The Vanderbilt and Nashville communities are invited to the “Hope for Haiti: Holistic Perspectives on the Crisis” forum at Vanderbilt on Feb. 16 at Langford Auditorium. The 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. free event offers diverse, informed perspectives on the recent earthquake disaster in Haiti. Live video of this event will be streamed on VUCast, www.vanderbilt.edu/news.
“In the wake of this disaster, the Vanderbilt community must take a long-term view in supporting the Haitian recovery effort,” said Wyatt Smith, Vanderbilt student body president. “This event will spread awareness beyond the effects of the earthquake and into the extreme poverty, vibrant culture, and political instability present long before the tragedy. I look forward to hearing the valuable insights our expert panelists will share with attendees.”
Presented through student-made film, expert faculty panelists and personal testimony, the program will integrate relevant history and context with a realistic view of the challenges and opportunities that Haiti now confronts in the rebuilding effort. It will offer the understanding we have all been seeking in the wake of this disaster in a relevant, engaging way.
Panelists include: Professor Frank Robinson of the Center for Latin American Studies presenting an overview of key moments in Haitian history; Professor Peter Hudson from the History Department, a published author on U.S.-Haitian economic and political relations; Professor Colin Dayan in the Department of English and Robert Penn Warren Center for the Humanities, an expert in Haitian culture who will offer an overview of Haitian religion, art and culture; Dr. Carol Etherington, former president of Doctors Without Borders and current professor in the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, who will discuss effective methods of providing international relief in disaster zones; and Professor Jemima Pierre, Visiting Fellow in the Robert Penn Warren Center for the Humanities, who recently returned from a stay in Haiti and will offer a personal perspective on rebuilding the nation as a native Haitian who has seen the situation firsthand.
A reception will precede the forum at 6:30 p.m. in the lobby of Langford Auditorium. With a $5 donation to Partners in Health, Vanderbilt’s designated Haitian relief charity, you can enjoy catered appetizers and desserts, live Haitian-inspired music, and student presentations of their involvement in relief efforts.
Admission to “Hope for Haiti: Holistic Perspectives on the Crisis” is free. Tickets for reception can be purchased at the Vanderbilt Sarratt Box Office or at the door of the event.
Contact: Elin Bunch, elin.e.bunch@vanderbilt.edu
Lucie Rhoads, lucie.rhoads@vanderbilt.edu