Kerry: "Haiti's recovery must belong to the Haitian people"

U.S. Senator John Kerry (D-MA) made an opening statement this morning at a Congressional hearing held to discuss the U.S. response to the earthquake in Haiti. Included in his remarks: "Haiti's recovery must belong to the Haitian people. They may need our help today, but they must be empowered to build their own future down the road." To view a video of the proceedings- including testimony from Dr.

Activists, academics urge Congress to shift focus to relief aid, away from military

In a letter organized by the TransAfrica Forum and sent to members of Congress today, activists and academic leaders are urging the U.S. to de-emphasize the military's role in the response to the Jan. 12 earthquake and to shift focus to improving the relief efforts on the ground. The letter notes that "an over-emphasis on security has meant costly delays in distributing aid that have cost lives and led to otherwise unnecessary amputations in some cases."

Poll: Two-thirds of Haitian-Americans willing to return to Haiti to help

A poll sponsored by New American Media and released today gives new insight into just how deeply the American Dyaspora has been affected by the Jan. 12 earthquake.The poll, conducted last week in both English and Kreyol, suggests that "three out of five respondents said they had lost some of their 'loved ones.' Two-thirds felt the situation in their country was so dire they were willing to move back to Haiti for a period of time to help with the reconstruction.

Plymouth boy writes about the loss of family members

The Patriot Ledger has published an article today by a nine year-old Plymouth boy who lost members of his family in the Jan. 12 earthquake.

Boston Haitian doctor honored with prestigious award

Dr. Michele DavidBoston resident Michele David, MD, MPH, MBA, FACP, an immigrant from Haiti, has received the 2010 William A. Hinton Award.
David was selected by Public Health Commissioner Dr. John Auerbach in recognition of her many years of activism, commitment to public health and tireless work to educate others in order that they may better understand, promote and support efforts to eliminate health inequities. David is an assistant professor of medicine at the Boston University School of Medicine, director of community health programs at Boston University Center of Excellence in Women's Health and co-director of the Boston Medical Center Haitian Health Institute.

Radio station WFNX is hosting a live telethon for Haiti relief

WFNX will broadcast a telethon to benefit Partners in Health's efforts in Haiti tomorrow morning. Full details are here.

Farmer, PIH: Aide for Haiti must be rooted in respect for 'what Haitian people want for themselves'

Dr. Paul Farmer, along with colleagues from Partners in Health, authored an op-ed in today's Miami Herald that is a must-read. He says, in part:

SEIU 1199 donates $1 million to UNICEF's efforts in Haiti

1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East - whose Boston local has already distinguished itself by hosting a relief center for Boston-area Haitians - is stepping up yet again for the Haitian cause. SEIU, the largest healthcare workers union in the country - announced today that it is donating $1 million to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF for earthquake relief and recovery efforts in Haiti.

Salsa for Haiti: Multicultural coalition plans benefit in South End

A multicultural coalition of Latino organizations has pulled together a special Salsa for Haiti event for this Saturday, Jan. 30 at the Villa Victoria Center for the Arts in Boston's South End. Here are the details:

New Yorker: Edwidge Danticat on the loss of her cousin

Don't miss Edwidge Danticat's article in the new edition of the New Yorker magazine entitled "A Little While." The award-winning Haitian-American author recounts the life and death of her cousin Maxo.

Boston Haitian Reporter