Welcome!

Haitians have been part of football for over a century—from Henry McDonald, one of the first Black professional players in the early 1900s, to today’s Haitian NFL stars dominating the game. Yet, their story has never been told—until now.

⚡ Gridiron Diaspora is a groundbreaking documentary that uncovers the hidden history and incredible rise of Haitian athletes in football. This isn’t just about sports—it’s about culture, perseverance, and legacy.

Haitians now represent the most players in professional football throughout Latin America, yet their impact has largely gone unrecognized. This film changes that.

Your support will bring this untold story to the world—through exclusive interviews, archival footage, and the voices of NFL legends who’ve paved the way.

Let’s make history together.

🎥 Join us in making Gridiron Diaspora a reality.

Logline

Gridiron Diaspora tells the untold story of Haitian and Haitian-American athletes in football—spanning over a century from Henry McDonald, one of the first Black professional football players, to the modern-day stars shaping the NFL.

   

Synopsis

From the early days of professional football to the present, Haitians and Haitian-Americans have made a lasting impact on the game. Gridiron Diaspora chronicles this powerful journey, revealing how Haitian players, coaches, and pioneers have contributed to football’s evolution. Through exclusive interviews, historical archives, and never-before-seen footage, this documentary shines a light on a history that has largely gone unrecognized—until now.

 

About the Film

This documentary is a celebration of resilience, talent, and cultural pride. Through in-depth storytelling, we bring to the forefront the incredible journey of Haitian football players and their undeniable impact on the sport.

 

Meet the Crew

Jimmy Jacques
Director & Producer

An accomplished storyteller and journalist, Jimmy Jacques has dedicated his career to highlighting underrepresented voices and cultural narratives. With a background in media, broadcasting, and documentary production, he is passionate about uncovering stories that inspire, educate, and create a lasting impact. Gridiron Diaspora is his latest project, aiming to shine a light on the resilience and contributions of Haitian athletes in football.

 

Frantz Simon 
Seasoned Journalist & Media Consultant
With over 30 years of experience at Reuters Global Broadcast Services, Frantz Simon is a veteran journalist specializing in broadcasting, editorial services, post-production, and documentary filmmaking. His expertise spans global news coverage, TV station management, drama & documentary production, and international media operations.

 

 

Dr. Yveline Alexis
Historian, Author & Academic Consultant
A professor at Oberlin College & Conservatory, Dr. Yveline Alexis is an award-winning historian and expert in Haitian studies. Her book Haiti Fights Back won multiple accolades, and her forthcoming work, The Lakou at the Bwa: Haitian Women Fought Too, honors Haiti’s historical resistance movements. She has received federal grants and national awards for her contributions to academia and community engagement.

 

Fundraising Goal & Allocation

 Our first milestone is to raise $50,000 to produce the official Gridiron Diaspora teaser trailer—bringing this untold story to life. This trailer will be used to secure major funding from sponsors and organizations. Every dollar gets us closer to making history!

Fiscal Sponsorship

Gridiron Diaspora is fiscally sponsored by From The Heart Productions, allowing all contributions to be tax-deductible.
 

Why Support This Film?

This documentary is about more than just football—it’s about cultural heritage, perseverance, and legacy. Your support helps us preserve history and inspire future generations of Haitian athletes.

 

Thank You!

We appreciate your generosity in supporting Gridiron Diaspora! Your contributions will help bring this untold story to life, ensuring that the impact of Haitian athletes in football is never forgotten. Thank you!

 

Contact

Email: [email protected]