We humans often forget that it takes time for a region to recuperate from a traumatic event, especially when disaster occurs far from our doors. Earthquakes and hurricanes can be disastrous geological and climatic events that transform a lush, green, countryside into a mud covered wasteland. They can split apart both families and buildings with ease. When that does happen, hope seems like a shadow of joy. Loss and destruction lingers for years. Time heals somewhat. Realization that help is ongoing and that others elsewhere care about more longitudinal support other than "the short term effort" offers comfort.
Mentored by humanitarian, scholar, educator Dr. Estralita Martin https://sciences.sdsu.edu/profile/estralita-martin/, the Black Student Science Organization at San Diego State University in February 2019 continued a long term commitment of partnership with Hope For Haiti as a way to show its solidarity with and appreciation of Haitian resilience.
Dr. Estralita Martin
2019 is the San Diego State University's Black Science Student Organization's ten year benefit/celebration of Haitian determination and achievement, though arduous at best, like so many other regions of the world at the mercy of geological and climatic catastrophe.
Students, faculty, community activists, philanthropists, performers, and humanitarians filled Conrad Presby's Aztec Student Union. Amateur and professional performers donated their time and talent to the fundraiser. Victoria Davis and Taylelor Roberson were welcoming, entertaining masters of ceremony.
Performers included vocalist Imani Sumter, Rapper D. Sel, Zach Brosi (free artists sound cloud listening at https://soundcloud.com/zach-brosi-zbrosi/free-demo), Afrique: Afrobeat Dance, The award winning San Diego State University Diamonds(Majorette Style Dancing), me (doing spoken word) and inspirational singer Abril Arenas.
Here are a few highlights from the event.
The event raised over $ 1,900 by the end of the benefit and donors were still contributing late into the night.
BSSOs "Hope for Haiti" benefit 2019 ended with an enlightening speech by Humanitarian Richard Pickett. He featured images of hope realized, of new classrooms, excited students, durable house, and sustainable gardens.
Humanitarian Richard Pickett
Yet, always the realist, he reminded the audience and Black Student's Science Organization that although ten years of support is indeed commendable; however, realistically, more assistance and partnership is needed to create a fully vibrant Haiti.
In community,
Delores Fisher
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