Probably nothing pisses me off more than people who play identity politics. I really just cannot stand it when someone demands special treatment because of their race, religion, nationality or gender. I particularly cringe at race based politics and the need for hyphenating one’s identiy. In this great melting pot of a country, we are all supposed to be Americans. And, we are all entitled to equal rights under the Constitution of the United States.
At the last North Miami Beach council meeting on June 5, 2012, a woman by the name of Karyne S. Pompilus came before the council as she has every meeting for the last several months. She’s been asking for money from the city for her non-profit organization called Actions for Better Future, Inc., which is located at 1733 NE 162 Street, North Miami Beach, Florida 33162. Ms. Pompilus is the Registered Agent, President and Director of this company.
On this night, she addressed the council by first thanking the Mayor for speaking with her and then lashing out at Councilwomen Martel and Spiegel for not meeting with her. She was even insulted that the Councilwomen had the nerve to ask her to send them an email. I mean seriously! How dare they expect her to email them? For shame!
Ms. Pompilus then launched into an angry tirade by admonishing the council that out of 41,250 residents, “over 36% of the residents are Haitian.”
Oh, really? Sorry, but she’s completely WRONG! According to the 2000 census, only 19.9% of the residents in North Miami Beach are Haitian. That’s a far cry from “over 36%.” Maybe she should have gotten her facts straight before addressing the council.
Ms. Pompilus then told them that they should know that more than 80% of her “Haitian people” don’t send emails because they don’t have English skills or don’t have internet skills or can’t afford internet access. She then claimed that she has all three but refuses to send emails because, and I quote, “as leaders they are supposed to represent everyone but this is a disrespect to my community.”
Oh, really? The council “should know” that “her people” don’t do email? WTF?
I didn’t realize that having the audacity to ask the “Haitian community” to send an email is “a disrespect.” I’ll make a note of that.
Something just doesn’t sound right here, though. Ms. Pompilus runs a non-profit organization called Actions for Better Future, Inc. According to its website,
“Actions for Better Future, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization. It is proposed to provide preventive services and professional trainings to the Haitian professional and others immigrants in South Florida and in Haiti. The organization is dedicating its efforts and resources to prevent juvenile delinquency, substance-abuses, domestic violence, teen- pregnancy and illiteracy (High school dropout) in two major cities in Haiti: Cite Soleil, Cabaret and three cities in Florida: Miami, Fort-Lauderdale and Lake-Worth.”
Oh, really? Her organization can do all that stuff in five cities in two countries, and SHE REFUSES TO SEND EMAILS? Is there something wrong with her?
Actions for Better Future, Inc.’s mission states that it:
“dedicates its efforts and resources toward ensuring top-rated professionals to address the problems of juvenile delinquency, substance-abuses, domestic violence and illiteracy exacerbate by socio-economic, cultural, and linguistic stressors. Actions For Better Future, Inc. seeks to prevent and reduce social problems in south Florida and aboard.”
Oh, really? I’d love to know who these “top-rated professionals” are and what plans they have to address “illiteracy” in its own website.
Its vision is to:
“endeavor to serve the largest number of individuals and families with income below the poverty line, the working poor, as well as those with low and moderate income in general, without regard to religion, race, ethnicity, gender, age or national origin.”
Oh, really? Without regard to religion, race, ethnicity, gender, age or national origin? Really?
That’s odd considering all she ever does is talk about “her people,” “her community,” and the “Haitian community.” Who’s the one playing identity politics here?
It’s pretty annoying to listen to her constant demands, meeting after meeting, for money, services and assistance for “her community” when she has absolutely no regard for EIGHTY PERCENT of the residents of North Miami Beach who are not “her people.”
Ironically, the town drunk will probably call me a racist for pointing this out. Oh, well. Whatever.
On this particular night Ms. Pompilus brought up “a young boy who killed his mom,” stating, “This is new to our community.” She went on to say that her community, “is in shock and this needs to be discussed. They need people to tell them what is going on with Haitian kids?”
Okay, first of all…News Flash: The child who killed his mother didn’t live in North Miami Beach, but outside our city limits.
Second of all, “her people” need someone to tell them what’s going on with “Haitian kids?” Has she tried asking THEIR PARENTS?
