By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Anyone who knows Sam Dunston, founder and CEO of Brooklyn based, National Allotment Insurance Agency (NAIA), knows him for his smile and friendly, ebullient nature. And if you know Sam, you also know that he doesn’t usually do interviews. He prefers to just do, and let his work do the talking. So getting this interview from Sam is an indication of just how gratified and happy he was to have played a role in taking the donation put together by Brooklyn Hospital staffers to Haiti.
To say that Sam’s smile was wider than usual - if that’s even possible - would be an understatement. When he returned from a weekend trip to Haiti, he was energized, animated, and very happy.
He left on Sunday, April 10, along with eight other members from Brooklyn Hospital’s board of directors, as well individuals from Florida and Canada. They flew into Port Au Prince to present a check for $36,000 -- funds contributed by hospital workers, who worked over time and pooled their pay to make a considerable donation for training in a Hatian hospital.
The fact that these staffers had donated their time, energies and efforts to put these funds together is absolutely amazing and heartwarming. They did it with no fanfare, with no publicity. They did it without bickering, hassling, or concern for who was doing more or less than whom. And the bottom line, is they did it from the goodness of their hearts and for the love of the people of Haiti. While other bigwigs and government agencies are rolling around having meetings and tribunals - panels and forums on how to help Haiti, these people simply banded together and got the job done.
When they presented the funds to the Board to be taken to Haiti, there was no big to do. It was just, “we raised this for Haiti, to be given to their hospital to help train more Haitians to help more Haitians.” That’s all.
Their biggest concern? Making sure the money got into the hands of the people they intended it for. Because of that, they bypassed the Red Cross, and all the other agencies that have purported to help Haiti, but have yet to build a single home, or come up with what is happening to the millions of dollars already donated to help rebuild the stricken country, and sought other means.
When asked if the hospital administrator was surprised at their visit, he responded, “She knew we were coming. We didn’t know where to send the money to to make sure it got in the right hands, and was used for the purposes intended. What happened with the community board, and Dr. Carroll met with the president and said we would take the money to the hospital and tell them what they are supposed to do with it. So that’s what we did. I went and Rev. Jones went. We paid our own way, and we enjoyed it!” He said it in a matter of fact manner.
The Haitian hospital, one of the few that remained standing after the devastating earthquake which took place in January 2010, has been the triage center for many of the victims, as well as the place most Haitians have to go to before embarking on travel to the US and other places.
According to Sam, Dr. Carroll takes a group every three months to work at the hospital and help the patients. He went there right after the earthquake and drove from the Dominican Republic into the hospital. He liked the people. So he went there and performed a lot of surgeries. He still does surgeries. He goes there every three months takes a team and they do surgery and volunteer work.”
“You had to plan for every eventuality“, he remarked, “but you would get more than that back in happiness and joy from there because of the people. They never had an attitude, because they’re just too poor to have an attitude. But most people in our area (New York) who are very poor have an attitude. Mad because they’re poor. But these people were not that way. The minister was nice; and also met a young man from California who donated some medical supplies to the hospital. He had send some stuff to this hospital and to the hospital in Port Au Prince. So that’s what we are going to do, as well.”
Most newspaper accounts give a totally different characterization of the Haitian people from the one Sam Dunston depicted. His statement of the people being nice, humble and grateful, is the complete opposite from the picture that’s being painted a lot of times about Haitians.
His smile got even broader as he recounted an incident where he was standing, and a little girl was sitting. “I gave a girl a dollar to let me sit down in a chair.”
When I remarked that getting the money must have made her happy, because an American dollar will pay for food for a month in certain parts of Haiti, he responded, laughing: “You know what got me? Both of us was happy. I told her to get up, she got up, I sat down - I looked at her and smiled. There were two of them. I gave both of them a dollar. They were so nice. It just shows that you should be humble. When you have problems, you should be humble. You got nothing to get mad about or ashamed about your needs. So they were so nice and I gave them a dollar; if I had sat there longer, I would have probably given her two. When I was there before, they were very nice to me, too! She got up and let me sit down, like folks. I told her that when I got to be her age, I would do the same thing for her. She didn’t know what I was saying.” (She spoke Creole, Sam spoke English, but the spirit of friendship and respect spoke volumes between them). He laughed heartily -- laughter is contagious around Sam Dunston, because he finds so much pleasure in life - the little things as well as the big.
Equally as impressive to Sam were the volunteers themselves. Having originated from North Carolina where Jim Crow was alive and well, as a youth his experiences had been less than congenial: “I’ve never seen white women be as happy to work on Black folks and smile and enjoy it. I never seen that before. Everybody there was jet black. Down where I come from (North Carolina), the (white) Doctor treated you for one thing - high blood pressure - he could tell that by touching your arm, they didn’t check nothing else. So, I had dinner with them (volunteer nurses) and breakfast with them - and they were so happy! They were glad to offer their services.”
It seemed to be a factor that both surprised and perplexed him at the same time. Little wonder, since his last interaction prior to entering the military had to have been during a time of segregation in the Jim Crow South. Most of his current interactions has been primarily for business, never at a level this basic and this close to life and death. Most of the volunteers had to travel half way around the world to provide their assistance, and they did so without fanfare, or funds. Just because they, like the volunteers at Brooklyn Hospital, have a basic love for mankind, regardless of race, economic levels, or status.
When yours truly lived in Haiti in the 70’s (Papa Doc Duvalier was still living and President for Life at the time), the dollar ratio to American money was 5 to 1. According to Dunston it has dropped to 7to 1. That also meant that the donation was the equivalent of $252,000 in Haitian funds, which should definitely go a long way.
In reference to the hospital, which had a very clean, modern appearance, Dunston stated, “This hospital had a line of people they had examined to go to the United States and other countries. Before they leave to go away, they have to be examined by the hospital. The hospital was full of people.”
