Community Corner
A Celebration of Haiti, in Brooklyn
Local politicians and performers gathered at St. Francis College on Thursday night
Local politicians and performers gathered at St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights Thursday night to celebrate Haiti’s proud history, and remind people that the need for help in the country is far from over.
"Boukman’s Spirit of Revolution Prayer: A Haitian Flag Day Celebration,” was a night of traditional music and dance performances by native Haitians and those of Haitian decent.
“It’s a huge unfulfilled promise that the US has not done more, both historically and with the current crisis in Haiti, to help out this country,” said Councilmember Stephen Levin.
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Council Member Jumaane Williams called for the Temporary Protected Status (TPS), given to Haitians for 18 months following the earthquake that rocked the country in January 2010, to be extended.
TPS has been a controversial issue among the Haitian community because it has been refused to them by past administrations, while other nations suffering from political turmoil or natural disasters like Honduras and Nicaragua have been granted it, said Williams.
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“I love Obama and want to vote for him again, but if he doesn’t extend TPS to Haitians, I think we should consider whether or not we want him in office next term,” said Williams. “It’s morally reprehensible to send people back to a country that’s destroyed without trying to help them. There’s nothing to debate. Every other country that needs it, gets it.”
The live performances and narration of Haiti's history were met with an enthusiastic response from those in attendance.
"This was a fun and informative way to get the message across to people that Haiti needs help," said Crown Heights resident Neysa Etienne. "Haiti has been swept under the rug by the media as of late, so I'm thrilled that so many local leaders stepped up to make people aware that the crisis is far from over."
