Kiskeya Reimagined: Relearning the Narratives Told about Dominican and Haitian Communities

Kiskeya Reimagined brings together Dominican and Haitian communities to watch a film documentary on specific causes to the historic conflict between the two societies; allowing for community reflections and expert panel discussions. The research uses conflict theory to describe the opposition between Dominicans and Haitians as a problem between class systems and colonial powers using their capital and racism as a tool to change the history of the island and manipulate the general population. Then mere-exposure theory is used as a method to increase the familiarity and likability between Haitians and Dominicans and lessen the fear created by those in power; this will consequently give space for social education and allow community building. The findings overwhelmingly demonstrate Kiskeya Reimagined is effective for peacebuilding among people of Dominican and Haitian decent. The participants left the event with an increased knowledge regarding the topic, increased willingness to continue being a part of these conversations, and ability to imagine the possibility of positive Dominican-Haitian relations