With the Haitian Diaspora in the United States growing in size and strength, and putting down roots, its leaders increasingly shape the debate on issues related to their new environment. Most follow developments “back home,” closely, also, pondering how best to maintain their connections, and to pursue their continued interest.

The speakers at the June 2002 Trinity College symposium outlined in the introduction touched on this when they were asked to develop presentations around one of four thematic topics that were particularly relevant to them or to their community. The four topics were:

• Leadership in international diplomacy, political organization, the mobilization of professionals, community organization, and giving the community a voice;

• Advocacy on issues of migration, social justice, linkages between Haitian-American and Haiti, and educational opportunity;

• Interfacing as newcomers in established communities, voices within the larger US African American community, and partners with the international community, and;

• Innovation for urban revitalization, mobilizing resources for investment in Haiti, civic education, and women’s business development.

The symposium’s luncheon speaker, Marie St. Fleur, a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, included reflections on all four of these topics in her thoughts on how Haitian-Americans are gaining and using a political voice.