It was a time for reflection and understanding, but also
a call to action.
Several dozen Eastern Michigan University students and
staff members gathered at the Student Center patio Jan.
25 for a silent evening vigil and walk to raise awareness
of the earthquake devastation in Haiti.
Led by Katie Baker, a senior biology major, the
group walked from the Student Center to the Walton-Putnam
Residence Hall Commons. The procession marched in silence,
glowing cell phones serving as candles on the chilly, windy
night.
 |
HAITI VIGIL: Katie Baker (far right),
an EMU
senior, holds up her cell phone to cast
a light as she
leads a vigil in remembrance of
Haiti past the
Student Center. Several dozen
EMU students and
staff turned out to shine a light
on the devastation
caused to Haiti by a recent
earthquake.
|
At the commons, the group viewed a video showing
the unimaginable suffering and damage of the earthquake
in Port Au Prince, Haiti's capital city. Accompanying music
noted a city in ruins, urging people to "come on, rise
up" and offer help.
"Thanks for coming out tonight," Baker told the group. "We
are part of one world."
Rhonda DeLong, director of web communications and new
media for EMU, then spoke powerfully on the need for EMU
and others to respond over an extended period of time.
She noted that Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western
Hemisphere. Its lack of infrastructure and resources compound
the tragedy, and make it harder to offer direct help.
"It's devastation on top of destitution," she said.
DeLong asked attendees to reflect deeply on the gravity
of the problem, and how they might mobilize and take action.
She noted that much of the world is involved and focused
now on the tiny island nation, but that the next tragedy
will divert focus from the singular problems of Haiti,
which will take years to solve.
"What can EMU do as a community?" DeLong asked, adding
that Haiti needs a sustained commitment and sustained caring.
"Reflect and pray," she said. "Give some thought
as to how you'll move forward from here...Our efforts
are just beginning."
After the speakers finished, the group remained silent
for several minutes as the video flashed the grim scenes
on the wall, with the only sound the clicking of cameras
from those covering the event.
People filed out quietly, but not before leaving a donation
or signing one of the banners of hope and good wishes that
have been circulating around campus.
Money donations at the vigil will go to Doctors Without
Borders, and food donations will go to Food Gatherers to
distribute in Haiti, Baker said.
For more information on EMU's relief efforts, a
statement from EMU President Sue Martin and a list of organizations
you can donate to now, see the Web site at http://www.emich.edu/haiti_relief/
