I recently read an extremely noteworthy article via The Root about Haitians from the Diapora returing to their home land post earthquake to not only continue to rebuild Haiti, but also re-connect to their culture. Diasaster Brings Haitian Americans Back Home two young Haitian-Americans Samuel Darguin and Fabrice Armand, talk about their efforts in Haiti and how they plan to continue their work. Here are some key points that really stood out:

“For our parents’ generation, Haiti is the place they were forced to flee from in search of a better life. So for [many of Haitian descent], visiting Haiti was often discouraged because it was the land their parents had left behind. Yes, Haiti is a difficult place for some,” he points out, “and the luxuries of the West aren’t always available here. But Haiti is ours, and if we don’t take care of our inheritance, who will?” (Samuel Darguin)

Read in it’s entirety HERE. It’s and article that ALL Caribbeans in the diaspora should read and be inspired by to help those in your home land. It’s more than just embracing the culture abroad but reaching back to invest and help our own.

Tweet This Post

Haiti is still dealing with the devastation they suffered from the Earthquake in January 2010. The country has a new president and is seeking ways to rebuild, not only the infrastructure, but the economy as well. The CEO of Macy’s Terry Lundgren recently visited the country to meet with artisans as way to increase product exports in the form of artisan crafts.

The aim of the day trip was to explore business opportunities, promote foreign investment and even renew purchase orders for the metal and papier-mache handicrafts for which the Caribbean nation has long been known.

Stewart and fashion designer Rachel Roy came to Haiti at the invitation of Macy’s Chairman and CEO Terry Lundgren to meet with Haitian artisans and see the crafts they have been making and selling in 25 of his stores in the United States since October.

“I wanted them to see, like I’m seeing firsthand, the beautiful products that are being made here,” Lundgren said as workers clanked away on metal sculptures in the courtyard of a studio on the northeastern edge of Port-au-Prince.

On Wednesday, Macy’s placed a new order for 2,500 items. Stewart, who visited Haiti in the 1970s and ’80s, and Roy bought beaded and sequined bags, cushion covers, bracelets, earrings and quilts.

The genesis of the artisan project goes back to May of last year when the Clinton Foundation gathered investors, aid workers and artisans in New York to figure out ways to connect Haiti with international retailers.

Macy’s, Fairwinds Trading and the BrandAid Foundation developed a plan for Macy’s to commission Haitian handicrafts, which the retailer began selling in its stores and online in time for last year’s Christmas season.

On macys.com, prices for the Haitian items range from a vase that costs $54 to a large bowl that sells for $120. Paintings of Haiti’s marketplaces are also on sale at $109.

“We sold out and sold well,” Lundgren told journalists as he paused among tables topped with salad bowls, jewelry, patchwork quilts and chairs made of recycled metal. (Continue Reading)

I think this is a great initiative! To contibute check out Macy.com to and check out some the items like this Vase or Wooden Serving Spoons you can purchase. The more orders, the more they will continue to buy.

Tweet This Post

Actor Sean Penn and Hip-Hop Artist Wyclef Jean, both Haiti advocates, had a war of words for each other publicly, but recently made up at a T-Vice concert in New York City.  The fued all started when Wyclef wanted to run for President of Haiti and Sean Penn made allegations and discredited his candidacy all while claiming to not know anything about Wyclef nor his intentions. Wyclef responds back implying that Sean Penn was a cocaine user in live performance of “If I Were President”

The two are seen on stage with T-Vice endorsing and appeared to be a united front in their fight for Haiti.

Take a look a what started the fued in the first place.

Tweet This Post

According to MSNBC, actor John Travolta flew his personal plane carrying four tons of relief supplies and a team including doctors and Scientology ministers.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Tweet This Post