strategist@afripol.org www.afripol.org
It has been a while since the devastating earthquake disembarked the nation of Haiti and its people. As the pictures of the destruction rolled on television, it was difficult to look on the television screen twice. The earthquake absolutely wrecked the nation, many people lost their lives including children and properties were damaged. People were trapped under the fallen buildings and structures. The big dilemma was how to help the people of Haiti because all the already inferior infrastructures were now completely demolished. To make matter worse Haiti is a very poor country without set aside reserve and the nation is the poorest country in western hemisphere.
Houston like many other cities rose to the challenge to aid Haiti. The Houstonians took it personally as if the earthquake happened in our city or the next town. It was amazing to see the respond of Houston. It was everywhere, the local radio and television stations were letting people know where they can go to contribute money and materials for Haiti.
The churches and civic organizations were not left behind. Most churches in Houston were gathering materials and money together with their prayers for the people of Haiti. The civic organizations including Red Cross geared up the campaign for donations. Almost everybody were discussing about Haiti and the impact of the earthquake and brainstorming on how to help.
In my own church, Chapel of Restoration under the leadership of my pastor Dr. Simeon Agbolabori the church congregation made contributions that was taken to Red Cross for Haiti’s relief.
The local members of Rotary club of Houston were visiting Haiti on their planned charity work and they were trapped in the earthquake that occurred while they were in Haiti. They finally made it home to Houston but never gave up on their works. Instead they planned and strategized on the relief and continued with their good efforts. That’s the spirit of Houston! The spirit of giving, hope and steadfast! The local Haitians community, friends and well-wishers gathered at Multi-cultural Association center in southwest Houston where they waited for news from their homeland. They proceeded with relief effort, simultaneously collecting money and materials for Haiti. Houstonians fingerprints were all over the place in Haiti’s relief. It was reported on the local news that there were Houstonian volunteer builders heading to Haiti to help in its rebuilding of the devastating nation. Even the Houston local entertainment industry was not wanting. A rapper by name Bun B from Houston organized his own form of “We are the World” for Haiti which he called “Houston For Haiti” by gathering musicians and rappers for a concert to benefit the devastated land. Even Houston’s Beyonce did some singing with other musical stars for Haiti on the national television. President George Bush is part of the on going presidential effort in the campaign to raise money and awareness for the rebuilding of Haiti. Houstonians effort on Haiti shows our big heart and what the people of Houston are made up of. Houstonians are simply good neighbor in the global village and in our shrinking world. It was a great effort in the bayou city and its worth acknowledging especially the sum total effort of city of Houston and its habitants. Thank you Houston!Emeka Chiakwelu is the Principal Policy Strategist at Afripol Organization. Africa Political and Economic Strategic Center (Afripol) is foremost a public policy center whose fundamental objective is to broaden the parameters of public policy debates in Africa. To advocate, promote and encourage free enterprise, democracy, sustainable green environment, human rights, conflict resolutions, transparency and probity in Africa. info@afripol.org