Hundreds rallied against racism marking Martin Luther King Day at New York City’s Times Square, on Monday, following US President Donald Trump’s alleged definition of Haiti, El Salvador and African countries as “shithole countries.”
Many of the protesters present were members of the Haitian community waving Haitian flags and holding placards reading “Trump make America hate again” and “Build bridges not walls.”
Addressing the protesters, Haitian community leader Mathew Eugene stated, “Today as we celebrate the legacy of a champion for justice Dr Martin Luther King, it is very important that we come together to condemn the word of the President and ask for respect and dignity for Haitian, African and immigrants.”
Trump sparked international controversy following reports that he referred to Haiti, El Salvador and African countries using the phrase “shithole countries” during a meeting on immigration in the Oval Office last Thursday. The US President proceeded to tell a journalist “I’m the least racist person you’ve ever interviewed” on Sunday.