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 

Searching For Family in Haiti?

Maybe this will help. As a result of the massive earthquake that has hit Haiti, thousands of people have been left without contact with their loved ones. The ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) has created the Family Links website, to help accelerate the process of being reunited with family members abroad. 

The site allows for people to post their own information, and the relatives of those that they are in search of. The ICRC has pledged to add information as they are informed. If you are not successful on your first search, please do not be discouraged, the website is updated daily.

T Mobile's partner companies locally known as Voila and Digicel are offering telephone calls, for the people of Haiti to reach loved ones in the  the United States, free of charge until the end of the month. Additionally T Mobile customers in the states will be able to call Haiti for free, until the end of the month, the charges will be removed from the customer's bill.

Also the phone company Haitel has restored its  service, so you may be able to connect with  family members who use Haitel's  service. 

Need Plans? We've Got You Covered.

"Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve." Martin Luther King Jr. spoke these inspirational words and with his national holiday on Monday, there is no better time to help with the Haitian Earthquake.



TODAY: The Haitian Embassy needs helping hands to provide tours, serve as translators, and basically organize a very hectic situation. There are no requirements, except that you show up in shifts of 11am-4pm and then 4pm-8pm. They'll be needed every day this week. It is located at 2311 Massachusetts Avenue Northwest Washington, DC 20008-2802 (202) 332-4090.



TONIGHT: 6PM-11PM DMV Helps Haiti Kickoff at Busboys & Poets. The event will present Haiti's rich cultural history, address some of its statistics and serve as a medium to discuss its short and long term recovery efforts. Grammy-nominated Producer & Songwriter Kyonte will perform and also MTV’s Making the Band contestant DeAngelo Redman. Spoken word artists include Benny Blaq and Komplex, but all guests are invited to take part in the open-mic session. Early arrival is suggested for those who would like to participate. Live art will also be featured, with local artist Demont Peekaso auctioning off some of his paintings. All proceeds from the event (suggested donation of $10) go towards the Yele Haiti Foundation & Partners in Health Organization.

The HSA would like to thank any and everyone who has contributed to relief efforts for your overwhelming generosity and support. All your dedication and work are greatly appreciated and it is truly touching to see such positivity in the wake of a tragedy.

The Ambassador of Rap Slated to Perform

In wake of the devastating Haitian earthquake, DMV musicians have come out in full force to raise funds for the survivors. Fresh from two sold-out shows at the 9:30 Club earlier this month, rapper Wale will be headlining a benefit concert on January 18th 2010. He’ll be supported by other D.C. area artists including D.C. Don Juan, Tabi Bonney, Phil Ade, XO, Kingpen Slim, K-Beta, Que (formerly of Day26) – and special surprise guests will take the stage as well. Chris Cole of BET’s College Hill South Beach will be the MC. General admission and VIP tickets are available at the 9:30 Club box office and at the 930 Club website. The 9:30 Club is located at 815 V St NW, Washington, D.C. Doors open at 6pm.
Phil Ade
Tabi Bonney
Que


A special thanks to DMV Helps Haiti for organizing this wonderful event and opportunity. All ticket sales will be donated to the PIH and Yéle Haiti.

Also be sure to check out the Hip Hop Caucus for event and relief efforts in your area.

Relief Efforts at the Mecca

Howard University HSA has been working tirelessly with other on campus organizations to raise money and awareness for Haitian earthquake victims. So far there have been two meetings and many plans for fundraisers and volunteer opportunities have been discussed As definite details emerge, they will all be posted here. A few definite events are listed below:

TODAY 1/15/2010: From 11AM-4PM The African Students Association along with the Haitian Students Association will be collecting monetary donations in the lower level of the Blackburn Student Center.

SUNDAY 1/17/2010: From 11AM-4PM The Haitian Embassy is hosting a Haiti Survival Kit Drive. Please bring essentials that are lightweight and easily packable and non-perishable food that's not in cans. They also need of volunteers to sort donations that will be received. It is located at 2311 Massachusetts. Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20008. A group will be leaving campus to commute together. Exact times will be posted later.

SUNDAY 1/17/2010 : Staring at 6PM Busboys and Poets is hosting an event to help raise money for Haiti! Featuring Grammy nominated Producer & Songwriter Kyonte (first picture below) and also MTV’s Making the Band contestant DeAngelo Redman (second picture below). Spoken word will be given by Benny Blaq and Komplex. List opens at 6:15. Suggested donation of $10. It is located at 14th & V Sts. in NW DC.





On behalf of HSA, we would like to thank everyone for your continued generosity and support. Without you, this effort would not be nearly as successful as it could be.

Want To Get Involved?

Here is a list compiled by the Huffington Post with ways you can help.

The following number is for Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti: 1-888-407-4747
Monetary donations through one of the following organizations is best for right now.

•The American Red Cross is pledging an initial $200,000 to assist communities impacted by this earthquake. They expect to provide immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support. They are accepting donations through their International Response Fund. American Red Cross

•UNICEF has issued a statement that "Children are always the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster, and UNICEF is there for them." UNICEF requests donations for relief for children in Haiti via their Haiti Earthquake Fund. You can also call 1-800-4UNICEF. UNICEF

•Donate through Wyclef Jean's foundation, Yele Haiti. Text "Yele" to 501501 and $5 will be charged to your phone bill and given to relief projects through the organization.YELE

•Operation USA is appealing for donations of funds from the public and corporate donations in bulk of health care materials, water purification supplies and food supplements which it will ship to the region from its base in the Port of Los Angeles. Donate online at Operation USA , by phone at 1-800-678-7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232.

•Save The Children has launched an emergency relief effort for Haiti. Donate to their fund to provide medical attention and clean water to children and families. Save The Children

This list goes on and the rest can be found at the Huffington Post

L'Union fait la force

L'Union fait la force literally means "Strength Through Unity" and is the national motto of Haiti. Despite the negative view the world may have if Haiti, it has a culturally rich history and legacy. A few facts not portrayed in the media:

Haiti was the first post-colonial independent black-led nation in the world.

Haiti is the only nation in the world whose independence was gained as part of a successful slave rebellion.

Haiti is the only independent Francophone nation in Latin America. All the other French-speaking Latin American nations are overseas departments of France.

Haiti gained independence from France on 1st January 1804, when it was declared a Republic.

The highest point in Haiti is formed by Pic la Selle, at 2,680 meters. (pictured below)



The official languages of Haiti include French and Haitian Creole.

Haiti was once home to Katherine Dunham, one of the most successful dancers of the 20th century.

"Pearl of the Caribbean" is Haiti's nickname.

Citadelle Laferrière in northern Haiti is the largest fortress in the Western Hemisphere. (pictured below)


These are just a few of Haiti's rich contributions to the world. Despite the devastating effects of this earthquake, these accomplishments cannot and will not be forgotten.