Ohio advocates blend konpa and civics in Columbus voter drive

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Haitian konpa music became part of a get-out-the-vote effort on Oct. 30, as Haitian Americans, community supporters and elected officials gathered outside the Franklin County Board of Elections for an event called Kompa to the Polls, The Haitian Times reported. Organized by Haitian-Americans for Ohio, the gathering drew about 15 attendees to 1700 Morse Road, featuring konpa music, dancing, photos and conversations aimed at highlighting civic involvement. Ohio State Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey, who represents House District 2 and is running for Ohio Senate District 15, said the Haitian community should be supported in exercising its vote, and connected the issue to the recent end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians. One chant — 'Haitians don't eat cats and dogs, but we do have voting power' — pushed back against xenophobic stereotypes that targeted Haitians in nearby Springfield. Columbus City Council member Tierra Ross and Lauren Morgan, political director of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, also expressed support. Morgan referenced a memorial for Pierre Damas Bel, who died by suicide after an immigration ankle monitor left him distraught. Organizers noted that only eligible registered voters meeting Ohio's requirements, including U.S. citizenship, may cast ballots, but the event was open to all. According to The Haitian Times, organizers stressed that civic participation can take many forms beyond voting.