One Year Later

HSA Public Relations Chair:Alex Brueggeman

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of the Haitian Earthquake. As the country struggles to get back on it's feet, the HSA commemorated all those lost in a small ceremony at the Rankin Chapel. We prayed as a group with the words of Reverend Magee and Dean Richardson. HSA President Roberte Exantus then recounted her personal story of how the earthquake directly affected her and her family. Her moving words reminded the audience that our work is not complete in Haiti and we as students and community members must continue to keep the island in everyone's mind. PR Chair Alex Brueggeman and a few other reflected on their individual experiences with the earthquake. The vigil was a great way for the Howard community to show Haitians that they are always in our prayers and hearts. As the semester progresses, the HSA will continue to hold events to continue bringing attention to our beloved island of Haiti. Howard students can join the cause by applying to Alternative Spring Break in Haiti, which will happen this coming spring break. Applications will become available soon.

We're Baacckkkk!

Summer is becoming a memory and school mode is back in effect a Howard University. The Haitian Students Association has had a great start this semester at the organizational fair and our first general body meeting which was tonight. Many new faces and familiar ones came out to support the cultural club. We discussed the direction of HSA this year including the creation of several committees such as finance, anniversary week and benefit concert. We ended the meeting with mingling and a delicious Haitian meal thanks to our wonderful E-Board! Enjoy a few pictures from tonight:

Global Community Week

Last week marked Global Community Week, a collaborative effort between the ASA, CSA, HSA, and the I-Pals. To celebrate there were several events including a Creole 101 workshop, Haitian Cultural Appreciation,community service a the Haitian Embassy and an ASA/I-Pals Fashion Show. The week was a success and gave the University and Washington DC community a chance to further understand HSA as an organization. The collaborative efforts of these three organizations on campus only strengthens Howard's relief efforts. Thank you to all who made this week a success. Here are a few pictures detailing the week:

Got Leadership Potential?

HSA will be holding elections for it's 2010-2011 Executive Board positions. At such a critical time for the Howard University Haitian Students Association, potential E-Board members should be dedicated to their tasks. All positions are open and they include President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Public Relations Chair, Cultures Chair, Historian and Blog Master. For more detailed information on what each position entails, as well as an application, you may email tjoseph07@hotmail.com. Good luck to all of you who plan on running!

One Month In

It has officially been one month since the devastating earthquake in our beloved Haiti. As an organization and country as a whole, we have continued our fundraising efforts. A Haitian Students Association Week is also in the works to illustrate Haitian culture despite this disaster and to further collect donations. To commemorate this milestone, the Greater Washington Haiti Relief Committee held Digging for Haiti at Haitian Embassy yesterday. This began their fund drive to raise $250,000, asking everyone to donate one dollar, which is an estimated representation of one dollar for each life that has been lost so far in the devastation. You can go here to donate.

On the national entertainment level, a remake of the monumental "We Are The World" aired yesterday during the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics 2010. It was originally written by the late Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones. Participants included influential artists like Wyclef, Lil Wayne, Jennifer Hudson, Kanye West, Trey Songz, Miley Cyrus, Usher, Jaime Foxx, Justin Bieber and the list goes on. By downloading the track from iTunes you will automatically donate to the relief efforts in Haiti.

Watch the live version:

Hands for Haiti = SUCCESS

Last night's benfit concert truly illustrated the overwhelming support of Haiti from the Howard and DMV communities. The lively Cimmarones Dancers opened up the show proudly representing Haiti. We then heard riveting words from our president Roberte Exantus and poets Messiah and Brion Gill. A questionable performance by XO, followed by songs from talented student groups GWN and DIVA Inc., and after a fresh breath from Phil Ade, the Ambassador of rap put Crampton on it's feet. Without a doubt, Wale's performance could not have been any better! Missed it? Check out the video below:



The HSA was also presented with two $1000.00 checks from the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Howard University Dream Team. These and the ticket sales from the sold out show bring the Howard University amount of money raised to $30,000.00!! A very special thanks to Victoria Fortune for executing such a fantastic night. None of this would be possible without her and the help of the entire community. Thank you all for your support and prayers.

Hands on Haiti

Wale, the the self proclaimed messenger of D.C  slated to perform this evening at 7:00 pm for the greater Howard University community. Tickets are on sale in Cramton Auditorium's box office, it has not sold out yet get your tix now! The tickets are ten dollars for students and twenty for the general public.  The concert will feature student performances, local artists, and some surprise guests.  HSA is extremely thankful for all of the aid that is being poured into our beloved home country. Please join us in putting our hands and hearts together to help Haiti. L'union fait la force! 

What: Hands on Haiti Benefit Concert

When: Thursday, January 21, 2010 

Where: Howard University, Cramton Auditorium