Ms. Pompilus ended her diatribe with, and I quote,
“Because on April 21st they got seven gang members have been arrested. All of them are Haitian. Those people are just forgetting nobody care about them. If we are here as community organizers we have to provide some service. We got the right at least to get somebody to talk to and to understand what the Haitian families are going through. This is the least that we ask. If they cannot talk to us, I really don’t know. Seeing that a lady has been crying for something or whatever. For myself I should be crying for my community from today until the end of the world because we need service from you guys.”
As you might imagine, I was gritting my teeth by the time she finished her little speech. Somehow Ms. Pompilus believes it’s the council’s fault that seven Haitian gang members got arrested? What? Was Bush unavailable?
Does she actually expect our elected officials to be “community organizers” and that they have to “provide some service?” Oh really?
“Her people” have the RIGHT to get someone to talk to them and to understand what they’re going through? The RIGHT? OH, REALLY?
IS SHE FREAKING SERIOUS?
Listen up, lady. Apparently, you need a reality check! Our council members are here to REPRESENT the residents of North Miami Beach. This means they legislate policy for the benefit of the ENTIRE NORTH MIAMI BEACH COMMUNITY. They’re not here to raise or babysit your children. They’re not here to tell you what’s wrong with them. I suggest you contact a church or some sort of social service agency if “your people” can’t handle their own kids.
Furthermore, you’re obviously unaware that our city is going through a severe budget crisis. Our tax dollars are already being stretched to the limit. The City of North Miami Beach needs to be able to provide necessary services for its residents, and that includes our police department. If the kids in “your community” are in gangs and getting themselves arrested, we’re already paying for your problems. How is it our fault they can’t keep out of trouble? Guess what? It’s not our fault! Go talk to their parents! It’s THEIR fault if they can’t control their own kids!
To add insult to injury with Ms. Pompilus’ incredible chutzpah, SHE DOESN’T EVEN LIVE HERE! According to sunbiz.org, Actions for Better Future, Inc. is located at 1733 NE 162 Street, North Miami Beach, Florida 33162, but Ms. Pomilus resides at 3232 NW 34 Court, Lauderdale Lakes, Florida 33309.
Coincidentally, the address at which Actions for Better Future, Inc. is located is also the address for two other organizations that have already come before the North Miami Beach City Council with its collective hand out.
Center for Family Empowerment, Inc. and Social Harmony Foundation, Inc. are both located at 1733 NE 162 Street, North Miami Beach, Florida 33162. Gee, what a coincidence!
According to page 119 of the July 20, 2010 City Council Meeting Agenda/LETF Request, Center for Family Empowerment asked for $10,000.00, and Social Harmony Foundation asked for $4,000.00 from the Police Department’s LETF funds. Both were requests for money to allegedly help for “families and young adults” in the “Haitian community.” Both requests were honored.
Now a THIRD not-for-profit organization is asking for money for “Haitian kids,” too? What are we? An ATM? I don’t freaking think so.
But the real coincidence here is that all three so-called non-profit corporations have a (drum roll, please) FRANTZ PIERRE CONNECTION! What a shock.
You can read about those connections in my blogs, The Frantz Files, The Mystery Man of NMB and La Maison de Pierre. I won’t repeat all the details again, but feel free to read those columns and connect the dots for yourself.
Speaking of L’il Frantzie P (who happens to be the absolute worst offender when it comes to identity politics), he made another spectacle of himself at the last council meeting. Again. Watch the last ten minutes of the council meeting to see for yourself what a putz he is.
Of course, there’s another scandal brewing about Pee-Air but, you’ll have to be a little patient, because that’s a story I’m working on for another blog. In the P Man’s own words, “It will blow your minds.”
Stephanie Kienzle
“Spreading the Wealth”
Go get ’em, Tiger! How dare she get a free hand out. Sounds like the old squeaky wheel. When you think about it, sitting in a couple of meetings for (so far) $14, 000 is a pretty high dollar to hour ratio! Even if you had to spend say 20 hours, that is $700/hour. Not too bad. NMB is very fortunate to have a Tiger like you on their team. I hope you are compensated in other than an altruistic sense, that is… ;D
Rush to re-act, time more time to read and understand. you miss the entire point. She doesn’t say that we receive $14,000.00, but 2 others organizations. You see, besides, the Haitian youth, I have to read for you, LOl!
