FIU to mark anniversary of Haiti quake with day of events

The university will observe the first anniversary of the devastating Haiti earthquake Wednesday, Jan. 12, with events ranging from a teach-in to a cultural celebration.

In the wake of the 2010 quake, FIU formed its Hope for Haiti Task Force, a group of more than 100 participants from across the university led by Senior Vice President for External Relations Sandra Gonzalez-Levy. The task force continues to meet monthly to coordinate the university’s long-term commitment to Haiti’s recovery. (For more information regarding the efforts of the task force, click here and here.)

The schedule of events Jan. 12 is as follows:

2-4:30 p.m. FIU Teach-In — “Haiti: One Year Later”: FIU will host its fourth teach-in on Haiti and the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake. A panel of FIU experts will explore the current state of affairs in Haiti and the ongoing problems facing the country one year after the disaster. Guest speaker Kimberly Green, president of the Green Family Foundation, will participate and will present Ayiti Leve Kanpe, showcasing music by Jean Jean-Pierre, directed by Yvetot Gouin and made possible by Fastforward. Event is open to the community. Location: Modesto A. Maidique Campus, MARC Pavilion.

4:53 p.m. Moment of Silence — Bells for Haiti: FIU students, faculty, staff and friends are invited to come together in the Graham Center Pit for a moment of silence that will be observed around the world. The program will include bells tolling for Haiti, a candlelight vigil, and the screening of Ayiti Leve, a film by Tatiana Magloire of Fastforward that was made possible by the Green Family Foundation. Event is open to the community. Location: Modesto A. Maidique Campus, Graham Center Pit.

6 p.m. Haiti: A Night of Commemoration: FIU students have planned a cultural celebration to close the day’s activities. This celebration of independence and life is for the entire FIU community and is being sponsored by FIU’s Haitian Student Organization. Location: Modesto A. Maidique Campus, Graham Center Ballrooms.

Art Exhibitions — Jan. 10-31, 2011:

One of the tents that will be built and on display in front of the Frost Art Museum.

Base Paint Tents: A utilitarian installation of goodwill for the children of Port-au-Prince from artists around the world. The project involves the creation of 10 pieces of art from canvas tents. After they are displayed, the tents will serve as classrooms, a library and workshops on the property of L’Athletique d’Haiti in Cite Soleil in Haiti beginning in February 2011. FIU is supporting this art project in collaboration with Fundacion Manos del Sur and Step by Step Foundation. Location: The lawn outside the Frost Art Museum at Modesto A. Maidique Campus.

Kenbe Pa Lage (Keep Strong): This exhibition, curated by artist Fred Thomas, highlights traditional and contemporary Haitian art. Artists include Fred Thomas, Dominik Ambroise, Alexandra Barbot, Levoy Exil and Donald Obin. Haitian art is rich in its context; within it we see daily living, religious symbolism, social commentary and historical documentation. This exhibit represents the spirit, love of life and strength of the Haitian people. Location: Modesto A. Maidique, Graham Center Art Gallery.