Everybody remembers the January 12th earthquake that hit Haiti. Hundreds of thousands were killed. Many of my friends were very scared and worried. When I heard about the earthquake my Haitian friend was at my house. She worried about her baby cousins, grandfather and aunts and uncles. Many people rushed to help them. But now the world is pretending like it didn’t happen. As I was reading the New York Times today I read about the girls in Haiti getting abused, and how the shelters people made are falling apart, and how there is still not enough water.
Since this is women’s history month we should take this time to be like Harriet Tubman. No matter how big or terrible the problem of slavery was, she was always committed, never gave up, always paid attention, and was always brave. Right now for Haiti we can all do something. Why don’t you share your ideas about what we can do now to help Haiti!
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Social and Cultural Commentary by Nisa Yasmine, a Brooklyn-Based Teen Writer
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with all of us. While I have not been able to keep fully abreast with what is happening in Haiti, I do know that we can offer our support through continued donations of money and supplies especially to grass roots organizations working in Haiti.
ReplyDeleteNisa,
ReplyDeleteSuch wise words! Of course, continuing to contribute financial support is of the utmost importance, but I think, too, that people need to start thinking outside the box about ways they can help. For instance, my sister-in-law, who runs a non-profit environmental organization here in GA, is partnering with a Haitian-based company that will provide internships and support (food, transportation, supplies, etc.) to college students looking to spend their summer helping others. The logistics of helping the people of Haiti are still difficult and those who can chip in by providing actual services to those who are willing to help is just as necessary, I think, as texting a donation to relief organizations.
I can tell you are your mother's child—you're quite the impressive one. I can't wait to read more of your blog!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, thank you, Nisa, for encouraging us all to continue to keep the folks of Ay-iti in the forefront of our minds, and additionally continue to support rebuilding efforts. To support medicinal and edible ecological empowerment/independence, students in my school are gearing up for a seed donation drive. We will send the contributions via an Omsbudsman of Ay-iti.
ReplyDeleteNisa,
ReplyDeleteAgain another wonderful blog! We can continue to donate, and volunteer at different grassroot organizations that are dedicated to helping Haiti. We can also, as individuals, send whatever we can. Most people are Spring cleaning right now. Wouldn't it be great for everyone to send any items that no longer fit, or they just don't want anymore, to the US Consulate in Haiti for distribution? Like it is often said, even a $1 can help. So can new or slightly used suits, games, toys, sneakers, even old cell phones!
Great way to keep Haiti on the forefront of everyone's mind!
Hey Nisa,
ReplyDeleteThis is a timely blog post! Mama Sala, Baba Austin and I will be in Haiti next week for five days. We will be staying with a woman named Rea Dol who runs the SOPUDEP school in Haiti. (You can do a google search and read all about the school.) Unfortunately, the school was totally destroyed by the earthquake and some of the teachers lost their lives. (Very sad!) Rea's long term plan is to rebuild the school, but now she is concerned with helping the children and their families meet their immediate needs. Mama Sala, Baba Austin and I will be bringing medical and some school supplies for Rea and the children. I know this is short notice, but if you'd like to send something down, we'd be happy to take it. My email address is below.
Continue to do what you do!
Love Ya,
Mama Ina
email: inasolomon@gmail.com
Great job Nisa! What bothers me about Haiti is the fact that there is not much focus on how corrupt and unfair things were already in Haiti before the earthquake. Outside governments (like our own) have had thier hands in Haiti's business for years and have contributed to the racism and poverty that were rappant there long before the earthquake. There is a ruling class there that has ben unfairly profitting off the system throughout its history. The charity that has been shown lately is a great thing, but if nothing is done about the unfair governmental system, things will be messed up again as soon as the worlds focus is removed. I'm very proud of you sweetheart.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Uncle Warren