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A recent report by William Thornton in AL.com sheds light on the inspiring story of a community that is embracing those in need, even as some voices try to twist the narrative into something ugly. In Albertville, a group of Haitian immigrants, strangers in a strange land, have found solace in Alabama—a place far removed from the turbulent shores of their home island.
It’s a story that should make us proud of our state’s capacity for kindness. But as always, there are those who see vulnerability as an opportunity—not to help, but to stoke fear. Immigrants seeking a new life in our country are often met with baseless accusations and inflammatory rhetoric designed to sensationalize their journey and demonize their presence. Thankfully, Albertville is showing that decency can still prevail over division.
As AL.com reported, about 100 people from Haitian, Hispanic, and white congregations gathered for a prayer rally in Albertville—a quiet but powerful demonstration of unity. Organizers billed it as an evening free of speeches and politics, where the community could come together to pray for their schools, neighbors, and a shared future. “I think this a positive movement for our community, trying to organize, because we need that right now,” said Jeff Lamour, a Haitian resident and businessman who helped organize the event. “It’s a moment of healing in our community, and we all need to be more united. Just people. Just us and Jesus.”
This rally wasn’t a one-off. It was the latest in a series of community events that sprang up after photos circulated on social media in August, showing Haitian immigrants being bused to and from work at a local poultry processing plant. Questions soon followed—Who are these people? Where did they come from? What followed were “baseless accusations, and hurtful rhetoric,” according to city officials.
Yet instead of letting divisive voices control the narrative, Albertville turned to dialogue, forging new connections among residents. Local pastors, like Chris Johnson of Albertville First Baptist Church, have been instrumental in these efforts. “There are definitely people that feel differently about the situation in our community, but there are so many of us who want this to be a place of peace, where people are welcome to come and lay down roots, and be the family that God has called us to be,” Johnson told AL.com.
That’s the spirit we should be championing. It’s about more than simply coexisting—it’s about reaching out, teaching new skills, and learning to see one another as neighbors rather than strangers. Lamour, for instance, is actively working to help recent Haitian immigrants integrate by organizing English classes and translating the Alabama driver’s manual into Creole.
In the face of fear and misinformation, the people of Albertville are showing what it means to build community, brick by brick, heart by heart. It’s a story that deserves to be told, especially when others would rather paint our new neighbors as a problem rather than see the potential for growth and connection.
This is the Alabama we should strive to be—a state where strangers can find a place to call home, where our doors are open to those seeking peace, and where we don’t let the worst voices among us drown out the best.
Let’s not forget that these are people who, like any of us, want a better life, safety, and a chance to thrive. Albertville’s example should inspire us all to welcome, support, and celebrate the diverse tapestry that makes our communities stronger.
