Gathering for Hope: Springfield’s Fight for Haitian Families
In Springfield, Ohio, Katie Paris hosted a Zoom event called “Unite for Springfield.” More than 4,000 people attended. Katie encouraged everyone to share something that gave them hope.
“Times are heavy,” she said, wishing to lift spirits as they faced serious issues ahead. Participants shared uplifting thoughts: “My children,” “Community,” “Family,” and more.
Katie founded Red Wine & Blue in 2019 to unite suburban women against political extremism. The organization was created around the time the Trump administration ramped up immigration enforcement. With Springfield’s large Haitian population, as many as one in four residents are Haitian, many felt anxious about upcoming changes to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) that protects their ability to live and work in the U.S.
That week, a federal judge temporarily blocked the ending of TPS for Haitians. However, the Department of Homeland Security announced plans to appeal the decision, raising concerns among community members about potential enforcement actions.
“It’s a fight we aren’t done with yet,” Katie reminded the group, acknowledging the urgent need for community action.
Women have been at the forefront of opposing these policies. According to a recent PBS News/NPR/Marist Poll, nearly two-thirds of Americans believe that ICE has gone too far in its immigration methods. The poll revealed a significant gender gap: only 26% of women approved of ICE’s actions, compared to 40% of men.
Katie’s background in national politics shaped her understanding of the importance of suburban women’s voices. “I saw women getting involved for the first time in 2016, and I knew we needed to keep that momentum going,” she said. Red Wine & Blue has expanded its reach, now including chapters in critical states like Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
During the Zoom meeting, multiple speakers highlighted ways to assist Springfield’s Haitian community. Local pastor Carl Ruby and leaders from supportive organizations urged participants to contribute quickly, emphasizing the urgent needs on the ground. Donations poured in, totaling over $107,000 within an hour.
Katie’s approach prioritizes “friend-to-friend” organizing over traditional advertising. A detailed analysis revealed that their grassroots efforts increased voter turnout by 5% in even years and 8-11% in odd years. Notably, over half of the organization’s members identify as current or former independents or Republicans, showcasing the diverse political landscape they navigate.
The name “Red Wine & Blue” plays on stereotypes about women to reclaim their political influence. Katie noted, “We’re labeled in ways meant to diminish us, but we’re powerful.”
Recent criticisms included accusations of “organized gangs of wine moms,” which the group rebuffed with confidence: “They can try to scare us, but we’re here for our communities.”
As the event concluded, Katie shared a warm reminder of the camaraderie among attendees. “People are gearing up for the next ‘No Kings’ Day,” she said, signaling an ongoing commitment to advocacy and support.
This gathering highlights how community, hope, and action can come together against the backdrop of political challenges, especially for vulnerable groups. As citizens engage and mobilize, the road ahead remains uncertain yet promising for Springfield’s Haitian families.
