Like a phoenix rising from its ashes, post-earthquake Haiti is seeing its fair share of innovation with an influx of business and education opportunities emerging. In January 2010 , Léogâne, a port town about 35 miles southwest of Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince, was devastated when the earthquake epicenter hit the community.Despite the destruction caused by the quake, three years later, plans to build an international university are in the works at the very site where so much was lost only a few years ago.     The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation and the United Nations’ social club Aux Antilles hosted the second annual “International University Center Haiti Gala” and silent auction on Nov. 10 at the Bohemian National Club in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Special recognition was given to Congressman Charles B. Rangel and Kathleen Felix, general director of Kanpe Foundation for their commitment to Haiti.   With more than 200 guests in attendance, proceeds from the benefit went to supporting the construction of the International University Center Haiti (Uni Haiti), which includes four campuses along rue de Croix in Leogane.   The planned UniHaiti Youth Hostel “Relationships are integral to both human life and to international development,” Jim Luce, … read more

New York Knicks star Tyson Chandler unveiled and auctioned off his exclusive photography in Chelsea this past September. The showcase, A Year in a New York Minute, featured 16 photos Chandler shot that encapsulated his year; including his trip to Africa. Proceeds from the auctions were donated to UNICEF.     UNICEF provides humanitarian support and development assistance that benefits children in developing countries across the globe. In 2011 UNICEF provided the following services to locals in Haiti:   Malnutrition screening and treatment for 400,000 children Nutrition and breastfeeding counseling for 500,000 new mothers Reunification of more than 2,700 children separated from their parents Routine vaccination coverage for almost 80% of Haiti’s children, up from 58% previously   Source: UNICEF Photo credit: Nick Delauney

“Being born to two Haitian immigrants, I am reminded every day of my heritage. I recently bought my mom a satellite radio so she can listen to all the radio stations in Haiti. It’s rare to walk into my house and not hear Kompa playing at all times     “Hands down [the best cultural festival] has to be the Labor Day parade (West Indian Day parade).I live blocks away from Eastern Parkway so it is hard to think of another Caribbean festival that comes close to it in NYC. I do wish it was a little more family oriented; I would love to come back and bring my future kids to experience the culture.   “I do really hope the Caribbean community (specifically in NYC) could have more unity. Many of us deal with the same struggles to hold on to our culture while adapting to a new one (American culture). I would love for my family and generations to come to know their heritage; so I think more educational programs and organizations should come from within the Caribbean community in order to expose the youth. With unity among the Caribbean community, funding these types of organizations would beno … read more

    Thousands of Caribbean Americans made their way to Florida this past week for the 4th Annual Miami Broward One Carnival at Sun Life Stadium on Oct. 7. People from all over the Caribbean region were represented at the annual festivities.