When asked what they were going to the US for, he responded jovially: “I don’t know. Better life, I guess. If you see everybody sleeping in tents, and somebody told them that if you get to New York you can get a bed, and you’ve been praying all you life for things to be better, somebody said there’s a God on the other side, and you should try to get there; and you can get there in this life, not in the other life - then you go. That’s what I see. I don’t know what they say. That’s what they should have been saying. That was the whole thing that I think.”
Dunston observed the fact that there was constantly a great deal of hustle and bustle in the streets, which appeared to always be full of cars and vehicles going to and from the airport, “The streets are so full of cars and people all the way to airport. And the airport is packed. The plane held about 285 people - there were 250 people on the plane!”
He took a lot of candid shots during his trip. As we went through them, he commented on some of the things that stood out to him - not the least of which were the miles and miles of tents lining the streets, with families still living there a year after the earthquake - giving rise to concern over the fact that so little appeared to have been accomplished over the past few months, despite so many donations pouring in from the US and foreign countries.
My one attempt at getting Dunston to make a political commentary was when I asked whether he had observed any building going on while he was there, any kind of major construction. He commented, sagely: “There was a lot of building. The workers I saw were Haitian people. They were most likely building those cinderblock walls - make four corners and that’s a house. I doubt if any of the major contracts involved the local workers, though. I would assume and I think (outside) contractors would be involved in multi buildings over two or three stories where it would take some plans and stuff like that. But above the one room house about half this size - indicating his office - it doesn’t take any (major) plans. Just give him $500 and he can build a little house and put a top on it and it’s ready.”
(I will be doing a commentary on Haiti's reconstruction in upcoming blogs)
He continued, “So far as the trip I was concerned - the people were nice and appreciative. And when you can tell when people are appreciative, it makes a difference. You don’t owe nobody nothing, but they’re appreciative; you weren’t expecting that. So you did what your heart say do. I can say it was an enjoyable and warm trip because the people were so humble and thankful. They were thankful just for your presence. It was a good experience.”
The real take away from this is that all it takes is our own ingenuity, sincerity, and collaborative efforts, and we can move mountains. We tend to overlook the fact that it was through humble beginnings many of us have made it to where we are today. A lesson Sam Dunston and the staffers at Brooklyn Hospital have not forgotten. And a good example for us to follow - and teach our kids as well.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog/ ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS
For Eclectic Black People
VIP: Views . Interests . Perspectives
Showing posts with label Little Africa; Port au Prince. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Little Africa; Port au Prince. Show all posts
5.15.2011
4.25.2011
Brooklyn Hospital Staffers Donate $36,000 in Overtime Pay For Haitian Hospital
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Anyone who knows Sam Dunston, founder and CEO of Brooklyn based, National Allotment Insurance Agency (NAIA), knows him for his smile and friendly, ebullient nature. And if you know Sam, you also know that he doesn’t usually do interviews. He prefers to just do, and let his work do the talking. So getting this interview from Sam is an indication of just how gratified and happy he was to have played a role in taking the donation put together by Brooklyn Hospital staffers to Haiti.
To say that Sam’s smile was wider than usual - if that’s even possible - would be an understatement. When he returned from a weekend trip to Haiti, he was energized, animated, and very happy.
He left on Sunday, April 10, along with eight other members from Brooklyn Hospital’s board of directors, as well individuals from Florida and Canada. They flew into Port Au Prince to present a check for $36,000 -- funds contributed by hospital workers, who worked over time and pooled their pay to make a considerable donation for training in a Hatian hospital.
The fact that these staffers had donated their time, energies and efforts to put these funds together is absolutely amazing and heartwarming. They did it with no fanfare, with no publicity. They did it without bickering, hassling, or concern for who was doing more or less than whom. And the bottom line, is they did it from the goodness of their hearts and for the love of the people of Haiti. While other bigwigs and government agencies are rolling around having meetings and tribunals - panels and forums on how to help Haiti, these people simply banded together and got the job done.
When they presented the funds to the Board to be taken to Haiti, there was no big to do. It was just, “we raised this for Haiti, to be given to their hospital to help train more Haitians to help more Haitians.” That’s all.
Their biggest concern? Making sure the money got into the hands of the people they intended it for. Because of that, they bypassed the Red Cross, and all the other agencies that have purported to help Haiti, but have yet to build a single home, or come up with what is happening to the millions of dollars already donated to help rebuild the stricken country, and sought other means.
When asked if the hospital administrator was surprised at their visit, he responded, “She knew we were coming. We didn’t know where to send the money to to make sure it got in the right hands, and was used for the purposes intended. What happened with the community board, and Dr. Carroll met with the president and said we would take the money to the hospital and tell them what they are supposed to do with it. So that’s what we did. I went and Rev. Jones went. We paid our own way, and we enjoyed it!” He said it in a matter of fact manner.
The Haitian hospital, one of the few that remained standing after the devastating earthquake which took place in January 2010, has been the triage center for many of the victims, as well as the place most Haitians have to go to before embarking on travel to the US and other places.
According to Sam, Dr. Carroll takes a group every three months to work at the hospital and help the patients. He went there right after the earthquake and drove from the Dominican Republic into the hospital. He liked the people. So he went there and performed a lot of surgeries. He still does surgeries. He goes there every three months takes a team and they do surgery and volunteer work.”
“You had to plan for every eventuality“, he remarked, “but you would get more than that back in happiness and joy from there because of the people. They never had an attitude, because they’re just too poor to have an attitude. But most people in our area (New York) who are very poor have an attitude. Mad because they’re poor. But these people were not that way. The minister was nice; and also met a young man from California who donated some medical supplies to the hospital. He had send some stuff to this hospital and to the hospital in Port Au Prince. So that’s what we are going to do, as well.”
Most newspaper accounts give a totally different characterization of the Haitian people from the one Sam Dunston depicted. His statement of the people being nice, humble and grateful, is the complete opposite from the picture that’s being painted a lot of times about Haitians.
His smile got even broader as he recounted an incident where he was standing, and a little girl was sitting. “I gave a girl a dollar to let me sit down in a chair.”
