Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson joins CBC in calling for Censure of Rep. Clay Higgins

Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson calls for the Censure of Rep. Clay Higgins after Racist remarks on Official House Account

Louisiana and Haiti have a shared history.  Today, we should be celebrating and reflecting upon the rich and intertwined heritage of these connected cultures. These two regions, though separated by the Gulf of Mexico, share a bond that has profoundly shaped their cultures, economies, and identities.

In 1791, enslaved Africans in Haiti rose against their oppressors, leading to the first successful slave rebellion in history. This revolution culminated in Haiti becoming the first independent Black republic in 1804.

The impact of this Revolution extended far beyond the island’s shores. France, weakened by the loss of its most profitable colony sold the vast Louisiana Territory to the United States in 1803. This acquisition doubled the size of America and opened up the continent for westward expansion. There would be no America as we know it, without Haiti.

The connections between Haiti and Louisiana are deeply cultural. Following the Revolution, many refugees, including free people of color, planters, and enslaved individuals, fled to Louisiana, particularly New Orleans. They brought with them their customs, cuisine, music, and religious practices, which have since become integral to the cultural fabric of Louisiana.  The word “Gumbo” itself comes from the West African word “ki ngombo,” which translates to okra.

The influence of Haitian culture is evident in the vibrant Creole cuisine, the rhythms of jazz, and the spiritual practices of Voodoo. The architecture of the French Quarter bears the mark of this shared heritage, and Creole languages reflect their common roots in French colonialism and African heritage.

This shared history is what makes the words of Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins all the more disgusting, abhorrent, and despicable.  Congressman Higgins posted on his official account:

"LOL, These Haitians are wild. Eating pets, vudu, nastiest country in the western hemisphere, cults, slapstick gangsters... but damned if they don’t feel all sophisticated now, filing charges against our President and VP, All these thugs better get their mind right and their ass out of our country before January 20^th”

These comments represent a new low even for Extreme MAGA Republicans.  Higgins, a former policeman and sheriff's deputy in St. Landry Parish was disciplined by his commanding officer in Opelousas after he struck a handcuffed Black man and then lied about it amid an internal probe.  He has bragged about voting for and supporting Klansman David Duke.  In 2020, when protesters marched to bring justice for Breonna Taylor he used his official House account to post:

“If this shows up, we’ll consider the armed presence a real threat,” "I'd drop any 10 of you where you stand," "Nothing personal. We just eliminate the threat. We don't care what color you are. We don't care if you're left or right. if you show up like this, if We recognize a threat...you won't walk away."

What’s worse, is not the sentiments of Mr. Higgins but the response from his fellow Republicans.  As Martin Luther King, Jr. once said “History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”  Mr. Higgins holds deep-seated fears and hatred of people who do not look like him.  But the silence of Republican leadership has been so much more deafening and hurtful. 

I call on Speaker of the House Johnson and the leaders of the Republican Party to join us in condemning Congressman Higgins; additionally, I join my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus in calling for the censure of the Member.  His statements violate the House Rules regarding the conduct of a member and put the lives of millions of Haitians, other immigrants, and people of color in danger.

Speaker Johnson has said that Mr. Higgins has prayed on the issues and has atoned for his statement saying “I’m sure he probably regrets some of the language he used. But you know, we move forward. We believe in redemption around here.”  However, Mr. Higgins has shown no such remorse saying:

• “It’s all true!”
• “I can put up another controversial post tomorrow if you want me to. I mean, we do have freedom of speech. I’ll say what I want.”
• “It’s not a big deal to me. It’s like something stuck to the bottom of my boot. Just scrape it off and move on with my life.”

Mr. Higgins and his Project 2025, Extreme MAGA Republican allies are intent on doubling down and tripling down of hateful rhetoric and division.  For this reason, the House of Representatives must act with one voice and vote to censure Representative Higgins.