Many years of political corruption and economic problems inside Haiti have created large and thriving Haitian diasporas around the world.
In a crisis like Jan. 12 earthquake, Haitian churches, community centers and radio stations become not only clearinghouses for news and information, but places to find others who know what you're going through; for some people their only connection to the community.
In this video, Ray Suarez visits a Haitian community in New York and the Radio Soleil D'Haiti, which is broadcasting a feed from its sister station in Port-au-Prince bringing information from the scene of the earthquake.
Quotes
"I should be honest and say the -- the Haitian community is still in shock, and I think that shock has interfered with the proper organization of the relief efforts." Ricot Dupuy, Radio Soleil D'Haiti
"Haiti has zero capacity to receive anything. I know -- and I'm very grateful, and I'm very grateful to everybody, and I know that people of goodwill, good intention, they want to contribute. They want to collaborate, send stuff to Haiti." Mathieu Eugene, first Haitian-born member elected to New York's City Council
Warm Up Questions
1. What happened in Haiti?
2. Why is it so hard to get information about what is happening in Haiti?
3. Can you name other recent natural disasters? What do they have in common?
Discussion Questions
1. Did you know there was such a large Haitian community in the United States? Does it surprise you?
2. Why do you think 2 of the largest communities are in New York and Florida? Can you think of a hypothesis for this?
3. What can you do to help the people of Haiti right now?
4. Do you think the United States has a responsibility to the people of Haiti? Why or why not?
5. Do some more research on the history of the United States and Haiti, how do your findings affect your opinion about role of the U.S. government in this relief effort?
Additional Resources
