Wyclef Jean Talks Life in Haiti, How To Help
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wyclef Jean stands out as the cultural face of Haiti. Now, he’s emerging as the unofficial relief spokesperson of his homeland after the deadly 7.0 earthquake rocked the nation’s capital of Port-au-Prince Tuesday afternoon.
As the death toll continues to rise, the rapper is on the ground helping emergency workers and releasing updates via his Twitter feed.
He also started a new campaign through his non-profit Yele Haiti Foundation, which allows users to donate $5 to the cause instantly with cell phones. By texting "Yele" to 501501, 100-percent of the cash goes to relief and the amount automatically gets added to your monthly phone bill.
Even before the earthquake, Wyclef has been a fierce advocate of the country's social and economical development.
Back in October 2009, Wyclef came into The Greene Space at WNYC to take part in The Promised Land Radio Special hosted by Majora Carter. In the in-depth interview, he discusses memories of growing up in Haiti as a kid, problems plaguing the country and his on-going humanitarian efforts through Yele.
WATCH THE FULL 65-MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH WYCLEF JEAN IN THE GREENE SPACE AT WNYC.
For more on how to help, click here for a full list of relief organizations.
Comments [2]
I applaud Wyclef Jean for his humanitarian effort not as an artist but as a human being that is simply reaching out to his community. I am not Haitian, but I too am human and will do my part to help the Haitian community.
I'm Haitian and live in Staten Island New-York City . The Haitian nightmare is obviously a natural disaster . Nonetheless , much could have been spared if the Haitian Government was responsible in terms of preventing the anarchy as to the respect of construction norms . I personally appreciate the effort of all who sincerely act upon this unpredicted natural phenomenon . There's no respect in Haiti for the sanctity of life . Within the rubles we hear the outcries and solemn entreaties of all , no matter where they come from , to alleviate the conditons of life in this impoverished Caribbean country . The economic elite , who never stop exploiting the mass , the politicians who always step over the mass and forget that they also come from the slums . Aristide , Duvalier , Cedras , all who let our people down , including the executive order signed by BUSH Father to impose an economic embargo and clearly supported the military coup in 1991 . Let's honor the dead by rebuilding the capital with a clear blueprint and proper motivation . Thanks to WNYC to inform the Haitian community . Haiti is not Mr.Pierre-Pierre of the Haitian Time , nor Mr.Making movies ! Haiti is Wyclef JEAN of yele that is on the ground extending a helping hand . Haiti is not Rene Preval nor Aristide , nor Duvalier , the pillagers ... Haiti is WNYC , all those like me who shed tears when tragedy strikes a poor community that demands only the basics in healthcare , education , public services and so on . Today it's HAITI , tomorrow it can be anywhere else . As a professional I will continue to work hard without social security number to provide for my folks that cannot answer the calls .
Thanks to your dedication to the Haitian nighmare WNYC ... I remain ay your disposal for any input and the subtle causes of our 200 years of misery and exploitation ...
God Bless , Industrial Engineer opted to live in AMERICA on account of death threat from Haitian mafia
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