Each year, Haiti Remembrance Day serves as a time of reflection on the traumatic impacts of the 2010 Haiti earthquake that caused widespread devastation and is estimated to have forcibly displaced over two million people. For many, it also serves as a celebration of resilience, the strength of the human spirit and the hope for building a brighter tomorrow.

On January 15th, KRM gathered together with the Louisville Haitian community, supporters and friends to celebrate the remarkable strength and vibrancy of the Haitian people. Coordinated by KRM Haitian staff, the event featured inspiring songs from Haiti, welcoming postcards created by a local writing group and donations for attendees. Haitian community members, KRM staff and community partners stood together in solidarity, sharing powerful words of hope and perseverance.

Building a compassionate, welcoming future means ensuring the continuation of events such as this – Events that bring visibility and representation to diverse communities; that highlight the vibrant cultures across the Commonwealth; that foster a sense of belonging when it’s needed most. Thanks to all who helped make this event possible. We thank everyone from the Haitian community, partnering organizations, supporters, KRM staff and board members who joined together, and those who shared beautiful messages of love and encouragement.

“The resilience of the Haitian people is a beacon of hope that reminds us all that even in the darkest times, there is light.”

-Roosevelt Fenelus

More on the 2010 earthquake and Haitian migration to the U.S.:

On January 12th, 2010, a catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake tore through Haiti, causing massive, widespread devastation. An estimated 250,000 lives were lost, over 300,000 homes destroyed or critically damaged, and over two million people were forcibly displaced. For those who lived, their safety and survival became quickly at risk. With thousands of homes, schools, businesses and workplaces destroyed, scarce access to medical care and food, as well as rising gang violence towards vulnerable families, countless were left with no choice but to seek refuge in another country.

In 2023, President Biden reinstated a pathway to safety for Haitians through the humanitarian parole sponsorship program, Process for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (or CHNV program). This program aimed to alleviate land migration through the U.S.-Mexico border by creating a safe and lawful pathway to enter the U.S. with the help of a U.S.-based sponsor. Both sponsors and parole beneficiaries were subjected to a strict vetting process before beneficiaries were permitted to enter the United States under a two-year temporary protected status. During this two-year period, Haitians are authorized to work, eligible for support services from resettlement offices and to receive public resources to help them acclimate and contribute to their new community, as well as have an opportunity to apply for asylum in the U.S.

Over the past two years, Kentucky – and in Louisville, most of all – has become home to many Haitian families rebuilding their lives. This newcomer community has helped strengthen the city’s economy, reduced unemployment rates, filled positions in critical labor sectors (healthcare, construction, manufacturing, hospitality, agriculture, food production and more), contributed to local, state and federal tax revenues, as well as broadened the cultural and artistic diversity across Louisville.

The CHNV program was ended on January 20th, 2025, by an Executive Order from President Trump. Applications for this program will no longer be accepted, effectively denying safety and the opportunity to seek asylum for many who are still vulnerable. It is currently unclear how the termination of this program will affect people who have already submitted applications and are in processing. Read more HERE.