When I remarked that getting the money must have made her happy, because an American dollar will pay for food for a month in certain parts of Haiti, he responded, laughing: “You know what got me? Both of us was happy. I told her to get up, she got up, I sat down - I looked at her and smiled. There were two of them. I gave both of them a dollar. They were so nice. It just shows that you should be humble. When you have problems, you should be humble. You got nothing to get mad about or ashamed about your needs. So they were so nice and I gave them a dollar; if I had sat there longer, I would have probably given her two. When I was there before, they were very nice to me, too! She got up and let me sit down, like folks. I told her that when I got to be her age, I would do the same thing for her. She didn’t know what I was saying.” (She spoke Creole, Sam spoke English, but the spirit of friendship and respect spoke volumes between them). He laughed heartily -- laughter is contagious around Sam Dunston, because he finds so much pleasure in life - the little things as well as the big.
Equally as impressive to Sam were the volunteers themselves. Having originated from North Carolina where Jim Crow was alive and well, as a youth his experiences had been less than congenial: “I’ve never seen white women be as happy to work on Black folks and smile and enjoy it. I never seen that before. Everybody there was jet black. Down where I come from (North Carolina), the (white) Doctor treated you for one thing - high blood pressure - he could tell that by touching your arm, they didn’t check nothing else. So, I had dinner with them (volunteer nurses) and breakfast with them - and they were so happy! They were glad to offer their services.”
It seemed to be a factor that both surprised and perplexed him at the same time. Little wonder, since his last interaction prior to entering the military had to have been during a time of segregation in the Jim Crow South. Most of his current interactions has been primarily for business, never at a level this basic and this close to life and death. Most of the volunteers had to travel half way around the world to provide their assistance, and they did so without fanfare, or funds. Just because they, like the volunteers at Brooklyn Hospital, have a basic love for mankind, regardless of race, economic levels, or status.
When yours truly lived in Haiti in the 70’s (Papa Doc Duvalier was still living and President for Life at the time), the dollar ratio to American money was 5 to 1. According to Dunston it has dropped to 7to 1. That also meant that the donation was the equivalent of $252,000 in Haitian funds, which should definitely go a long way.
In reference to the hospital, which had a very clean, modern appearance, Dunston stated, “This hospital had a line of people they had examined to go to the United States and other countries. Before they leave to go away, they have to be examined by the hospital. The hospital was full of people.”
When asked what they were going to the US for, he responded jovially: “I don’t know. Better life, I guess. If you see everybody sleeping in tents, and somebody told them that if you get to New York you can get a bed, and you’ve been praying all you life for things to be better, somebody said there’s a God on the other side, and you should try to get there; and you can get there in this life, not in the other life - then you go. That’s what I see. I don’t know what they say. That’s what they should have been saying. That was the whole thing that I think.”
Dunston observed the fact that there was constantly a great deal of hustle and bustle in the streets, which appeared to always be full of cars and vehicles going to and from the airport, “The streets are so full of cars and people all the way to airport. And the airport is packed. The plane held about 285 people - there were 250 people on the plane!”
He took a lot of candid shots during his trip. As we went through them, he commented on some of the things that stood out to him - not the least of which were the miles and miles of tents lining the streets, with families still living there a year after the earthquake - giving rise to concern over the fact that so little appeared to have been accomplished over the past few months, despite so many donations pouring in from the US and foreign countries.
My one attempt at getting Dunston to make a political commentary was when I asked whether he had observed any building going on while he was there, any kind of major construction. He commented, sagely: “There was a lot of building. The workers I saw were Haitian people. They were most likely building those cinderblock walls - make four corners and that’s a house. I doubt if any of the major contracts involved the local workers, though. I would assume and I think (outside) contractors would be involved in multi buildings over two or three stories where it would take some plans and stuff like that. But above the one room house about half this size - indicating his office - it doesn’t take any (major) plans. Just give him $500 and he can build a little house and put a top on it and it’s ready.”
(I will be doing a commentary on Haiti's reconstruction in upcoming blogs)
He continued, “So far as the trip I was concerned - the people were nice and appreciative. And when you can tell when people are appreciative, it makes a difference. You don’t owe nobody nothing, but they’re appreciative; you weren’t expecting that. So you did what your heart say do. I can say it was an enjoyable and warm trip because the people were so humble and thankful. They were thankful just for your presence. It was a good experience.”
The real take away from this is that all it takes is our own ingenuity, sincerity, and collaborative efforts, and we can move mountains. We tend to overlook the fact that it was through humble beginnings many of us have made it to where we are today. A lesson Sam Dunston and the staffers at Brooklyn Hospital have not forgotten. And a good example for us to follow - and teach our kids as well.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Anyone who knows Sam Dunston, founder and CEO of Brooklyn based, National Allotment Insurance Agency (NAIA), knows him for his smile and friendly, ebullient nature. And if you know Sam, you also know that he doesn’t usually do interviews. He prefers to just do, and let his work do the talking. So getting this interview from Sam is an indication of just how gratified and happy he was to have played a role in taking the donation put together by Brooklyn Hospital staffers to Haiti.
To say that Sam’s smile was wider than usual - if that’s even possible - would be an understatement. When he returned from a weekend trip to Haiti, he was energized, animated, and very happy.
He left on Sunday, April 10, along with eight other members from Brooklyn Hospital’s board of directors, as well individuals from Florida and Canada. They flew into Port Au Prince to present a check for $36,000 -- funds contributed by hospital workers, who worked over time and pooled their pay to make a considerable donation for training in a Hatian hospital.
The fact that these staffers had donated their time, energies and efforts to put these funds together is absolutely amazing and heartwarming. They did it with no fanfare, with no publicity. They did it without bickering, hassling, or concern for who was doing more or less than whom. And the bottom line, is they did it from the goodness of their hearts and for the love of the people of Haiti. While other bigwigs and government agencies are rolling around having meetings and tribunals - panels and forums on how to help Haiti, these people simply banded together and got the job done.
When they presented the funds to the Board to be taken to Haiti, there was no big to do. It was just, “we raised this for Haiti, to be given to their hospital to help train more Haitians to help more Haitians.” That’s all.
