OUR STORY: HUMBLE BEGINNINGS AND grassroots support

After working in Haiti and living in the Dominican Republic, France François had an idea. She noticed that many Dominicans were curious about Haiti, but they often talked about it quietly, as if it were a sensitive and taboo topic. She understood that because of deep-rooted political and economic issues—including the state’s genocidal violence against Haitians in 1937—the government of the Dominican Republic might not be inclined to fix the unfair treatment and cultural, legal and political exclusion of Haitians anytime soon.

Nevertheless, France believed change could still happen if ordinary people took action. If Dominicans and Haitians worked together to challenge stereotypes and build better relationships, they could heal and create real progress.

So, in August 2018, France asked Dr. Saudi Garcia, Alexis Francisco and Cassandre Theano to facilitate their first Decolonizing Hispaniola workshop together. This event was a two-hour session retelling the island’s history from a fresh, radical and more honest perspective. that’s how our movement began.

Without philanthropy funds, but with immense community support and tenacity, We have continued to host this workshop during the summers of 2019, 2021 and 2024. More than 300 people have attended and it is now a two-day long conference.

As our participants share, it is a life changing experience.

Our scrappy Journey of Growth