Mea Culpa, Haiti
I offer my heartfelt apology to the people of Haiti. As you read this post, you will understand why.
I am committed to using my voice in the struggle against the three systemic evils of white supremacy, racism and colonization. On a number of occasions, I have expressed that this is my work to do as long as breath is in my body. How this is embodied across time may vary but in the moment it is primarily through writing Leslye’s Labyrinth and speaking opportunities.
Yesterday, I witnessed how I too contribute to the continuance of colonization, racism and white supremacy. Instead of beating on myself, I recognize the value of using my error as a teachable moment. The three evils are so strongly interwoven into our society that we must make a conscious effort to recognize and rectify them. From my experience, I hope you see clearer the vast complexity of these systems.
Choosing to eradicate them requires recognizing when our individual actions are influenced by and contribute to the status quo. If we are not capable of doing so, we are pawns sustaining the power and privilege of a few with no regard for those without power and privilege. Honor becomes the banner of those who satisfy their desires, and shame is projected on those struggling to meet their basic needs.
In the post Kindling Hope, I mentioned Hurricane Melissa approaching Jamaica and Cuba. After publishing the piece, I realized that I had not included Haiti as the last storm update had not mentioned the island. If I am committed to this work, it is on me to recognize when the poor are not included. Although I promptly updated the document on Substack, my subscribers were not aware of my error.
Today, I learned from a friend connected to Haiti, Sister Larraine Lauter, the executive director of Water By Women, that more than 20 people died there. The total death toll for Melissa in the Caribbean now stands at 30.
Haiti was liberated from France in 1804. In spite of its rich culture, it is the poorest country in the area of the Caribbean and Latin America. With this in mind, its high death toll is understandable. Poverty increases deaths from storms, flooding, fires, environmental dangers, diseases, malnutrition and unclean water.
It has been about 15 years since I met Sister Larraine and learned about WBW, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, headquartered in Louisville, KY, USA, with oversight by a Board of Directors. They “empower women to provide a lifetime supply of clean water for children, so they can survive and thrive.”
Haiti is one of the 48 countries in which WBW provide and teach women how to purify water with a Sawyer filter. It is amazing to see and taste the difference this device makes. Tragically the storm has negatively impacted WBW’s work in Haiti.
To learn more about Water By Women and their work visit: waterbywomen.org. If you are wondering how you can help, I imagine Sister Larraine would be grateful for your donations of any size.