This weekend is the fifth anniversary of the devastation that Katrina wrought in New Orleans. As a member of the Creole community, I have long felt a deep connection to New Orleans and the Gulf region, and I want to send out my prayers to those who are still working to rebuild there. The destruction that Katrina caused really struck home for me -- so many brothers and sisters lost; so many lives shattered and families displaced.
When I was with the Fugees, we headlined the very first Voodoo festival, in 1999, and it felt like going home. I played the festival again (as a solo artist this time) in 2008, and I was so grateful for the warm welcome we received. The people of New Orleans are some of my favorite in the world -- they've created an atmosphere in their city that just can't be found anywhere else. To know how much they've suffered since Katrina hit their shores is enough to make any caring person heartsick.
I see a corollary to the vast destruction of the earthquake that Port-au-Prince suffered just seven months ago: Like the people of the Gulf Coast, my countrymen in Haiti have been forced to witness more despair than anyone should have to bear. And in New Orleans, as it is in Haiti, so much of the loss was suffered by those who had little to begin with. I am optimistic that soon the great city of New Orleans and also my great country will have the means to rebuild better and stronger homes for all who need and want shelter.
I'm overwhelmed with emotion when I think of New Orleans, and I'm saddened to see the conditions in the city. There is no reason that such a beloved community and rich culture, existing within one of the world's wealthiest nations, should still be in such disrepair a full five years after it was torn apart by the hurricane. We must all unite and put more pressure on the powers that be to rebuild New Orleans. The people can no longer be displaced, no longer be compromised, no longer be out of work. Yes, we live in a blessed country, but now is the time to realize that these people are not asking for a handout -- they are giving all of us an opportunity to put hope into action and pride into good use.
New Orleans is still in the process of reviving its communities, and on this fifth anniversary, there are many great plans and events through which people can come together to rebuild where it's still needed. I'm so inspired by the scores of people -- and companies -- who have stepped in, and are still stepping in, to show their support for those who continue to struggle to get their lives back to "normal."
I recently read of a Washington, D.C.-based publishing company, United Communications Group, that had led a relief effort five years ago for Katrina victims; at a cost of just $80,000, this corporation and its employees were able to assist hundreds of people. Many more companies are timing rebuilding campaigns to the anniversary this week: Among them, Marriott will work with Habitat for Humanity to build a home and a playground. Barnes & Noble's founder, Leonard Riggio, funded a nonprofit, Project Home Again, that will be putting up houses in still damaged neighborhoods in New Orleans. And Sears has partnered with Rebuilding Together on its Fifty for Five event, which aims to put 50 families back into homes in one week (an effort I had planned to join until it became clear that the current challenges of my campaign for Haiti's presidency will not allow it.).
There is probably more rebuilding in this one week in New Orleans than there has been in Haiti in the seven months since the earthquake struck. Though that thought is in some ways quite discouraging, in another way it is incredibly inspiring: The corporate sponsors helping to redevelop New Orleans reinforces my thought that Haiti must be re-opened for business -- and soon. Let's get companies into Haiti with projects and plans to rebuild the houses that were toppled by the earthquake; let's encourage voluntourism -- those who will come to our country to help build new shelters for those who are living without.
God bless the New Orleans natives who are still fighting to rebuild their neighborhoods, and their lives, and I ask all of them to say a prayer, in turn, for the Haitians who are still fighting to survive in my homeland. I leave you all with this motto from Haiti, "L'union fait la force."
Irene Monroe: The Roots of Voodoo's Acceptance of Gays
You bemoan the fact that there's been so little done in Haiti.
Go to Haiti, start the rebuilding.
It is nice to see you back, not dwelling on the CEP. Hope you can give some attention to the rape issue in tent city. Wish you well.
The first. Integrity.
Let us just start there. It is a key point for anyone who is to be considered Presidential material. Some would think that yours has been - well, a bit compromised. Have you made any steps to pay back the 2 million that you owe the United States Government? That might be a great way to show that you are serious in this bid- and that you are entering it in good faith. It would also show that are you are entering this race while standing on your own 2 feet.
The second. Infrastructure.
How are you proposing to go about rebuilding Haiti? We know that you value education and want to see the children in schools. How are you working to see that priority is fulfilled quickly. How are you proposing to bring the organizations currently on the ground together? Who are you bringing to get the teams going? What are your plans? What is your platform?
Fidelity
How do you propose to guarantee fidelity to the Haitian people and their cause? You see to bounce around a bit. Currently, the story keeps changing.
I don't understand the politics and nuances of the situation in Haiti, so I won't even try to ask intelligent questions. But I wonder why it took these corporations five years (media frenzy of a notable anniversary perhaps?) to start doing the right thing? Better late than never, and all help is welcome, but it sure seems to lack integrity.
I hope the struggles somehow ease for all who are suffering.
In researching a book for which I was consulting editor -- "The Book of Obeah -- I learned a lot about the cultures of both New Orleans and Haiti. Via www.hookedonthebook.com, I want to start raising funds and awareness for these wonderful areas and the people who call them home.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJPL1wqlV_Y&feature=related
www.wishadoo.com
What is the lesson for Haiti from New Orleans? Stay true to yourself. Grieve and keep on keeping on. Help each other the best you can and revel in every bit of your town (country) you regain. Appreciate the volunteers because they are angels. Cry when you have to, And hold on to one another for dear life. I recently started doing genealogy and found out my ancestors, like many New Orleanians, came from Haiti. My heart goes out to the country. If you are as we are, culture and community are paramount. It will get better but the road is so hard. I understand how it is. Hang in there .
Hi cousin:)
I really couldnt care less about "an effort I had planned to join until it became clear that the current challenges of my campaign for Haiti's presidency will not allow it."
What did you do then? Where were you and what did you do?
BTW I hear there is another place in the world that might need your help. It is called the middle east. You should go there fix that problem. Then on your way back stop off in Hatti and become the presedent. Then fly into New Orleans and fix up what ever is wrong there. With this tight schedule it should give to enough time to...
GET OFF THE PIPE SON.
That was a well articulated response. But this isnt about me, is it.
How old are you, 12?
While W sawed wood!