gaps, while Midwest employers fulfilled orders, added new shift and kept labor costs low — a win-win situation. According to the Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, on the aggregate, the US economy has largely benefited from adding immigrants to its workforce. As a result, the tradeoff is that social costs have also risen, and inflation has lingered, creating angst and anxieties among the average American — further fueled and exploited by the extreme right rhetoric.

It is obvious that hospitals, local police departments, and school districts are in need of more employees with Haitian Creole proficiencies to accommodate the population increase. In Indiana, where I live, many such prominent organizations have reached out to local Haitian organizations to learn about the community they serve. These efforts have led to significant initiatives. Collaborations between city officials, the Indianapolis Mayor’s Office, and numerous healthcare organizations, including prominent research universities, have led to coalition addressing maternal, infant, and mental health, as well as jobs and housing challenges.

Hoosier efforts

From my humble opinion, these efforts could be replicated in other communities with burgeoning Haitian populations throughout the US. The model here is to have local Haitian leaders help major organizations and city officials navigate the deep cultural, social chasm that might exist between Ohioans, Hoosiers, and Haitians. Established Haitian organizations can play a powerful role and serve as a bridge, informing and guiding the best use of local resources, providing culturally appropriate recommendations by assisting in cultural competency and advocacy.

What gives me comfort is knowing that most Americans do care! Americans have always been known to lend a hand to those in need. Our organization received help from many strangers, all Hosiers; especially when Haiti suffered from the most devastating earthquake in 2010. So, what I’m essentially suggesting is that — if it feels broken to you, here are a few tips on what you can do:

Patronize a local Haitian business such as a restaurant or a Haitian bakery. Buy Haitian products online you like. Offer a space of worship to local Haitians who don’t have their own church building. Attend events organized by local Haitian organizations to learn about their culture and way of life. Be an ally and donate to your local Haitian organization, so they can continue to support programs that help Haitian families integrate into the community.

By taking these steps, you can empower Haitians trying to make a difference in their community, while uplifting your own community.

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Indiana

Sunny Sunday ahead of warming for Christmas in central Indiana

Published

11 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Press Room

Sunny Sunday ahead of warming for Christmas in central Indiana

Following the 4th above average day so far this December Saturday, a cold front passed through and dropped our temperatures. However, its passage didn’t drop temperatures too dramatically!

In the picture above, the clouds in the distance are the clouds along the cold front. They are exiting our region and can be seen 70 miles away! Sunday is to be the day with normal temperatures around here! Expect readings in the upper 30s to near 40° across central Indiana. High pressure settles in giving us the widespread sunshine. Don’t get used to it because our skies will look a lot more like December this week.

While this week does come with mostly cloudy to overcast skies each day, it won’t feel like how late December should feel. A few rain chances exist for late Monday then Christmas Eve Wednesday. Otherwise, expect daily warming with Indianapolis surpassing 50° by Tuesday.

The peak of the warmth will be Christmas Day Thursday! Our forecast high for Indianapolis is 61°. Should that verify, it would be the fourth time within the last six years a top-10 warm Christmas Day would occur. 61° is just three degrees shy of the 129-year-old record high of 64°. I don’t think we’ll get there since the clouds will be around. But, 60° is attainable given the breezy southwest winds forecast.

Following Christmas, Friday looks dry but we’re seeing indications of a post-holiday front sometime next weekend. Otherwise, the polar air will stay north for 2025’s final days. I don’t think we’ll be as warm for New Year’s compared to Christmas. Nonetheless, no big cold snaps (or snow) in the near term.

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Indiana

Indiana takes on Boston, aims to end 4-game skid

Published

23 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Press Room

Indiana takes on Boston, aims to end 4-game skid

Indiana Pacers (6-22, 14th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (17-11, third in the Eastern Conference)

Boston; Monday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Indiana comes into the matchup against Boston after losing four straight games.

The Celtics have gone 13-8 against Eastern Conference opponents. Boston is the leader in the Eastern Conference in team defense, allowing 110.5 points while holding opponents to 44.7% shooting.

The Pacers are 4-12 against Eastern Conference opponents. Indiana is the worst team in the NBA recording just 23.5 assists per game led by Andrew Nembhard averaging 6.4.

The Celtics average 15.7 made 3-pointers per game this season, 4.1 more made shots on average than the 11.6 per game the Pacers give up. The Pacers are shooting 43.1% from the field, 1.6% lower than the 44.7% the Celtics’ opponents have shot this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jaylen Brown is averaging 29.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and five assists for the Celtics. Derrick White is averaging 4.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Pascal Siakam is averaging 23.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and four assists for the Pacers. Johnny Furphy is averaging 18 points over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Celtics: 7-3, averaging 119.5 points, 42.9 rebounds, 23.2 assists, 8.5 steals and 5.4 blocks per game while shooting 49.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.0 points per game.

Pacers: 4-6, averaging 111.3 points, 42.5 rebounds, 23.9 assists, 7.8 steals and 6.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.2 points.

INJURIES: Celtics: Ron Harper Jr.: day to day (knee), Jayson Tatum: out (achilles), Jaylen Brown: day to day (illness).

Pacers: Obi Toppin: out (foot), Ben Sheppard: day to day (calf), Aaron Nesmith: out (knee), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Indiana

Indiana Pacers have a few trade candidates

Published

1 day ago

December 20, 2025

Press Room

Indiana Pacers have a few trade candidates

The Indiana Pacers are a team to watch as a seller in the upcoming trade deadline.

Before Feb. 5, the Pacers should be expected to move at least one player and possibly more. Some members of the Indiana Pacers On SI staff pondered which player would be the likeliest to be traded.

Ethan J. Skolnick

Indiana has only two players earning more than $20 million, and one won’t be moved under any circumstances (Tyrese Haliburton) and another (Pascal Siakam) is likely staying unless Indiana is blown away. Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith seem to be parts of the future.

So the most likely candidates would seem to be Obi Tobbin (a pending free agent making $14 million) and TJ McConnell (on an extension paying him $11 million). As valuable as McConnell has been for the Pacers, he still could have value to one of this season’s contenders, so we will go with him as an option to land a future pick and younger option.

Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs. | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Jeremy Brener

The Pacers are in a unique position in their gap year with Tyrese Haliburton out with a torn Achilles. The team is absolutely plummeted to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, making them a seller at this year’s trade deadline. However, there’s no clear cut answer as to who they could part ways with because they are trying to contend next season.

Most of the roster is either injured or too valuable to trade at this moment in time. If there’s anyone that doesn’t fit either bill, it could be third-year forward Jarace Walker. If the team is not pleased with Walker’s progress before February, the Pacers may look to move him if there is a decent trade offer between now and then.

Tony Mejia

Indiana’s largest financial commitments are tied to injured point guard Tyrese Haliburton and versatile forward Pascal Siakam, so I wouldn’t expect too big a splash.

If the Pacers are looking to trim salary or change things up on the heels of their first Finals appearance in a quarter-century with Haliburton sidelined, the two most likely players they can move are wing Bennedict Mathurin and backup guard T.J. McConnell.

Mathurin’s rookie deal is coming to an end, while McConnell’s savvy and playoff experience could make him attractive to contenders looking to add a proven commodity who can add a spark off the bench.