What is this Haiti I am helping?
Reading the reports about the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti—the natural disaster that killed more than 200,000 people in 45 seconds—can be shocking, compelling, and heartbreaking. It has certainly inspired an outpouring of generous support from businesses who are now donating money, volunteers who are donating time, and even bands that are donating proceeds from their shows to help Haiti.
But Haiti’s history extends much farther than the news that hit recent headlines.
On behalf of Boston University’s Haitian Cultural Association, and with the support of BU’s Howard Thurman Center and several co-sponsoring offices, a team of BU students have united to host an event that’s an introduction to and celebration of Haitian culture. This Sunday from 1PM- 6PM Kampe Ave’m: Boston Stands With Haiti, as the event is titled, will fill BU’s George Sherman Union with Haitian artifacts, Haitian food, Haitian music, even the chance to learn Creole while it illuminates the importance of first understanding Haiti, in order to really help the country rebuild.
Photo Cred: Matt Richter, COM ’11
Figuring out the floor plan. The event, with an expected attendance of 5,000 people started out as a 10-student production.
With an interactive museum exhibit to walk through Haiti’s history, a panel of speakers to explain what the earthquake means for Haiti’s future, and performances from over 20 student groups, including a Haitian orchestra, the event has attracted the talent and energy of student groups, musicians, and professors, who have likely never collaborated before to benefit guests who have likely never seen what Haiti was really like before.
Along with raising money for Partners in Health, a nonprofit organization who’s been working in Haiti for the past 20 years, the event aims to raise awareness for a more long-term commitment to helping Haiti, said Santiago Gomez, one of the student organizers.
A fashion show called Haute for Haiti will debut pieces inspired by Haitian culture from student designer Kat Schamens, who has created a line of clothing inspired by Haiti’s vibrant Karnaval festival. Two BU student designers, Emily Gasda and Cassie Loscin are also donating pieces, along with Betsey Johnson. Toms shoes, a company committed to giving to charity by donating a pair of shoes to a child who needs them for every pair of shoes they sell, is donating shoes for the models.
Photo Cred: Matt Richter, COM ’11
After seeing what Haiti was like before and after the earthquake, guests, including Massachusetts’ Governor Deval Patrick and Boston’s Mayor Thomas Menino, can decide how they would like to help: There will be a silent auction with donations from David Yurman, the Red Sox, and even paintings by students in BU’s College of Fine Arts. There will also be a place to buy a square of a quilt to decorate that will become a part of the large quilt: BU <3’s Haiti that will be sent to Haiti along with the money raised for Partners in Health.
All money raised will be matched up to $25,000 by an anonymous donor and all performances, speakers, and displays of Haitian culture will be documented by film majors in BU’s College of Communication who are collaborating to publish a documentary of the event, which will actually make it unforgettable.
