23601: Minsky: NJ Haiti Partners in Americas Sunday event (Asbury Pk Press) (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: "tminsky@ix.netcom.com" <tminsky@ix.netcom.com>

[Partners of the Americas pairs US states with Latin American
and Caribbean countries helping to form links with volunteers on
grassroots level in various self-help projects.  NJ has been paired with
Haiti. This "chapter" has been around for decades and is based in
central NJ. For further info: 732-531-4783 or 732-542-3009.]



Published in the Asbury Park Press 10/25/04

A celebration of hope, Haiti

By KEITH BROWN
COASTAL MONMOUTH BUREAU

MIDDLETOWN -- Jean Vilard of Asbury Park surveyed the Navesink
Rooms at the Brookdale Community College Student Life Center
yesterday, and he saw hope.

It was in the eyes of the more than 100 people who came to the Haitian
Coumbite, a celebration of Haitian art, history and culture held at the
college.

"I'm surprised to see such a big outcome," said Vilard, 40, who hosts a
weekly Haitian radio show in Asbury Park. "It tells me there is hope."

The free two-hour event featured powerful spoken-word pieces written
by Haitian poets, Haitian-inspired sculpture and paintings, and native
fare. The celebration was topped by a 30-minute performance of three
folkloric dances by Mikerline, a New York-based Afro-Haitian dance
company.

"I think it showed the diversity that makes up Haitian culture," said
Susan Rosenberg, head of the sponsoring organization and an
organizer of the event.

The Coumbite -- a word coined in rural Haiti, meaning communal
assistance -- was sponsored by New Jersey/Haiti Partners of America,
part of the nationwide Partners of the Americas organization.

Based in Washington, D.C., the volunteer organization matches states
with 31 Latin American and Caribbean countries to promote
understanding through educational and assistance projects.

New Jersey/Haiti parters recently raised more than $2,000 for flood
relief in the island nation, said Rosenberg, New Jersey/Haiti Partners
president and a library faculty member at Brookdale. The organization
also collected other survival items like clothing, canned foods and
toiletries, she said.

 It's been 200 years since Haiti became the first black independent
republic after revolting against the French in 1804, said keynote
speaker Carol Barotte Joseph, dean of academic affairs at Dutchess
Community College in New York.

Today, Haiti -- the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere -- still is
struggling with political instability and basic human rights, Joseph
said.

"The paradox of 1804 is its triumph over oppression but its failure to
transcend tyranny," she said.

But Carol Wilson of Highland Park said she holds out hope for Haiti.

"They're in awful turmoil down there," Wilson said. "But the Haitian
people don't give up -- they hang right in there."

Neptune resident Edwill Etielle, a native Haitian who left the island 36
years ago, said while he may be removed from Haiti by thousands of
miles, he cannot separate himself from his roots.

"We have to have hope," said Etielle, 60. "If there is no hope, then that's
it for all of us."

Keith Brown: (732) 643-4076 or kbrown@app.com

http://www.app.com/app/story/0,21625,1090454,00.html

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