Blow Out Benefit from El Barrio for the People of Haiti
By Robert Waddell, January 23, 2010
With the devastating and heartbreaking images reminiscent of September 11th and the awe inspiring rage of Hurricane Katrina, the Haitian cries of horror have shaken the world. An outpouring of sympathy and support have come to aid the poorest nation in the Caribbean.
Yet still with images of death and morbidity that can only be described as nature's cruel anarchy, New York Latinos continue to donate their money and their support to the people of Haiti. For some reason just sending money, which is needed for food, water and medical supplies, doesn't feel proportion to the epic size of the natural disaster.
However, in New York, Sindy Vega, East Harlem resident, created "Love for Haiti From El Barrio,” which will be held on Saturday January 30th at Camaradas, 115th Street and 1st Avenue, 6 p.m. for a $5 donation. The event will feature poets, DJs, a raffle and an opportunity for a community to come together to support the Haitian relief effort.
"I couldn't believe what was going on,” said Vega. "This was my chance to help and collect money for the Red Cross….and help out people who really, really need it.”
What is gutsy about Vega's benefit is that she has never before organized an event of this kind. She has aspirations of one day becoming a social worker and as a Barrio resident she sees the growing gentrification around her, which has spurred her on to take action. Vega is young, intelligent and imaginative and wants to help build community.
"I've been thinking about volunteer work for a long time,” said Vega. "When this happened I realized I can volunteer my time and put this fundraiser together.”
"Love for Haiti from El Barrio” features poets like Dr. Sheila Candelario, Daphnie Sicre, Cindy Sugarush, Yenny Love and an open mic and with DJs G-Bo the Pro, Ron Zilla and Mellow G. To date, in raffle at the event, the East Harlem Café has donated a $15 gift certificate and La Fonda Boricua has contributed dinner for two. The after party will feature Yerbabuena performing at 10 pm that evening.
"In a time of need, we're all the same people, the same family,” said Michelle Cruz of the East Harlem Café. "And it's extremely important to help each other out.”
Vega likes the idea of staying in the background even though she's new to organizing and planning events. Her biggest challenges have included finding performers, selecting a date and getting the word out. Vega's biggest fear is "what if no one comes?,” she said.
"We're all Caribbean and Haiti has been having problems for a long time,” said Roberto Ayala co-founder of La Fonda Boricua. "You can't be the most powerful nation in the world and have a neighbor who is starving to death. It doesn't look good. This is a wake up call.”
Vega is not the only New York Latina who shows her commitment for the cause of Haiti.
Nessa F. Rodriguez, who went to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, waits to go to Haiti.
"I felt that was the best way for me to help. There are times when you donate money…Going out and doing relief was my direct donation and it was an amazing experience.”
As soon as volunteers are allowed into Haiti, Rodriguez, who works at the Hunter College bookstore, is ready to leave for the devastated areas.
"It's important for me to go because the people of Haiti lost everything they have or had in an instant,” said Rodriguez. "I know how fulfilling it is to do relief work so I'm looking to have that experience again….Doing relief work is a source of hope for the volunteer and for the victim. Relief work shows how much love is actually in the world.”
Vega sees the collective power and energy in showing love and contributing at her Haitian relief fundraising event. Some what apprehensive because she's new to organizing, not personally acquainted with many artists and not being an artist herself, Vega pushes forward with her commitment and dedication. While Haiti is an international problem, Vega sees that all suffering around the world can be alleviated and her newness to this kind of undertaking does not deter her from reaching out to others and helping.
"It happened to bring everyone together,” said Vega. "It's a tragedy and it's very unfortunate…everyone is coming out to help the people in Haiti….Getting all these artists together, we're all coming together to bring more people together to raise enough money to send out to help.”
This story was developed through the Education Beat Writing Fellowship at the New York Community Alliance. |
