Wyclef Breaks Down at Press Conference: “We Need an Exodus”
“We need an Exodus.”
“We need an Exodus.”
Wyclef Jean, for those who have not been attuned to hip-hop prior to Cash Money or Young Jeezy, is a Grammy-winning, internationally known hip- hop artist who single-handedly put Haiti on the map. Through his artistry and advocacy, he brought to light the history of Haiti for many who were just too young or simply never cared enough to realize Haiti’s rich history. It was the first country that freed itself from slavery and not only overthrew that heinous institution, but defeated the whole lot of French rule.
Wyclef in his music has always paid homage to his homeland, and shared the culture and pain of his countrymen unashamedly. He did this at a time when many Black Americans shunned any relationship to Haiti. At the height of his career as a member of the Fugees, (group first named ‘Refugee Camp’ for the conditions many Haitians find them selves when arriving on American soil) the group went back to Haiti and took several media outlets to document the plight there. Subsequently, that trip garnered Haiti prime shine in various magazine articles. During his solo career, Wyclef went back further still to his roots, releasing a full CD in creole titled, Welcome to Haiti Creole 101. And then in 2007, pledging a more substantive allegiance to his native land, Wyclef became a Haitian ambassador for the government.
Wyclef Jean refused United Nations protection for a trip through Cite Soleil, Haiti’s most notorious, gang-infested slum, relying on his popularity to keep his group safe. “I am putting myself in the front line because I want that change to happen.” Jean said.
This to me, speaks volumes of his love and honor of his country. But greater than that it speaks of the mutual respect and pride the country has for him.
More after the click!
The strange trio of George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and President Obama linked up yesterday to talk about America’s role in Haiti. As usual, Bush had the best quote when he stated, “I know a lot of people want to send blankets or water; just send your cash.” No sugar coating with that guy.
It’s sad that this level of bipartisanship can only take place after a natural disaster. But whatever, it’s pretty cool that these folks linked up.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — There are dead bodies lying on Haiti’s street and they cannot be ignored. After Tuesday’s devastating 7.0 earthquake, thousands of people died in buildings and on the walkways — their faces exposed, their eyes sometimes slightly open. The next day many were covered with sheets, shielded from the sun and from sight. Now, from under the flimsy coverings, the stench from their decaying bodies rises up and attacks the air with a pungent odor that causes the locals to cover their faces and noses with whatever they can find.
“I wear this mask because it’s starting to smell badly with all the dead bodies,” Jean McKenzie, a 16-year-old resident of Port-au-Prince’s Carrefour Feuilles district, said on Thursday. He had a red bandana tied around his face to block out the smell, but there is little that can block out the stench. “It started smelling really, really bad at noon today,” he said.
Check the video after the jump.
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