As I think about the devastation in Haiti, I realize that I have more attachments there than I thought. In the beginning of my dance career I have worked with several Haitian dance companies and teachers, who have instilled in me, the rich traditions of their culture through dance. The unselfish sharing of this history, folklore, and religion, has left an indelible mark in my experience as a dancer. My Christian African-American parents were leery of the learning of Haitian Vodoun Loas (Gods). The chanting of songs and prayers in Patois/Creole, exclaiming incantations of worlds and words unknown, were frightening yet empowering to me. Endless nights of study in the Haitian inspired Katherine Dunham technique at Ailey’s, resulted in a cult following of strength training like nothing I have ever come to know. What can I do besides weep in front of the television as I watch the earthquake devastation, and console Haitian friends in search of their loved ones? Starting small, I contributed a solo dance project to The Misako Ballet Dance Company program this past weekend at the Howard County Center for the Arts- Black Box Theater, who in their own efforts to support Doctors Without Borders, agreed to match all funds collected that evening …….Aye Bo Bo! (Performance video tba on RBE video page)
However, as we celebrate our first days of Black History Month, I abhor the behavior of several “missionary” groupings and individuals in the rescue efforts of the Haitian children. As reported, amongst all the ground confusion, many groups and individuals have offered rescue services to the many orphaned children of Haiti. Pre-approved parents have concerns about the welfare of their soon-to- be sons and daughters, and converged upon the defunct government office in securing their potential families. This mass exodus has only fueled good intended evil in opportunities of child trafficking, kidnapping and 21st century slavery. Recall if you will the entanglement of the Haitian people in the Louisiana Purchase. The first nation of African descendants to organize a slave revolt freeing its people, at a cost placing Haiti’s lower class in continued abject poverty. I am ashamed and embarrassed by present day Americans who sing “Kumbaya” (a Gullah Island spiritual), while resurrecting characteristics of their ancestors by illegally stealing Haitian children for “commodity adoption” here in the states. “What a difference a day makes” as relief efforts in Haiti could potentially repeat historical slavery in modern America.
Wake up people! As you extend yourself to present day humanitarian causes, know the history of your ancestry and make conscious efforts not to perpetuate their atrocities, by thwarting the culture of another.
There are no responses yet