Their biggest concern? Making sure the money got into the hands of the people they intended it for. Because of that, they bypassed the Red Cross, and all the other agencies that have purported to help Haiti, but have yet to build a single home, or come up with what is happening to the millions of dollars already donated to help rebuild the stricken country, and sought other means.
When asked if the hospital administrator was surprised at their visit, he responded, “She knew we were coming. We didn’t know where to send the money to to make sure it got in the right hands, and was used for the purposes intended. What happened with the community board, and Dr. Carroll met with the president and said we would take the money to the hospital and tell them what they are supposed to do with it. So that’s what we did. I went and Rev. Jones went. We paid our own way, and we enjoyed it!” He said it in a matter of fact manner.
The Haitian hospital, one of the few that remained standing after the devastating earthquake which took place in January 2010, has been the triage center for many of the victims, as well as the place most Haitians have to go to before embarking on travel to the US and other places.
According to Sam, Dr. Carroll takes a group every three months to work at the hospital and help the patients. He went there right after the earthquake and drove from the Dominican Republic into the hospital. He liked the people. So he went there and performed a lot of surgeries. He still does surgeries. He goes there every three months takes a team and they do surgery and volunteer work.”
“You had to plan for every eventuality“, he remarked, “but you would get more than that back in happiness and joy from there because of the people. They never had an attitude, because they’re just too poor to have an attitude. But most people in our area (New York) who are very poor have an attitude. Mad because they’re poor. But these people were not that way. The minister was nice; and also met a young man from California who donated some medical supplies to the hospital. He had send some stuff to this hospital and to the hospital in Port Au Prince. So that’s what we are going to do, as well.”
Most newspaper accounts give a totally different characterization of the Haitian people from the one Sam Dunston depicted. His statement of the people being nice, humble and grateful, is the complete opposite from the picture that’s being painted a lot of times about Haitians.
His smile got even broader as he recounted an incident where he was standing, and a little girl was sitting. “I gave a girl a dollar to let me sit down in a chair.”
When I remarked that getting the money must have made her happy, because an American dollar will pay for food for a month in certain parts of Haiti, he responded, laughing: “You know what got me? Both of us was happy. I told her to get up, she got up, I sat down - I looked at her and smiled. There were two of them. I gave both of them a dollar. They were so nice. It just shows that you should be humble. When you have problems, you should be humble. You got nothing to get mad about or ashamed about your needs. So they were so nice and I gave them a dollar; if I had sat there longer, I would have probably given her two. When I was there before, they were very nice to me, too! She got up and let me sit down, like folks. I told her that when I got to be her age, I would do the same thing for her. She didn’t know what I was saying.” (She spoke Creole, Sam spoke English, but the spirit of friendship and respect spoke volumes between them). He laughed heartily -- laughter is contagious around Sam Dunston, because he finds so much pleasure in life - the little things as well as the big.
Equally as impressive to Sam were the volunteers themselves. Having originated from North Carolina where Jim Crow was alive and well, as a youth his experiences had been less than congenial: “I’ve never seen white women be as happy to work on Black folks and smile and enjoy it. I never seen that before. Everybody there was jet black. Down where I come from (North Carolina), the (white) Doctor treated you for one thing - high blood pressure - he could tell that by touching your arm, they didn’t check nothing else. So, I had dinner with them (volunteer nurses) and breakfast with them - and they were so happy! They were glad to offer their services.”
It seemed to be a factor that both surprised and perplexed him at the same time. Little wonder, since his last interaction prior to entering the military had to have been during a time of segregation in the Jim Crow South. Most of his current interactions has been primarily for business, never at a level this basic and this close to life and death. Most of the volunteers had to travel half way around the world to provide their assistance, and they did so without fanfare, or funds. Just because they, like the volunteers at Brooklyn Hospital, have a basic love for mankind, regardless of race, economic levels, or status.
When yours truly lived in Haiti in the 70’s (Papa Doc Duvalier was still living and President for Life at the time), the dollar ratio to American money was 5 to 1. According to Dunston it has dropped to 7to 1. That also meant that the donation was the equivalent of $252,000 in Haitian funds, which should definitely go a long way.
In reference to the hospital, which had a very clean, modern appearance, Dunston stated, “This hospital had a line of people they had examined to go to the United States and other countries. Before they leave to go away, they have to be examined by the hospital. The hospital was full of people.”
When asked what they were going to the US for, he responded jovially: “I don’t know. Better life, I guess. If you see everybody sleeping in tents, and somebody told them that if you get to New York you can get a bed, and you’ve been praying all you life for things to be better, somebody said there’s a God on the other side, and you should try to get there; and you can get there in this life, not in the other life - then you go. That’s what I see. I don’t know what they say. That’s what they should have been saying. That was the whole thing that I think.”
Dunston observed the fact that there was constantly a great deal of hustle and bustle in the streets, which appeared to always be full of cars and vehicles going to and from the airport, “The streets are so full of cars and people all the way to airport. And the airport is packed. The plane held about 285 people - there were 250 people on the plane!”
He took a lot of candid shots during his trip. As we went through them, he commented on some of the things that stood out to him - not the least of which were the miles and miles of tents lining the streets, with families still living there a year after the earthquake - giving rise to concern over the fact that so little appeared to have been accomplished over the past few months, despite so many donations pouring in from the US and foreign countries.
My one attempt at getting Dunston to make a political commentary was when I asked whether he had observed any building going on while he was there, any kind of major construction. He commented, sagely: “There was a lot of building. The workers I saw were Haitian people. They were most likely building those cinderblock walls - make four corners and that’s a house. I doubt if any of the major contracts involved the local workers, though. I would assume and I think (outside) contractors would be involved in multi buildings over two or three stories where it would take some plans and stuff like that. But above the one room house about half this size - indicating his office - it doesn’t take any (major) plans. Just give him $500 and he can build a little house and put a top on it and it’s ready.”
