Haitian Art, Music, reports of rape, and a Miami resource for travelers
Gerald Jones
to sevral posts at once as well as add some new information.
For a look at some of the better examples of Haitian art,
which as Andre Malraux pointed out years ago, is world-
class and of immense value to those who were reared in
western art traditions, check out WWW server at the Electric
Gallery at: http://www.egallery.com/egallery/
I have no affiliation with that gallery, was just delighted to
discover it and pass along the information. There is a short
history and an online color dispaly of work by many major
artists there. Definitely check this out.
For the gentleman who didnt have WWW access, talk with your
sys admin and see if they can provide you with LYNX or TIA
which will work in lieu of direct WWW access.
As for music, I will check to see what is avail in the way of
mail order sources for the person in Michigan searching for same. Though
do understand that all the major Haitian musicians
regularly perform in NYC, Montreal, Miami as well as in Haiti, so the
reference that you didnt want NY stuff is sorta meaningless. The actual
recording is done in many places.
If you can stop off in Miami on your way to Haiti, we would
be glad to assit you with background information, directions to
record stores, etc. Among muscians you will want to know, the
work of Manno Charlemagne is paramount, He is known here as the
Bob Dylan of Haiti, a soulful balladeer whose work is highly
political, and a man of great personal courage as well.
When I mentioned "we" I am speaking of the folks, there are a
bunch of us, who hang out at a restaurant in Miami known as
TAP-TAP at 819 Fifth Street on South Miami Beach. This is a
center for celebrations of Haitian culture as well as a focal
point for political activism of a progressive nature. I will
further post info on TAP TAP events shortly. There are gallery
exhibitions, music events, and seminars there frequently.
TAP TAP is also one of the homes of Crowing Rooster Productions,
a non-profit media producer which shot "Haiti: Killing The
Dream" shown on PBS Frontline several years back.
I handle online communication for TAP TAP and Crowing Rooster
and will be glad to relay messages to them. Anyone heading for
Haiti, who will be stopping off in Miami, should plan to visit]
with us. You will find here a terrific, warm, friendly and
exceedingly well informed group of Americans and Haitians who
are committed to supporting justice and democracy there.
A final note, on another post. Representatives of several Haiti
based Womens Rights groups, organized at grass roots levels, were in
Miami recently and while they too had heard reports of
rapes, they had been unable to find any verifiable incidents
despite extensive investigations. Though they are continuing to
look into such reports on an ongoing basis.
Sincerely yours, Gerald Jones gera...@ix.netcom.com