The Carnegie Corporation of New York honored Jean-Claude Brizard, president and CEO of Digital Promise, in the 2023 class of Great Immigrants, Great Americans, celebrating 35 naturalized citizens who have enriched and strengthened our society. As National Immigrant Heritage Month—a time to recognize the history and achievements of immigrants across the country—comes to a close, please join us in a conversation with Jean-Claude Brizard as he shares his personal immigration story.
Where did you and your family emigrate from and how would you describe your home country?
My parents, siblings, and I emigrated from Haiti. Haiti is a beautiful country, and my childhood, in many ways, was terrific. While Haiti’s dictatorship directly affected my parents and grandparents, I often had protections.
What were your first impressions of the United States?
My first impressions of the U.S. weren’t great. There were many challenges—understanding a new language, adjusting to school, learning a new city, navigating public transportation, and not having family and friends of my age around. I was 11 years old and didn’t understand a ton. We moved from a small town where we had no locks on the front door to our one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn, New York. Boys my age teased me for not being able to speak English, and I heard all of this talk about the Son of Sam, a serial killer who was terrorizing New York City that summer. Initially, my school didn’t have classes for non-English speaking students and teachers went on strike after I had just been there a few weeks. However, things turned for the better in the fall.
Recognizing the challenges you’ve faced along the way, what helped turn things around, contributing to a more positive experience?
I had an amazing teacher, Mr. Cherarsard, at Lefferts Junior High School in Brooklyn. He treated us as if we were his own children. He was tough and demanding, and protected us. He reminded me of my teachers in Haiti and he helped me skip eighth grade. Thanks to this effort, I graduated high school at age 16.
What traditions or customs from Haiti do you continue to keep close to you?
I’m married to an American and my children are very American, so it’s hard to maintain many customs and traditions. I also came to the U.S. at a young age. One thing that I cherish is a good Haitian meal. My wife learned to cook Haitian food, so during holidays she will make a Haitian dish. That always reminds me of my mom and home.
How has your experience as an immigrant shaped your worldview and/or your passion for education?
My parents escaped a brutal despot, François (Papa Doc) Duvalier. Duvalier and his secret police (the Tonton Macoute) murdered and imprisoned tens of thousands of Haitians to retain his iron grip of power. I have vivid memories from my childhood of having to hide when the Tonton Macoute would come down the street. Despite having expired visas and becoming undocumented in the U.S., they eventually received U.S. residency. Their experience and push for social justice shaped my life and entire perspective on education.
In your opinion, how could education systems better serve learners who recently immigrated to the U.S.?
Context matters a ton. My sincere hope is we not only look at having immigrants learn English, but that we honor and cultivate their identity as well. We are the sum of our experiences.
You were recently selected as one of the community leaders in the Carnegie Corporation of New York’s 2023 Class of Great Immigrants. What does this honor mean to you?
It’s an amazing honor and I will forever be grateful to the Carnegie Corporation of New York for the recognition. I think of my parents, uncles, and aunts who gave everything to make it to the U.S. I also think of the work and sacrifices they made for us to have a better life. This honor reminds me, again, to continue to pay it forward.
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