Democracy Dies in Darkness

The Haitians of Springfield, a Trump campaign target, brace for his presidency

Many in the Ohio community are worried and praying after he won the election.

8 min

First-time voter Selena Greene watches election coverage at home in Springfield, Ohio. Greene cast her ballot for Kamala Harris. (Matthew Chasney for The Washington Post)

By Danielle Paquette

November 7, 2024 at 6:00 a.m. EST

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — This was the worst-case scenario for Yvena Jean François, but she willed herself to thank God.

That’s what the Haitian immigrant did on her toughest days. That’s what she did when one of her friends was shot and killed back home in Port-au-Prince. As a Christian, she said, she had to trust the Lord’s plan.

By Danielle Paquette

Danielle Paquette is a national correspondent for The Washington Post's America Desk. She previously served as West Africa bureau chief and has reported from more than 20 countries on four continents. @dpaqreport

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