Notes on Haiti: A Guide to #FreeHaiti
Until We’re All Free
Words by Felton Edward Kizer
Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “No one is free until we are all free.” That simple yet profound statement has been etched into my brain these past six months. Now, I do not consider myself an #Activist, nor would I parade myself as a #goodperson; I’m a human trying to figure out how to live in relative harmony. I’m not here to convince, convert, or educate anyone. There are many brilliant scholars and educators to whom I reference; follow them, not me. I am a Coffee Roaster, a Photographer, an older brother, and a part-time community member. If you need help, I will do my best to assist you. If you’re lost, I will pull out Google Maps and lead you in the right direction.
Growing up, I was the scholarship kid–every musical theater class, voice lesson, ceramics class, and even yearbook camp (yes, this is real). I was always just ‘grateful to be there,’ I was excited and never took anything for granted. People didn’t have to donate their money for some random kid to partake in things that many folks would say I didn’t have a reason to be there–but I was. I was the first to arrive and the last to leave. Some strangers’ guilt or compassion allowed me to have a safe space–EVERYONE DESERVES A SAFE SPACE. And the people of Haiti, Gaza, Sudan, and Congo’s spaces are far from safe—meanwhile, we are witnessing genocide and ethnic cleansing via our phones in the comfort of our homes. It’s difficult not to feel shame or disassociate, but I truly believe we all have jobs during the revolution. What’s yours?
There’s a lot of real-time information and wonderful coverage of local and global atrocities worldwide. Al Jazeera and Slow Factory are my go-to sources, and while much of this feels new, it’s not. I wanted to generate a list of resources (a prerequisite) to understand how deep and complicit we’ve been. I also believe that when you know better, you do better. So, we cannot be free until we all do better.
How the World Came to Save Haiti and Left Behind a Disaster by Jonathan M. Katz
This book scrutinizes the international response to the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. It reveals how the aid efforts led to unintended consequences and a long-term disaster, underscoring the complexity of humanitarian intervention.
The Black Jacobins by C.L.R James
This is a seminal account of the Haitian Revolution. It illustrates the dramatic rise and fall of the first successful slave rebellion, which led to Haiti's independence, and highlights Toussaint L'Ouverture's leadership.
Brother, I’m Dying by Edwidge Danticat
Danticat's heartfelt memoir intertwines her story with that of her father and uncle against political turmoil in Haiti and the United States, revealing the bonds of family and the immigrant experience.
The Uses of Haiti by Paul Farmer
Farmer exposes the exploitation and misrepresentation of Haiti by foreign powers and the impact of external economic policies, advocating for a new perspective on Haitian history and development.
Aid State by Jake Johnston
This analysis delves into the complexities and challenges of foreign aid in Haiti, questioning its effectiveness and the dynamics of dependency it creates. It offers insights into the broader implications of international assistance.
Another Vision: Inside Haiti's Uprising
This documentary provides an intimate look at the grassroots political movements within Haiti, capturing the voices and experiences of those fighting for social justice and systemic change in the face of political oppression.
Support and amplify the organizations working to build a better future for Haiti's people.
Habitat for Humanity Haiti focuses on providing housing, emergency shelter kits, and technical expertise in housing for vulnerable communities.
Hope for Haiti emphasizes education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, as well as the distribution of water-filtration systems and medical supplies.
Haiti Development Institute (HDI) works on building effective leaders and organizations, administering grants, and promoting community engagement.
Ayiti Community Trust (ACT) is a community foundation supporting local Haitian-led relief efforts.
Family Action Network Movement (FANM) serves the needs of low-income families and collects monetary donations for those in need in Haiti (National Christian Foundation).
Grown in Haiti spearheads sustainable, community-based reforestation efforts to combat deforestation linked to local poverty (Haiti Development Institute).
Haiti Communitere provides resources and support to small local and international organizations, enabling grassroots projects.
Haiti Ocean Project is focused on preserving and protecting marine life and educating communities on the importance of sustainable fishing and marine preservation.