😛 OT/great to be able to minimize the chatroom and read and post!
“The organization is dedicating its efforts and resources to prevent juvenile delinquency, substance-abuses, domestic violence, teen- pregnancy and illiteracy (High school dropout) in two major cities in Haiti: Cite Soleil, Cabaret and three cities in Florida: Miami, Fort-Lauderdale and Lake-Worth.”
Umm, I don’t see North Miami Beach anywhere in this list. My people are upset. I think I’m going to have to set up a non-profit to represent their interests.
I know, right? Listen, have your people call my people in the morning and we’ll set something up. 😉
What about MY people?
I don’t know about your people, but Pharaoh wouldn’t let my people go. We showed him.
Stop, playing politics, just be humans!
I’m guessing by your comment that you completely missed the point of this blog, which is entitled Identity Politics. By coming to city hall meeting after meeting asking for money for only the “Haitian People,” you are politicking on behalf of a specific section of the entire community. You are attempting to pull on the heartstrings of the city council by claiming only Haitian children need help, while there are needy children of every color, nationality, religion, etc. You are the one who is playing politics – identity politics.
This is just a fact that you refuse to acknowledge, as Haitians we didn’t know if we should wait for you to talk about our community, I didn’t know should care more than I do for it. Please, give us a break!
Now if you could only practice what you preach. I strongly recommend that you listen carefully to your presentation with an open “human” heart and put yourself in the shoes of those you were addressing, or rather attacking. I know this is a total cliche but: Honey you started it.
Please listen, a community is “a group of people who shares the same culture, values and beliefs, regardless where they live, their position and status”. So, noone can’t deny us the rights to serve our community in North Miami Beach. If what you want to read is more important that the work that we are doing? That’s fine, but there is something that you can’t deny, NMB has serious works to do in this regard !
She really doesn’t sound like a people person. All kidding aside, I truly hope that the Council Members, those who use computers and may read this blog, will absolutely refuse to allow this woman to fleece the City the way she probably fleeces “her people”. Poor gullible Haitians may fall for the lies of their so-called leaders in their desperate need to find leaders they can trust, but to anyone looking from the outside in, people like this woman are so transparent it isn’t even funny. The day that Haitians become proficient in computers and English, Ms. Pompilass will be out of business.
I know plenty of Haitians who are not only proficient in both computers and English, but they would probably be embarrassed and insulted by people like Ms. Pompilus. The fact that she claims to be a “community organizer” right there tells me volumes – she is somehow profiting by keeping “her people” in a perpetual state of victimhood. There are so many truly amazing Haitians that are excellent role models for their young people. Ralph Gilles (http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2009/fortune/0910/gallery.40_under_40.fortune/34.html), Mia Love (http://thegrio.com/2012/05/02/mia-love-black-mormon-could-be-the-next-big-gop-star/), Bernard Sansaricq (http://www.redstate.com/etcartman/2010/01/16/mr-bernard-sansaricq-candidate-for-us-house-fl23-and-former-president-of-haitian-senate/), Dumarsais Simeus (http://en.goldenmap.com/Dumarsais_Simeus), a slew of top football players in the NFL (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125987130978175269.html), and of course, our former Councilman and now State Representative John Patrick Julien (no link necessary here). You get my drift. With so many successful Haitians in America today, there is no excuse for people like Ms. Pompilus to keep convincing “her people” that they can’t make it without her “assistance.” Sorry, but she’s not doing them any favors.
Those who fail to respect themselves will never respect others!
Self-respect is learned by respecting others. The same way that patience is learned by having to wait for something. Sounds like a paradox, but that’s how things work.
Actually, it is the other way around: Those who have no respect for others, as was evident in your Council presentation, can never get ahead in life. Being in need of help is not the same as being deserving of help. You can catch more flies with sugar than with vinegar; your angry entitlement mentality is culturally incompatible in this society, and that your be your first lesson to your clients, and yourself.
Haitian Immigration overview:(Ou pa kon’n de ki sa ou’ap pale) You don’t know what you are talking about!
