Haiti Disaster - The Day the Earth Stood Still

What do we tell a country that has seen many years of pain, corruption, poverty and despair before disaster struck on Tuesday, Jan 12th interrupting the lives of 3 million plus? No one or country can ever prepare for a time such as this... being buried alive, suffering under rubble because your country cannot afford the proper tools to remove you, fear because you cannot locate your family members, anger and frustration because you cannot get help for the loved one who is bleeding in your arms nor a hug of comfort from someone who can help because everyone around you is in need. Chaos... It is only by grace and mercy that there are survivors who will have to relive this experience forever.

We can relate, the earth stood still on September 11th when we watched planes crash into the World Trade Center. Panic, fear and confusion paralyzed New York and beyond, voices of “help” were heard under the remains of the twin towers at Ground Zero and the earth was quiet as families unsuccessfully tried to reach loved ones. The earth stood still in August of 2005 when we watched New Orleans residents floating on couches as the city as they knew it was flooded; children were abandoned by their parents, elderly were too proud to leave their homes, dead bodies floated along the French Quarter. How did we survive those tragedies? We asked ourselves a very humane question, “What can I do?”

As celebrities such as Wyclef Jean, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and more use their influence and resources to make their way to Haiti via Santo Domingo to bring relief. "Common folk" around the world, who also asked themselves that basic question, are blasting text messages asking everyone to donate $5 via text and serving as virtual Haiti ambassadors via Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets to get help. Gandhi’s message of human service: “Be the change you want to see in the world” is our saving grace. The global community is sympathizing and mobilizing to bring comfort, food and hope during this "hellish hour" to our brothers and sisters of Haiti who need us.

In the spirit of Martin Luther King's dream of collaboration, many local Boston minority organizations are coming together this weekend to organize drop off locations for donations, donate club/event proceeds to Haiti Relief funds, create Haiti Relief benefits to bring together local politicians, community leaders, influencers, musicians and community organizations to spread awareness, attention and hope to the Haitian community.

One such event will be held this Saturday at Hibernian Hall in Roxbury from 10-6pm and will include 50 minority organizations: Young Black Women's Society, Urban League of Eastern Mass, Think Politics, Bay State Banner, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Downtime, Nexus Alliance, NAACP Boston Branch and more are gathering to collect donations. I will Live United this weekend by being at this event and encouraging my friends and family to attend. I encourage everyone to get involved and give what you can to help a country who is in despair. If your business, non profit or family can use this weekend to dedicate your time to relief for Haiti, you will have done your part Living United. 

God Bless Haiti with Love and Peace- Alicia Canady