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Pour le Pays, The excerpt above is from the national anthem of Haiti titled "La Dessalinienne" - "Dessalines Song". Over two hundred years prior to the earthquake in January 2010, the country had a completely different set of challenges to overcome. As a nation ruled by the French, the citizens of Haiti wanted to break free from control and become a self-governing nation. On January 1, 1804, the Haitian people, mainly former slaves, made history by claiming victory over Napoleon's army and becoming the first independent black nation of the new world. Their actions set precedence for events which would occur as the world evolved. If we possessed the ability to travel into the future, Haiti will provide inspiration for many oppressed nations around the world. Haiti will be considered the prototype of self determination; the example of how to succeed under less than favorable circumstances and rise higher than imagined possible. Catastrophe struck the nation of Haiti on January 12, 2010. Scientifically classified as an earthquake, the residents, global aid workers, and others interpreted it as the end of the world. Already without too many resources, proper living conditions, the citizen's despair was overwhelming. News reports of men, women, and children dashing through the streets, scattering in groups among collapsed buildings and dilapidated homes and businesses became rampant. As the remainder of the world looked on in fright, it was difficult to understand a fraction of the terror those in Haiti were feeling. The immediate aftermath wore off and those minutes of terror turned into hours, then into long days. Day after day, countless numbers of people searched for victims, whether they were beloved family members or co-workers. By the grace of God though, miracles did happen! Only hours after the initial quake, people were being pulled from the rubble by fellow Haitians. In a land where the infrastructure is un-equipped to provide emergency plans and provide immediate assistance to their people, help was not coming fast enough. Those outside services providing help were unable to get through the chaos and massive concrete blocks strewn along the narrow streets. Yet true to the meaning of "Dessalines Song", courageous Haitians hurled pieces of rubble with their bare hands to obtain one or two people at a time crying out from under. As those initial days developed into weeks, stories of these rescues kept coming. Considered by many to be the global equivalent of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, too many comparisons can be made to people having their whole worlds turned upside down mere moments after a natural disaster. Amidst all of the turmoil, pain, and struggle in the country, people find a way to overcome. Even on February 8, a man was rescued from the rubble. Although he was malnourished and dehydrated, his spirits were high. The fact is his life was not destined to end there. These stories make me extremely thankful for all the miracles that happened day after day.  My experience with Haiti stems back years ago, when things seemed simpler. I have travelled to Port-Au-Prince, a total of three times. Having many family members still in Haiti, I had the incredible opportunity to visit with my parents and older sister. My last visit to Haiti was a few years ago. Upon arriving, I was mesmerized by the vista outside my airplane window. The perimeter is of mountain ranges unfortunately eroded and patches of lush greenery from few tropical gardens. After touching down at Port-au-Prince airport, the sun greeted us by shining the rays on our skin while we deboarded. Going into the capital, all that can be witnessed are large crowds of people around you. Multiple cars and pedestrians walking alongside the road, whether they be families, women carrying groceries, or children frolicking side to side coming back from afternoon classes. The country of Haiti is such a vibrant nation; the word neutral is nowhere in its vocabulary. Blossoming from Haiti is the most dazzling display of colors ever seen. A multitude of the houses along the mountainside are of stucco in different pastels. One of the most popular street sales come from artwork. The subjects depicted in art can range from streetscapes and scenes of villages on the oceanfront to single portraits of people. Bringing out the excitement of each painting is the palette of high sensory colors such as electric blue and fire red. Every color of the rainbow is featured in many of the pictures and accurately expresses the joy and flavor of the Haitian community. Not only does art impact the life of Haiti, but also their cuisine and music. Delicacies and ingredients featured in Haitian food are rice and beans, tender cuts of pork fried called griots, conch meat, and pumpkin soup. For the sweet tooth "pain patate", coconut candy. The aroma of these dishes are so rich and intense, you can already sense a second or third plate. One piece of advice, to start off the morning, one cup of delicious coffee from Haitian ground coffee beans will keep you alert for the entire day. Music varieties stem from the typical meringue. Sharing an island with the Dominican Republic, one would presume that the musical beats traveled lines and infected the whole island with hot beats and intricate dance moves. Generally, the beats of Haitian music are inspired by the Cuban, Latin, and African cultures. Haitian bands are usually accompanied by drums, cha chas, guitars, and saxophones and deep rhythmic soul. Subject matters of what Haitians chant about usually regard the celebrations and tribulations of everyday life, psalms and other religious passages. Amid many of the news reports coming out of Haiti, people can be seen chanting together in unison. The locations vary from parks to make-shift camps; each one singing their praise to God for seeing them through and knowing that He will not forsake them. We can seek inspiration from Haitians and their unwavering belief that Haiti will come through this situation like countless others in the past. In my own life, I encounter daily struggles with school, work, and dwell on petty thoughts about things like working out and other failings. The typical problems we face day to day pale in comparison to the overwhelming hardships the country of Haiti has had to face year after year. Being upset over a deleted file from a hard drive to rising an hour earlier for an activity is so trivial compared to what Haitians recognize as problems. Right now, having been ripped from shelter laden with wounds, not truly knowing where another drink or meal is coming from are their everyday problems. As a Haitian-American myself, I can only look in awe at the determination of fellow Haitians reaching out to each other. Resulting from each rescue, each group shouting in joy, there are glimmers of hope. Combined with hard work, sweat, and tears, instantaneous moments of joy will help rebuild the country to the strongest it's ever been! As depicted in the anthem of Haiti, Du sol soyons seuls maîtres. (Let us be the masters of our soil.) Haitians are never quitters and although it may seem they have been affected by this battle, they will win the war! Those feelings of despair will be removed alongside the rubble and a clean start will appear. With a clean slate, the possibilities are endless and Haiti will be the same warrior nation as it was during its independence in 1804! "L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE!" This article is written by David Charles. I am Haitian-American currently residing in St. Louis, Missouri. I am currently attending Washington University in St. Louis in hopes of obtaining a Master's of Architecture. I am a 2007 graduate of the University of Kansas where I earned a degree in Architecture Studies with a minor in French. All photos featured have been taken by David Charles. |
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