Overview:
Haitian konpa music became part of a get-out-the-vote effort in Columbus on Oct. 30, as Haitian Americans, community advocates and elected officials gathered outside the Franklin County Board of Elections for Kompa to the Polls, an event that used music and cultural pride to encourage civic participation and highlight the importance of Haitian voices in Ohio politics. Many allies expressed solidarity with Haitian families while highlighting the importance of political representation, immigration advocacy and community engagement.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The sounds of Haitian Konpa music filled the air outside the Franklin County Board of Elections on Oct.30, as Haitian Americans, community supporters and elected officials gathered for Kompa to the Polls [sic] as part of the efforts to get out the vote.
Organized by Haitian-Americans for Ohio, the gathering drew about 15 attendees to 1700 Morse Road. Although modest in size, the event featured a lively atmosphere, with loud konpa music, dancing, photos and conversations ringing out to highlight the importance of community involvement.
“The Haitian community has a voice, and I just believe that they should be supported while they are exercising their voice and their vote,” said Ohio State Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey, who represents House District 2 and is running for Ohio Senate District 15.
Humphrey also emphasized how Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which recently ended for Haitians, is one issue connected to the broader importance of political participation and representation, particularly at the federal level.
“Your voice matters, your vote matters,” she said.
By bringing konpa into voter outreach, organizers used a familiar part of Haitian cultural life to draw attention to civic participation. The Konpa music provided an energetic backdrop as attendees danced, took pictures and connected with community leaders.
One chant — ‘Haitians don’t eat cats and dogs, but we do have voting power’ — pushed back against the harmful stereotypes that made Haitians in nearby Springfield a major target of right-wing xenophobic groups, while emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and the influence of Haitian American voters.
“The Haitian community is our community.”
Tierra Ross, Columbus City Council member
Only eligible registered voters who meet Ohio’s voting requirements, including U.S. citizenship, may cast ballots. However, Kompa to the Polls was open to everyone, regardless of voting eligibility.
For organizers, the event was an opportunity to remind Haitian Americans that community involvement can take many forms and that political awareness remains important even for those who cannot vote. Organizers said people who cannot vote can still participate in civic life by learning about issues, attending community events, sharing their experiences and engaging with elected representatives.
The gathering also served as an opportunity for local and state leaders to hear concerns and express their support for Haitian residents. In addition to Humphrey, Columbus City Council member Tierra Ross and Lauren Morgan, political director of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus expressed support for the Haitian community and discussed the importance of political representation and meaningful engagement.
“When we talk specific to Black people, part of the diaspora, it’s extremely important for us to support one another,” Morgan said.
Morgan stressed that solidarity must extend beyond public appearances and symbolic gestures. Referring to a recent visit to Springfield for memorial services honoring Pierre Damas Bel, who died by suicide after an immigration ankle monitor left him distraught, Morgan said elected officials must demonstrate their commitment through continued advocacy and meaningful relationships.
“It’s important to stand with one another, not for the performative stuff, but really doing the work,” she said.
