Honoring a Global Citizen: Rose Marie Chierici by Shields Sundberg

For the first time in my 20-year teaching career, I returned to the classroom without the wind of my mentor, Rose Marie Chierici, at my back. I do not bear this loss alone; I share it with her family, her friends, the community of Borgne Haiti to which she devoted her life, and, I contend, the world. Rose Marie was a model global citizen, and if the pandemic has taught us anything it has taught us that we must think beyond ourselves. How far beyond ourselves must we think? And, what do we owe to others? These questions—the questions to which Rose Marie devoted her life—are relevant in a world where we are connected to our neighbor and our nation through proximity as well as to strangers across an ocean who we may never know but to whom we might still pass a virus or align in solidarity.

2020 will be memorable for so many reasons, one of which will be a call to action for more people to embrace a mindset wherein we are all connected and do as little harm to others as possible. In this effort, we might call on the three lessons Dr. Chierici taught about global citizenship.

Firstly, decenter. In a time when we devote so much energy and attention to ourselves (eating healthfully, discerning our role in racial justice, processing innumerable pieces of information about illness and politics), there is a value in de-centering ourselves and thinking about those who struggle to attain basic physiological needs and security. Rose-Marie taught me to de-center myself and work to know myself before I can ever hope to partner effectively with others. In knowing myself, I am better able to see the dignity of all people.

Secondly, observe. As our nation pushes back, yet again and ever more forcefully, against the long arms of racism and racial trauma, we are working to “listen.” In order to listen effectively, we must observe, and do so broadly. Dr. Chierici excelled at the art of observation, and she was exceptionally sensitive to the adverse effects of cultural hubris and imperialism. Her field notes and observations are a treasure trove of stories, insight, and wisdom.

Thirdly, empower. The Presidency of Donald Trump serves as a reminder that while some have positional authority, we all have power. When we hand some of our own over to others, knowingly and in hopes of building a more just planet, we provide opportunities for people in our world to build their capacity and achieve self-actualization. Rose-Marie taught us about Haitian culture and history, and taught us how to avoid taking actions that would be disruptive and corrosive despite good intentions. Through her, we learned first-hand how development work done well lifts up, celebrates and emboldens local knowledge and capacity.

The vehicle through which Rose-Marie sought to integrate her interests, passions, and expertise was Haiti Outreach-Pwoje Espwa (H.O.P.E), an NGO that serves the community of Borgne, Haiti. Borgne--beautiful and resilient community by the sea--was her home away from home, the place where she found people who spoke the kind of fierce and honest truth that she appreciated and practiced. In turn, she was endeared and beloved by the community. One need not be Haitian, as Rose Marie was, or start an NGO, as Rose Marie did, or even give hard-earned dollars to such an NGO (as many of us may do) to be a global citizen who makes a difference in the lives of others. What we need to do is decenter, listen, and empower. As we do, we may not merely make a difference for others, but also for ourselves.