(I will be doing a commentary on Haiti's reconstruction in upcoming blogs)
He continued, “So far as the trip I was concerned - the people were nice and appreciative. And when you can tell when people are appreciative, it makes a difference. You don’t owe nobody nothing, but they’re appreciative; you weren’t expecting that. So you did what your heart say do. I can say it was an enjoyable and warm trip because the people were so humble and thankful. They were thankful just for your presence. It was a good experience.”
The real take away from this is that all it takes is our own ingenuity, sincerity, and collaborative efforts, and we can move mountains. We tend to overlook the fact that it was through humble beginnings many of us have made it to where we are today. A lesson Sam Dunston and the staffers at Brooklyn Hospital have not forgotten. And a good example for us to follow - and teach our kids as well.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
1.15.2010
Pray for Haiti Our Pearl of the Caribbean
by Gloria Dulan-Wilson
The news of Haiti's tragic earthquake has shocked and saddened us all. As I watched the report on the news, I found myself crying and singing “Haiti Cherie Ma Plus Belle Pais des Mon Freres” -- a song I learned during the six months I spent in Petionville, a small suburb outside of Port au Prince, Haiti -- oh too many years ago!
Papa Doc Duvalier was still living and the tauntaun mecoute were heroes and the law of the land. Haiti was called "Little Africa." You could sit on the stoop and hear the drums and ceremonies ringing throughout the night, as they practiced their various Loas. Dumbalawaido (sp?) was mine. I walked through fire in Haiti. Met the great Katherine Dunham, who had expatriated there. Even tried to wash clothes by hand in the river, the way so many of the women did. Went to the Mahogany Mart, watched Ti RoRo play drums; learned to speak Creole, tried to make Haitian furniture. I was only supposed to be there for a two-week vacation. I stayed six months!
I fell in love with Haiti. To this day I still have so many wonderful memories of the people I met, the many experiences getting to know them, and the history that has made her the icon she is among Black people here in the U.S.
My Haiti -- our Haiti -- The Haiti we love and speak of when I talk to my Haitian friends -- has been deeply wounded. And we all feel the pain so deeply -- whether we're Haitians at home or abroad (here in the US), African Americans, Caucasian, Asian -- we are all so deeply awash with the agony they must be suffering. 50,000 lives and counting is the toll so far.
I have watched with great pain, sadness and, yes, fear, as my valiant Haitian brothers and sisters have bounced back from tragedy after tragedy after tragedy over the past twenty-five years. Papa Doc's unexpected passing; Jean Claude's bankrupting the country; Haitian brothers and sisters risking their lives to get to freedom; the internecine wars; the kidnapping of Aristede on the eve of our celebrating Haiti's 200 anniversary of self-liberation; the devastating hurricaines; and they keep coming back, picking themselves up, and begin to rebuild. And now this leviathan earthquake.
President Barack Obama has already pledged the help and the support of the US in rescuing and rebuilding Haiti. "We will not leave you or forsake you. We are here for you," stated our leader, sincerely. And, as I watch the rescue missions unfold on TV, I know deep in my heart that they’ll bounce back from this as well. Such is the resiliency of Haitians.
But resiliency alone will not do it. This is indeed an international emergency of catastrophic proportions, as Rev. Jesse Jackson noted during his speech at the Rainbow Push Wall Street Project, currently taking place here in New York City.
They definitely need our prayers, our compassion, they need food, assistance, hands on help in the rebuilding of their homes, schools and institutions.
It is truly a delicate situation, because within every tragedy, there is an opportunity. However, as Jackson also noted on a panel discussion about rural opportunities for Black investors, with Jonathan Adelstein, administrator of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), "it is all to easy to bring in swarms of outside people to do the rebuilding, as in the Katrina catastrophe, or to find a way to make sure that Haitians, African American businesses and craftsmen partner" together to rebuild Haiti into a strong, durable beautiful city that will withstand the forces of nature.
The USDA administrator stated that USAID really coordinated those efforts, but that he would convey the message and concern. USDA coordinates the uplift of food and other emergency services with other international sources, and will be instrumental in providing food for destitute Haitian families.
Rev. Jackson, however, concerned that Haiti does not become a dumping ground for gigantic corporations, displacing the smaller community-based businesses, has issued a call from Rainbow Push Wall Street Project, nationwide, for skilled Black craftsmen to contribute their time and skills to rebuild Haiti. "We must be careful to re-establish the small, locally owned shops and businesses that serve as the backbone of the community. To provide the training and assistance, form partnerships with the people there to bring Haiti back to wholeness."
In other words, instead of Big Brother's corporations taking over, the help should be humane, sensitive and people based -- a hand up, not a hand out.
Nevertheless, immediacy of the situation, with more and more bodies being pulled from the rubble, must be the first priority. And while that is going forward, putting together the team that will be part and parcel of Haiti’s revival, is also of the utmost importance. Those interested please contact Rainbow Push at either of the following numbers: National Hdq.: 773-373-3366; Wall Street Project: (212) 425-7874 or go on line to www.rainbowpush.org.
Considered the poorest country in the Caribbean, Haiti, also called "des perle des antilles" and Little Africa was oh so rich in culture. And they have maintained their African traditions intact more than any other Caribbean country - with more than five tribes represented in their ancestry. They have managed to maintain their traditions, while reaching for, and often integrating, modern nuances as well.
While I lived there, I was totally awed by their work ethic. They never left a job undone, or incomplete. Everyone pitched in, worked together on whatever the project happened to be with joy, enthusiasm, cooperation -- and without the argument and rancor I so often observed here in the states. And while this coming together to rebuild will be overshadowed by the devastation and tragedy that caused the problem, I am no less sure that they will still stand, shoulder to shoulder, working to make their home “Haiti Cherie” again.
There are a great many organizations, locally and nationally, putting together fund raisers, food and clothing drives, and other events in support of Haiti’s recovery. Some of them are listed below. As more information comes in,or if you have additional information, please send it to me, and I will post them in the blog.
In the meantime, please keep Haiti in your prayers. Pray for our Haitian brothers and sisters here in New York City and everywhere else they may reside. This is indeed a time for tears and mourning and gnashing of teeth; as well as for hugs, comfort and prayers never ceasing.
