Letters to the Editor

Haitian input needed to restore education

I think that this is a good idea (“Local efforts to rebuild Haiti’s universities,” Bay State Banner, May 5, 2011). I also think that the most important thing to remember is that these institutions must remain first and foremost Haitian centered.

That is why I feel the involvement of Miami Dade College, probably the institution with the highest numbers of Haitian students in the United States, is needed. I would also like to see non-traditional higher educational institutions like Hampshire College become involved as well as UC Berkeley which has a very good collection of Haitian scholarly works and is also a unique place for social justice learning.

Marie Nadine Pierre
Via e-mail

Rebuilding Haiti’s schools

It is wonderful and heartwarming to see Haiti’s best remaining in touch with their roots and taking the lead to create the much needed momentum for rebuilding Haiti’s educational system (“Local efforts to rebuild Haiti’s universities,” Bay State Banner, May 5, 2011)!

It can be stated that, at one point, education was excellent, but, unfortunately, touched only a few. Today, it is imperative to reach the vast majority. We must reinvent a system that will preserve the character and authenticity of the Haitian cultural and historical heritage while decidedly moving it toward growth and development, using the best methodologies the 21st century has to offer.

Congratulations and much success to all parties involved!

Marie-Claude Bayard
Via e-mail

Kudos from ‘Mother Hip Hop’

Thank you so much for making sure that the Boston public knows about our production, “Hip Hop 9.1.1.” (Hip Hop play promotes peace, bridges age gap,” Bay State Banner, May 5, 2011).

It was a huge success and we hope that someone will sponsor us so we can bring it back again. It has a VERY powerful message that everyone should hear.

Cindy “Mother Hip Hop” Diggs
Peace Boston Founder