Brockton Enterprise: He’s gone from Haiti to Brockton’s council -- now, Trump’s State of the Union

BROCKTON - After coming to the U.S. in the wake of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, learning English, going to college, gaining his citizenship and then making history at age 27 by getting elected to the Brockton City Council last year, Jean Bradley Derenoncourt was heading to President Trump's State of the Union address as the guest of Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., on Tuesday night.

"I'm excited about it," said Derenoncourt, reached on Monday morning. "I think it's a wonderful opportunity to truly show that, in Massachusetts, we work together. For me to be chosen is an amazing thing. ... Coming here as a young kid from Haiti, not knowing English, it means a lot. It truly shows the values of Massachusetts and the greatness of our country."

Asked about whether Warren selecting him as a guest should be considered a rebuke to President Trump, who reportedly made derogatory comments about Haiti and African nations during a Jan. 11 meeting at the White House, Derenoncourt did not mince words.

"I think what the president said about Haiti was a disgrace," Derenoncourt said. "I believe Sen. Elizabeth Warren chose me because she believes in giving everyone a chance. She believes in the American dream, and improving the life of everyone. ... She's my role model. I follow her politics and embrace her message. She means what she says and has the courage to stand up for everyone."

Read the full article on the Brockton Enterprise's website here.

• Print
• Email
• Tweet