 "Photo: Terence Rushin")
Mother Teresa once said, “It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” On Jan. 4, University of West Georgia students put this idea into action by hosting an Operation Haiti benefit concert to assist earthquake victims.
Sponsored by the Office of Institutional Diversity and a variety of student organizations, the concert featured a plethora of talent mixed with facts about Haiti’s history and culture. Student organization sponsors included Alpha Phi Alpha, the Student Government Association, the Young Democrats and the Student Anti-Genocide Coalition.
Admittance was free, with a donation of three dollars with proceeds going to the American Red Cross.
“I said, ‘God, I’ve got to do something other than pray’,” said Jody Carter, one of the developers of Operation Haiti. “Right after I said that, I immediately thought of [creating] a benefit concert. The goal was to make a country that had been invisible to many, including myself, now visible.”
Hosts Jeannie Jean and Keith Collins entertained the crowd between performances, teaching the audience Creole sayings to keep them energized. The United Voices Gospel Choir inspired those attending with the song “Troubles Don’t Last Always,” reminding the crowd that even when things seem their absolute worst, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
The band Optimum Praise kept the audience lively with their music as well. A moving performance by both Carter and Leslie Mack, accompanied by Kyle Dobbs, capped off the night of outstanding talent.
Operation Haiti wasn’t just about entertainment. It also highlighted Haiti as a country and promoted its reconstruction, instead of just focusing on tragedy. A representative from the International Rescue Committee, a global emergency response team focused on relocating displaced persons, spoke about the continued need to advocate allowing more Haitians to come to the United States.
The earthquake in Haiti hasn’t affected just those living in Haiti -- the tragedy has also affected those here at UWG.
Student Stania Philizaire has dealt with the disaster head-on. Philizaire, a Haiti native, still has family Haiti and was notified that a cousin was sleeping in a parking lot because of the devastation.
“This is reality; it’s not going to go away,” said Philizaire, urging the audience to help efforts. “Help my cousin, help a mother, or a sister or a child. Give it with your heart.”
Jeannette Diaz-Laplante, associate professor of psychology at UWG, spoke of her personal ties to Haiti and commended the university’s support.
The benefit concert generated more than $2,500, with a generous donation of $1,000 by UWG president Dr. Beheruz Sethna.
This was the answer to Carter’s prayers.
“The goal was to unite the students and professors of UWG and come together for a cause that will help so many in need,” said Carter. “The goal was to make a God-given dream a success. And that's what happened.”
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