Since the establishment of the first black republic in the Western Hemisphere, Haitians have been victims of negative stereotyping; no contemporary immigrant group has encountered more prejudice and discrimination. The story of Haitians in the United States is not one of unrelenting sadness, however. Many, if not most, struggle against prejudice and prevail. They have a strong sense of self-esteem and are proud of their heritage, as is evident in the innumerable community organizations that promote Haitian theater, music, stories, art, religion, cuisine, and the Creole language. Thus for many Haitian immigrants, life in the United States is a conflict between pride in their roots and prejudice against blacks in general and Haitians in particular.
Do NOT play the race card on this website! I don’t want to hear about “prejudice against blacks” at all. That BS doesn’t fly with me, as blacks have just as much opportunity as any other race to achieve success in America. Read any one of the columns I have published here and you will know exactly what I think of using skin color as an excuse for anything. I will not be held hostage by liberal white guilt. Haitians are no different. They have the same opportunity and the same welcome mat as any other immigrant who arrives on our shores and wants to make a better life for themselves. I was here in 1960 when Castro took over Cuba and millions of Cubans fled Communism, jail and execution for freedom. Most of them had to leave their homes, which were being taken over by the State, their belongings and their family members, many of whom became political prisoners. Doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants and other professionals had to give up lucrative careers in Cuba and work as waiters, taxi drivers, street cleaners and housemaids because their degrees weren’t recognized here. They worked hard to pay the rent and raise their families and NONE of them asked for a handout. They were too proud to take from the government. Those who were unable to work were helped by religious organizations, and as soon as the new immigrants were able to make it on their own, they gave back to the churches and synagogues in droves. Go read my column Ode to “My” Cubans if you want a detailed description of those immigrants. Don’t you dare tell me that “your people” are incapable of taking care of themselves or their families. What an insult! Haitians have many things to be proud of, as I mentioned in my earlier comment. People like you who convince them that they can’t raise their own children without government assistance do them absolutely no favors whatsoever. Oh, you do not want to get me started on this topic!
You are rigth, and this is what you are afraid of. Seeing Haitian professionals dedicating their times to help those Haitian youthsters to understand like the Cubans they can succeed if they play by the rules, get an education and work hard.
Are you kidding? Me? Afraid of seeing anyone help anyone? There is something really wrong with you, lady. You also need to learn how to spell.
Dear sorry, I am beyong the spelling level, if you can’t even excuse a typo, you are just too low. By the way, do you know English is my third language?
Dearie, your English problem goes far beyond typos, which could easily be forgiven if that’s what they are. Your problem, whether English is your first or your tenth language, is that you have absolutely no command of the language whatsoever. You make no sense! Even more disturbing is that you claim to have a degree from an American University. I know middle school students who write better than you do. If someone who writes as poorly as you do in English, and you spent four years in an American school and you received a degree, that tells me our education system is completely screwed up. How on earth did you pass any essay exams or write a thesis? American schools are supposed to require them to be written in English. If that’s not the case any more, there is no need for anyone to go to college anymore.
I admire Cuban people and have great respect for them. They have difference, but as leaders to always try to solve them in the best interest of their community. You will never see, Cuban leaders asking others people to come to insult their own people. Shame, on anyone so called who can’t understand this least. When leaders do not understand their role and mission, things can’t be different for Haitians in your city. Even Haitian leaders need my organizational services because they still can’t understand that okay to disagree and when they disagree on something, they are not enemies. That will be the only way to stop people like you insulting us as Haitians.
Community organizer? Now just where in hell have I heard that one before. This creature appears to straight out of the ‘Saul Alinsky’ school for anarchists. Identity politics indeed — How I despise that tactic.
For the record, I am a member of the Republican Miami-Dade County executive Committee for district 9 my co-member for district 9 is an American originally from Haiti who is well versed in the arcane arts of information technology and actually runs a local computer business that also teachs computer tecnology classes at that business. Furthermore the computer service shop that I use employes several haitians well versed in these arcane arts.
Once again identity politics —- WTF!!!
Do you know what, that is why America is so beautiful, the beauty of democracy. I can be Democrat, Republican or Independent. Noboby will arrest me and the democracy will be still strong. In my birth-certificate, you will see Haitian of course, but none of these political affiliations. So, your message is unclear. What you do really mean? Do you think that I don’t know Haitian potentials? You are talking to the wrong person!
