During a poignant memorial service, Nathan Conner, a local artist, presented a commemorative painting honoring Bel, a young Haitian who had recently passed away. The canvas portrays Bel smiling in a bright-blue cap and gown, showcasing his pride for his academic achievements. Adorning his neck was a stole decorated with the Haitian and American flags. Another part of the painting depicted Bel in his junior R.O.T.C. uniform; however, after losing his Temporary Protected Status (T.P.S.), he was no longer eligible to continue in the program. The piece also featured logos from Bel’s high school soccer team, the Springfield Wildcats, and the Wittenberg Tigers, the university that had recruited him for soccer. Ultimately, he enrolled in Wright State University’s honors program, with aspirations to study physiology and neuroscience to become a doctor. Unfortunately, he completed only a week of classes before his untimely death.
Bel’s father, Pierre Ronal, examined the painting deeply before expressing his sorrow with a loud moan. After confirming he could keep the artwork, he stated, “I will take it with me wherever I go.”
The following morning, the painting stood prominently in the lobby of St. John Missionary Baptist Church as attendees arrived for Bel’s funeral. Beside it were several artifacts related to Bel’s circumstances, including a crushed cellphone, along with documents highlighting his struggles. One email dated July 29, sent to Wright State’s University Center for International Education, detailed Bel’s attempts to understand his options for obtaining F-1 student status while in the U.S. Supportive letters from colleagues and educators underscored his potential, with remarks about his character and commitment to the “American dream.”
Inside the church, Bel’s casket, marked with a reproduction of his graduation photo, drew the attention of attendees, which included Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and his wife, Fran. DeWine referred to the termination of T.P.S. for Haitians as a “mistake” and shared his own experience with loss. Springfield Mayor Rob Rue was also present, representing both civic leadership and his role in arranging the service through Littleton & Rue Funeral Home and Crematory.
Despite the significance of the event, many seats in the church remained empty. Springfield is home to an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 Haitians, a community that has revitalized the city. However, since the end of T.P.S., the atmosphere has shifted dramatically. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased its activity, conducting regular sweeps and detaining numerous individuals, including three pastors. The resultant climate of fear has disrupted everyday life for many. Vilès Dorsainvil, co-founder and executive director of the Haitian Community Help and Support Center, noted, “People are afraid to leave their homes.” He described how individuals struggle to access essential services, fearing encounters with ICE, illustrating the profound impact of recent immigration policies.
