Statement of Solidarity from President Alphonso Mayfield with Haitian Members of SEIU FPSU

To our Haitian members and the entire SEIU Florida Public Services Union family,

I stand before you today not just as your President, but as a fellow brother in the fight for justice. Recent racist and dehumanizing remarks by Trump and Vance, painting Haitian immigrants with vile and false stereotypes, are not just words—they are meant to tear us apart. But they cannot break the bond we share as a union, where your strength, resilience, and contributions are deeply valued. When they target you, they target all of us, and we will not remain silent in the face of such hatred.

As public sector workers, you have helped build this state and our communities through hard work and dedication. Your spirit is woven into the fabric of our union, and we will not let anyone diminish your dignity. The pain of these attacks runs deep, but together we rise stronger, united in our fight against hate and division. We refuse to let racism define us or divide us.

In unity, there is power. We will continue to stand as one, fighting for a future where every worker is treated with respect, no matter their race or background. Together, we will defeat those who try to divide us, and together, we will win justice for all workers.

Please join me this Sunday at 1:00 PM with other Haitian leaders to discuss our next steps and how we can collectively defeat this harmful narrative. Your voice and leadership are critical in this fight, and together we will forge a path forward that stands against racism and lifts up our communities.

In Solidarity, 

 Your brother and President Alphonso Mayfield