Teach-in honors Haitian history

Recognizing a people of hope, rich culture, and a recently collapsed capital, the Haiti Teach-In on Monday recalled the history of past and current devastation in the country.
Presented by Fr. Craig Hightower, S.J., and others impacted by the republic. The event delved into the heart of Haiti's problems exposing the reality of life before the paralyzing earthquake struck.

The teach-in drew both students and members of the Spokane community to learn more about how "what we see in the news is not the complete story but now people can hear from those with different experiences and knowledge of what is happening in Haiti," event coordinator Robby Bernicchi said.

Held in the Jepson Wolff auditorium, Hightower opened the event  speaking about his experiences, knowledge, and appreciation for the livelihood of the Haitians.

"A devastated country from its cultural history went from a rich colony to a poor country with not enough land to grow the foods they need and a form of slavery was put on the people again," Hightower said. "The rulers who were French put a strain on the Haitians and it was brutal. Early political leaders were violent and created the political situation Haiti is in today, they had no chance."

Many at the teach-in were surprised to learn that Haiti is the world's oldest black republic. As a colony it became strong enough to become an independent republic in which nearly every Haitian from 1916 - 1934 learned to read and write. Consequently, Doctors and lawyers were once Haiti's largest export in providing services and knowledge around the world. In stark contrast the republic has been in political turmoil and natural disaster. The republic that has had 75 different dictators in 100 years and is now on the verge of re-creation.

As the country regains momentum and global support, "The hope is that people see there is a greater reason as to why Haiti is so devastated and not just from the earthquake," Hightower said. "People must look at Haiti's importance to U.S. history in the Louisiana Purchase and how they have struggled with a corrupt government. People ask why we do not help those who are suffering around our own community, but we are part of a global community to know it is incredibly important to us."

Hightower was principal of an elementary school called Top of the Pines in Haiti. He showed photos of his journey throughout his service in Haiti from 20 years ago. In one, Hightower highlighted that, "there were three children per bunk bed, no one should ever complain about living in the dorm Catherine/Monica."

About 85-90 percent of the country is  Catholic, about 10 percent are Protestant. This combined with the widespread belief of voodoo makes faith a crux of life in Haiti.
"Faith and joy of life sustains the people," Hightower said. "What we consider tragedy they consider joy because they have no other choice."

 Volunteering when the natural disaster struck the capital, "Molly Hightower was doing physical therapy in the home of the dying and perished in the earthquake. My niece could have done anything she wanted to; my niece was holding kids who were dying because they were abandoned for their disabilities. She knew she was loved and shared her love with others. Molly became a person for others. Her passion and tension allowed her to live her life," Hightower said.

The advice throughout the talk to those who want to contribute in some way is, "Not to dwell on all the problematic but to dwell on the things that you find joy," Hightower said.
Following were speakers Jane Hession, academic advisor for the business school, Meredith Donovan, a CCASL program assistant for the mentoring programs, and Hightower spoke more in depth about the history of Haiti.

Hession's three sons have been in Haiti to volunteer within the last few years. Most recently her son, Peter, an anesthesiologist was scheduled to help with cleft palates this year but moved the date earlier to help with surgeries for those injured. "They left about 10 days after the earthquake instead," Hession said.

Donovan's goddaughter was adopted 15 years ago from Haiti. At the breakout discussion she led at the teach-in the group mainly discussed "adoption issues and how Haiti has stopped most adoptions during this devastation," Donovan said.

"[The situation] is not better, it is not in the news, donations are down, and it will take a lifetime to get things straight. What people can do for Haiti from far away is keeping the issue on the forefront," Donovan said.