God’s Grace and Mercy shines on Haiti now. They will rebuild a new and even more beautiful city on the hill. In my heart I hear us singing in English and Creole Israel Houghton's Song "I'M STILL STANDING!!" the new theme song for triumph over adversity for Haiti.
Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Below are some of the upcoming events and organizations that are organizing for Haiti.
1): Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer,
The Haitian Roundtable, National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations(NECO) and Fernando Mateo
Honorary Co-Hosts:
Senator Charles E. Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Congressman Eliot Engel, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Congressman Michael E. McMahon, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, Congressman Charles B. Rangel, Congressman Edolphus Towns
Co-Hosts:
Governor David A. Paterson, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, Comptroller John C. Liu, Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, State Senator Thomas K. Duane, State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson, State Senator Liz Krueger, State Senator Kevin S. Parker, State Senator Bill Perkins, State Senator Eric T. Schneiderman, State Senator Daniel L. Squadron, Assemblymember Karim Camara, Assemblymember Herman D. Farrell, Jr., Assemblymember Adriano Espaillat, Assemblymember Richard N. Gottfried, Assemblymember Micah Kellner, Assemblymember Alan Maisel, Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell, Assemblymember José R. Peralta, Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, Assemblymember Keith L.T. Wright, Councilmember Gale A. Brewer, Councilmember Fernando Cabrera, Councilmember Leroy Comrie, Councilmember Inez E. Dickens, Councilmember Mathieu Eugene, Councilmember Julissa Ferreras, Councilmember Daniel R. Garodnick, Councilmember Sara M. González , Councilmember Letitia James, Councilmember Melissa Mark-Viverito, Councilmember Rosie Mendez, Councilmember Diana Reyna, Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez, New Jersey Councilmember Julio Tavarez, Maurice A. Buckley, Walter Edwards, Nasser J. Kazeminy, Bill Lynch, Karl and Faye Rodney, Bill White, Alianza Dominicana, Citi Health Home Care, The Dominican American National Roundtable, Dominican Women's Development Center, Haiti’s Hungry Task Force, Haitian-American Caucus, NYS Organizing for America, NY Carib News, Street Corner Resources Live
Invite you to
New Yorkers for Haiti
an event in support of relief efforts following the earthquake in Haiti.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Talay, 701 West 135th Street (at 12th Avenue)
6:00 – 8:30 pm
2): MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: "On January 12, 2010, a massive earthquake struck the nation of Haiti, causing catastrophic damage inside and around the capital city of Port-au-Prince. President Obama has promised the people of Haiti that "you will not be forsaken; you will not be forgotten." The United States Government has mobilized resources and manpower to aid in the relief effort. Here are some ways that you can get involved.
Donate
* Financial Donations
o Donate $10 to the American Red Cross – charged to your cell phone bill – by texting "HAITI" to "90999."
o Contribute online to the Red Cross
* Find more ways to help through the Center for International Disaster Information.
Get Information about Friends or Family
The State Department Operations Center has set up the following phone number for Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti: 1-888-407-4747 (due to heavy volume, some callers may receive a recording). You can also send an email to the State Department. Please be aware that communications within Haiti are very difficult at this time.
The Federal Response
Check out the links below to find out how each federal department and agency is responding to the earthquake in Haiti.
* The Department of State
* The Department of Defense
* The Department of Homeland Security
* The Department of Health and Human Services
* The Federal Communications Commission
* The Department of Interior
Share This Image
Add this image to your webpage by copying and pasting the code below.
Help for Haiti: Learn What You Can Do
Help for Haiti: Learn What You Can Do
3): The US Fund for UNICEF will be present to receive donations.
All proceeds will go to The US Fund for UNICEF, a registered 501c3.
For more information call 212.669.8300
If you are unable to attend this even, click here to learn about other ways you can help.
Forward this message to a friend
4): {From Fikisha Cumbo): Wyclef Jean's organization is the best place to entrust our hard earned dollars to.
The organization can be reached at www.Yele.org click on Donate 212.352.0552
Please keep an open heart, say prayers for our sisters and brothers
down there and please, please watch out for the sharks everywhere.
Dr Boyce Watkins has written an interesting article 'Destroyed and
Desparate, Haiti Needs Our Help' that I'd like to recommend. You can
find it at info@boycewatkins.com
Blessings.
5): Dear Friend,
All of us feel the sense of shock and helplessness brought on by the tragic earthquake in Haiti . The mass suffering and destruction is unprecedented. I had the honor of traveling to Haiti just this past March at the invitation of President Clinton. We went, with Wyclef Jean and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon to review relief efforts and economic development initiatives being promoted and run by the Clinton Foundation and Wyclef’s Yele Haiti Foundation. To think of all that progress now turned to rubble is frustrating and heart-breaking, at the very least.
Democrats and Republicans, citizens across our state, our country, of all political persuasions share one common American virtue: compassion. There are several organizations that I TRUST will get help DIRECTLY to the PEOPLE. Please join with us in bringing direct, needed, immediate help to the people of Haiti by contributing to one of the 3 following organizations:
THE CLINTON FOUNDATION – go to: http://www.clintonfoundation.org/haitiearthquake/
YELE HAITE – go to: http://www.yele.org/
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS – go to: http://doctorswithoutborders.org/
Please contribute AS MUCH AS YOU CAN – TODAY.
Thank you.
JAY JACOBS
NYS DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN
6): {Tom Joyner Show} Listen Friday Morning 6a-10a to the Tom Joyner Morning Show
“We are planning to leave late tonight to go to Haiti and broadcast the show from the streets (Friday). My purpose is to set up an internet café so that Haitians can get in touch with their families. But trust me, as we approach the King Holiday weekend and as I prep for MSNBC town hall meeting that will air on the King Holiday on Monday, the earthquake in Haiti will not take a back seat…If we can use Hurricane Katrina as a template we learned that we cannot sit back and wait for anyone to do for us what we can and must do for ourselves. I'm not even waiting for that and you shouldn't either. The 70s hit by Atlantic Starr says “when love calls, you better answer.”