Why don’t you ever refer to your community as Haitian Americans? It seems that you do not give credit to being a member of our community? You accept the rights and privileges of America but don’t associate it with your identity?
Please, don’t take us wrong. We have never said that our people can’t make it without assistance. We just want to bring awareness to an ongoing situation. Youth’s violence is critical at NBM and anyone could be a victim. It might take you time to understand, but you will finally realize that “these bad behaviors have a negative impact on all NMB’s residents regardless their race, gender or religion”. I am a global student, a global educator and global citizen. ” I personally belong to the human race and feel compelled to bring the Haitian youth’s dilemma before the entire community because the problem is too big to solve it alone”. NMB is free to give money to whatever organization that it decides, but does it give money to organizations that are doing the works? Don’t know. Actions for Better Future, Inc has no affiliation with Frantz Pierre in regard to financial support from the city council and there is no problem at all, if he was willing to do so as long as we are providing the services. We have no clue about any type of money that has been allocated to others organizations.
The old reflexes will always exist, but as we grow, we understand more and more. “As, a child of God, a woman of faith and a professional I don’t rely on any city and government’s money to make a living. I am a hard worker, a believer, so, I deeply believe something needs to be done in NBM to control the youth’s crime rate, unfortunately, kids who I know best play a big role in this matter. No one will teach me how to be a Haitian and a human, greed and selfishness will be always there. I am dedicated to make a difference on this issue in North Miami Beach, where residents will have less complaints about burglaries, gang’s fights, identity’s theft and they will enjoy the graduation’s rate in their city”. That is possible, more productive citizens in NMB, they will bring more money to the city. We are working for you even you are not Haitian, violent kids do not discriminate when they go crazy everyone becomes a target. It takes a village to raise a child, be the village!
Haitians, Americans, Jamaicans, Cubans, Caucasians, Afro-Americans, we are all children of God and he gives us the ablitilies to improve the world, let’s work together to make it to happen!
One love for everyone,
Happy Independence Day to all!
Karyne
“Actions for Better Future, Inc has no affiliation with Frantz Pierre in regard to financial support from the city council and there is no problem at all, if he was willing to do so as long as we are providing the services. We have no clue about any type of money that has been allocated to others organizations.”
These two statements speak volumes.
It does NOT take a village to raise a child. It takes parents who teach their children personal responsibility, respect for others, morals and values, and the importance of voluneering. It takes parents who know where their children are, what they are doing and who their friends are. It takes parents who are willing to be involved in their kids’ lives, join the PTA, review their homework, help with science projects, attend their kids’ baseball games, have family dinners and rules for which there are consequences when broken. No “village raising” on earth will take the place of responsible parenting.
You keep going on and on that “something needs to be done” about the violence being committed by Haitian youth. I agree. Their PARENTS need to be held accountable for the acts of their children. It’s that simple. You need to go to the parents of these young criminals and tell them to take responsibility for their offspring. If those children are repeat offenders, obviously the problem is at home where they are not receiving adult supervision and guidance. If the parents cannot handle their own children, the parents should be arrested for child neglect. If they cannot control their own progeny, the “village” would be more than happy to supply the prison cells.
What ‘s a theory, if they want to apply it everyone, we will not have only children in cells, but many adults too. Those who put the $10,000.00 check from NMB for the little baseball league’s to their personal acount. If they set an example at that time, today, the city will have less false organization, and fewer young criminals. They have no fear, because they see adults running their official gangs and making easy money with no consequences
I certainly hope you are not making unfounded accusations about the NMB Little League, when your claim is completely false. You do realize, that you have just committed slander and you will be hearing from my attorney. Thank you for putting your foot in your considerable mouth. Good day, madam.
So we, the non-Haitians of North Miami Beach, have to give your organization money to keep us safe from Haitian gang members? and we have to pay for their jail expenses? and we have to pay for police protection? and we have to pay for parks and recreation? The village does not help me to raise my child. I am on my own, and struggling. Can I make a non-profit organization and run it out of 1733 NE 162 street and get money to help my kids too?