I just gathered together some links to make sense of the disaster in Haiti. I wanted to dig a little deeper about the people who live and love in Haiti. Haiti is the First Black Republic in the Western Hemisphere as a result of the Haitian Revolution a slave revolt, led by Toussaint L’Ouverture. I wanted to humanise the people for myself and for people interested in art and culture too. Haiti’s debts started when they had to buy their freedom from France to compensate the slave owners for the loss of income. Here are some links I found.
Art
- Ghetto Biennale is an exhibition in Port au Prince, challenging art hierarchy and discourse and critiquing globalisation.
- WomenArts is a resource focussing on female artists in Haiti and includes books about Haiti.
Film
- Interview with Haitian filmmakers Michele Stephenson and Guetty Felin who put together a film festival about Haitian film heritage.
- Haitian Film School where the students are providing up to the minute footage as long as they are able about the earthquake.
- Haitian Movie database which lists Haitian filmmakers. I am not sure how often it is updated.
- Cousines a feature film made by one of the more mainstream Haitian filmmakers, Richard Senecal
- Of Men and Gods a documentary by Anne Lescot and Laurence Magloire, explores LGBT life in Haiti and it’s relationship to voodoo.
Donations
- Yele a foundation started by Haitian-American musician Wyclef Jean.
- The Foundry who has a history of working with Haitian artists has set up a donation which goes directly to people in Port au Prince.
- Madre has worked tirelessly in Haiti since the 80′s.
Analysis
- Port-au-Prince before the earthquake, described by Haitian writers and visitors to the island.
- Naomi Klein itemises very clearly what the USA can do now for Haiti.
- Carl Lindskoog explains how the USA contributed to the corruption and severe economic status in Haiti.
LGBT
- Haitian Gays and Lesbians Alliance Inc. is the first leading community based organization which supports Haitian, born or identified, LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transsexual) people.
- International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission’s response to the Haitian earthquake.
- Homosexual activity between consenting adults in private has been legal since 1986. Haitian Lesbians : Loud & Proud describes the life of diaspora Haitian lesbians and bisexual women.