--Tom Joyner Blog “When Love Calls” on BlackAmericaWeb.com 1/14/10 Read all at
http://www.blackamericaweb.com/?q=blog_inner/15640/1573138/The%20Fly%20Jock
Click here to Forward to a Friend.
The news of Haiti's tragic earthquake has shocked and saddened us all. As I watched the report on the news, I found myself crying and singing “Haiti Cherie Ma Plus Belle Pais des Mon Freres” -- a song I learned during the six months I spent in Petionville, a small suburb outside of Port au Prince, Haiti -- oh too many years ago!
Papa Doc Duvalier was still living and the tauntaun mecoute were heroes and the law of the land. Haiti was called "Little Africa." You could sit on the stoop and hear the drums and ceremonies ringing throughout the night, as they practiced their various Loas. Dumbalawaido (sp?) was mine. I walked through fire in Haiti. Met the great Katherine Dunham, who had expatriated there. Even tried to wash clothes by hand in the river, the way so many of the women did. Went to the Mahogany Mart, watched Ti RoRo play drums; learned to speak Creole, tried to make Haitian furniture. I was only supposed to be there for a two-week vacation. I stayed six months!
I fell in love with Haiti. To this day I still have so many wonderful memories of the people I met, the many experiences getting to know them, and the history that has made her the icon she is among Black people here in the U.S.
My Haiti -- our Haiti -- The Haiti we love and speak of when I talk to my Haitian friends -- has been deeply wounded. And we all feel the pain so deeply -- whether we're Haitians at home or abroad (here in the US), African Americans, Caucasian, Asian -- we are all so deeply awash with the agony they must be suffering. 50,000 lives and counting is the toll so far.
I have watched with great pain, sadness and, yes, fear, as my valiant Haitian brothers and sisters have bounced back from tragedy after tragedy after tragedy over the past twenty-five years. Papa Doc's unexpected passing; Jean Claude's bankrupting the country; Haitian brothers and sisters risking their lives to get to freedom; the internecine wars; the kidnapping of Aristede on the eve of our celebrating Haiti's 200 anniversary of self-liberation; the devastating hurricaines; and they keep coming back, picking themselves up, and begin to rebuild. And now this leviathan earthquake.
President Barack Obama has already pledged the help and the support of the US in rescuing and rebuilding Haiti. "We will not leave you or forsake you. We are here for you," stated our leader, sincerely. And, as I watch the rescue missions unfold on TV, I know deep in my heart that they’ll bounce back from this as well. Such is the resiliency of Haitians.
But resiliency alone will not do it. This is indeed an international emergency of catastrophic proportions, as Rev. Jesse Jackson noted during his speech at the Rainbow Push Wall Street Project, currently taking place here in New York City.
They definitely need our prayers, our compassion, they need food, assistance, hands on help in the rebuilding of their homes, schools and institutions.
It is truly a delicate situation, because within every tragedy, there is an opportunity. However, as Jackson also noted on a panel discussion about rural opportunities for Black investors, with Jonathan Adelstein, administrator of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), "it is all to easy to bring in swarms of outside people to do the rebuilding, as in the Katrina catastrophe, or to find a way to make sure that Haitians, African American businesses and craftsmen partner" together to rebuild Haiti into a strong, durable beautiful city that will withstand the forces of nature.
The USDA administrator stated that USAID really coordinated those efforts, but that he would convey the message and concern. USDA coordinates the uplift of food and other emergency services with other international sources, and will be instrumental in providing food for destitute Haitian families.
Rev. Jackson, however, concerned that Haiti does not become a dumping ground for gigantic corporations, displacing the smaller community-based businesses, has issued a call from Rainbow Push Wall Street Project, nationwide, for skilled Black craftsmen to contribute their time and skills to rebuild Haiti. "We must be careful to re-establish the small, locally owned shops and businesses that serve as the backbone of the community. To provide the training and assistance, form partnerships with the people there to bring Haiti back to wholeness."
In other words, instead of Big Brother's corporations taking over, the help should be humane, sensitive and people based -- a hand up, not a hand out.
Nevertheless, immediacy of the situation, with more and more bodies being pulled from the rubble, must be the first priority. And while that is going forward, putting together the team that will be part and parcel of Haiti’s revival, is also of the utmost importance. Those interested please contact Rainbow Push at either of the following numbers: National Hdq.: 773-373-3366; Wall Street Project: (212) 425-7874 or go on line to www.rainbowpush.org.
Considered the poorest country in the Caribbean, Haiti, also called "des perle des antilles" and Little Africa was oh so rich in culture. And they have maintained their African traditions intact more than any other Caribbean country - with more than five tribes represented in their ancestry. They have managed to maintain their traditions, while reaching for, and often integrating, modern nuances as well.
While I lived there, I was totally awed by their work ethic. They never left a job undone, or incomplete. Everyone pitched in, worked together on whatever the project happened to be with joy, enthusiasm, cooperation -- and without the argument and rancor I so often observed here in the states. And while this coming together to rebuild will be overshadowed by the devastation and tragedy that caused the problem, I am no less sure that they will still stand, shoulder to shoulder, working to make their home “Haiti Cherie” again.
There are a great many organizations, locally and nationally, putting together fund raisers, food and clothing drives, and other events in support of Haiti’s recovery. Some of them are listed below. As more information comes in,or if you have additional information, please send it to me, and I will post them in the blog.
In the meantime, please keep Haiti in your prayers. Pray for our Haitian brothers and sisters here in New York City and everywhere else they may reside. This is indeed a time for tears and mourning and gnashing of teeth; as well as for hugs, comfort and prayers never ceasing.
God’s Grace and Mercy shines on Haiti now. They will rebuild a new and even more beautiful city on the hill. In my heart I hear us singing in English and Creole Israel Houghton's Song "I'M STILL STANDING!!" the new theme song for triumph over adversity for Haiti.
Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Below are some of the upcoming events and organizations that are organizing for Haiti.
1): Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer,
The Haitian Roundtable, National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations(NECO) and Fernando Mateo
Honorary Co-Hosts:
Senator Charles E. Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Congressman Eliot Engel, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Congressman Michael E. McMahon, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, Congressman Charles B. Rangel, Congressman Edolphus Towns
Co-Hosts:
Governor David A. Paterson, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, Comptroller John C. Liu, Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, State Senator Thomas K. Duane, State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson, State Senator Liz Krueger, State Senator Kevin S. Parker, State Senator Bill Perkins, State Senator Eric T. Schneiderman, State Senator Daniel L. Squadron, Assemblymember Karim Camara, Assemblymember Herman D. Farrell, Jr., Assemblymember Adriano Espaillat, Assemblymember Richard N. Gottfried, Assemblymember Micah Kellner, Assemblymember Alan Maisel, Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell, Assemblymember José R. Peralta, Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, Assemblymember Keith L.T. Wright, Councilmember Gale A. Brewer, Councilmember Fernando Cabrera, Councilmember Leroy Comrie, Councilmember Inez E. Dickens, Councilmember Mathieu Eugene, Councilmember Julissa Ferreras, Councilmember Daniel R. Garodnick, Councilmember Sara M. González , Councilmember Letitia James, Councilmember Melissa Mark-Viverito, Councilmember Rosie Mendez, Councilmember Diana Reyna, Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez, New Jersey Councilmember Julio Tavarez, Maurice A. Buckley, Walter Edwards, Nasser J. Kazeminy, Bill Lynch, Karl and Faye Rodney, Bill White, Alianza Dominicana, Citi Health Home Care, The Dominican American National Roundtable, Dominican Women's Development Center, Haiti’s Hungry Task Force, Haitian-American Caucus, NYS Organizing for America, NY Carib News, Street Corner Resources Live
Invite you to
New Yorkers for Haiti
an event in support of relief efforts following the earthquake in Haiti.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Talay, 701 West 135th Street (at 12th Avenue)
6:00 – 8:30 pm
2): MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: "On January 12, 2010, a massive earthquake struck the nation of Haiti, causing catastrophic damage inside and around the capital city of Port-au-Prince. President Obama has promised the people of Haiti that "you will not be forsaken; you will not be forgotten." The United States Government has mobilized resources and manpower to aid in the relief effort. Here are some ways that you can get involved.
Donate
* Financial Donations
o Donate $10 to the American Red Cross – charged to your cell phone bill – by texting "HAITI" to "90999."
o Contribute online to the Red Cross
* Find more ways to help through the Center for International Disaster Information.
Get Information about Friends or Family
The State Department Operations Center has set up the following phone number for Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti: 1-888-407-4747 (due to heavy volume, some callers may receive a recording). You can also send an email to the State Department. Please be aware that communications within Haiti are very difficult at this time.
The Federal Response
Check out the links below to find out how each federal department and agency is responding to the earthquake in Haiti.
* The Department of State
* The Department of Defense
* The Department of Homeland Security
* The Department of Health and Human Services
* The Federal Communications Commission
* The Department of Interior
Share This Image
Add this image to your webpage by copying and pasting the code below.
Help for Haiti: Learn What You Can Do
Help for Haiti: Learn What You Can Do
3): The US Fund for UNICEF will be present to receive donations.
All proceeds will go to The US Fund for UNICEF, a registered 501c3.
For more information call 212.669.8300
If you are unable to attend this even, click here to learn about other ways you can help.
Forward this message to a friend
4): {From Fikisha Cumbo): Wyclef Jean's organization is the best place to entrust our hard earned dollars to.
The organization can be reached at www.Yele.org click on Donate 212.352.0552
Please keep an open heart, say prayers for our sisters and brothers
down there and please, please watch out for the sharks everywhere.
Dr Boyce Watkins has written an interesting article 'Destroyed and
Desparate, Haiti Needs Our Help' that I'd like to recommend. You can
find it at info@boycewatkins.com
Blessings.
5): Dear Friend,
All of us feel the sense of shock and helplessness brought on by the tragic earthquake in Haiti . The mass suffering and destruction is unprecedented. I had the honor of traveling to Haiti just this past March at the invitation of President Clinton. We went, with Wyclef Jean and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon to review relief efforts and economic development initiatives being promoted and run by the Clinton Foundation and Wyclef’s Yele Haiti Foundation. To think of all that progress now turned to rubble is frustrating and heart-breaking, at the very least.
Democrats and Republicans, citizens across our state, our country, of all political persuasions share one common American virtue: compassion. There are several organizations that I TRUST will get help DIRECTLY to the PEOPLE. Please join with us in bringing direct, needed, immediate help to the people of Haiti by contributing to one of the 3 following organizations:
THE CLINTON FOUNDATION – go to: http://www.clintonfoundation.org/haitiearthquake/
YELE HAITE – go to: http://www.yele.org/
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS – go to: http://doctorswithoutborders.org/
Please contribute AS MUCH AS YOU CAN – TODAY.
Thank you.
JAY JACOBS
NYS DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN
6): {Tom Joyner Show} Listen Friday Morning 6a-10a to the Tom Joyner Morning Show
“We are planning to leave late tonight to go to Haiti and broadcast the show from the streets (Friday). My purpose is to set up an internet café so that Haitians can get in touch with their families. But trust me, as we approach the King Holiday weekend and as I prep for MSNBC town hall meeting that will air on the King Holiday on Monday, the earthquake in Haiti will not take a back seat…If we can use Hurricane Katrina as a template we learned that we cannot sit back and wait for anyone to do for us what we can and must do for ourselves. I'm not even waiting for that and you shouldn't either. The 70s hit by Atlantic Starr says “when love calls, you better answer.”
--Tom Joyner Blog “When Love Calls” on BlackAmericaWeb.com 1/14/10 Read all at
http://www.blackamericaweb.com/?q=blog_inner/15640/1573138/The%20Fly%20Jock
Click here to Forward to a Friend.
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