NEWYORK FEB. 8 TO FEB. 28, 2010
"Haiti We Love You" Solidarity and Prayer March Held
Photos by Donna Lamb
By Donna Lamb A group of very hearty souls braved the brutal cold for a "Haiti We Love You" solidarity and prayer march from Rogers and Church Aves. to Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn. Sponsored by the West Indian-American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), participants were greeted warmly by the organization's chair, Yolanda Lezama-Clark. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz was also on hand to help kick off the march. Among those leading the march behind a large banner reading "The House of the Lord Church Supports Help, Hope and Healing for the Nation of Haiti," were the church's National Minister Rev. Herbert Daughtry, Yolanda Lezama-Clark, Assemblywoman Inez Barron, Council Member Charles Barron and Community Service Society Project Dir. Hazel Beckles Young Lao, whose idea it was to hold the march. As the marchers moved along briskly chanting, "Haiti will rise again!" many observers stopped in their tracks to watch, some thrusting their fists in the air and enthusiastically joining in the chant. Inside the Medgar Evers College gym where the march concluded, several speakers addressed the participants, including MEC President Dr. William Pollard, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Council Member Mathieu Eugene. Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, Council Member Barron and Rev. Daughtry brought the crowd to its feet as they highlighted Haiti's proud history as the first nation in the New World to throw off the shackles of chattel slavery and emphasized the fact that no one had better right of Haiti's future. There were also many organizations present offering useful information regarding such things as contributing to the relief effort, applying for Temporary Protected Status, and receiving grief counseling.
"Haiti We Love You" solidarity and prayer march along Rogers Ave.
Leading final chants from Medgar Evers College steps FEB. 8 TO FEB. 28, 2010
Marcher proudly displays sign declaring, "Haiti you will return to your pride and glory
Exclusive Interview
Dr. Cornel West A Soldier in the Battle Against Racial Injustice By Kam Williams One of America's most provocative public intellectuals, Dr. Cornel Ronald West has been a champion for racial justice since childhood. His writing, speaking, and teaching weave together the traditions of the black Baptist Church, progressive politics, and jazz. Though currently the Class of 1943 Professor at Princeton University,
Dr. West first burst onto the national scene in 1993 upon the publication of his best seller, Race Matters, a searing analysis of racism in American democracy. In his long-awaited autobiography, BROTHER WEST: Living and Loving Out Loud, he now offers a compelling exploration of his heart behind the human mind. Here, he answers questions from readers and talks about the book
NEWYORKTREND
which explores such themes as Faith, Family, Philosophy, Love and Service. Kam Williams: Hi, Dr. West, nice speaking with you again. I loved your autobiography. But do you know how hard it was for me to track you down for another interview? Cornell West: I appreciate your deep loyalty and commitment. KW: Why did you decide to write your memoirs? CW: Tavis Smiley, my dear brother, raised the question of my writing one when the prostate cancer hit 8 years ago. I thought and thought about it and decided maybe I could tell my story to help somebody, so they could see how the power of love and education in my life had transformed me from a gangster with raw rage. KW: Where did that thug you refer to
in the book as “Little Ronnie� come from, and how did you get past that phase?
Dr. Cornel Ronald West
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8