Haitian students celebrate at vigil

Braving sub-freezing temperatures, 11 members of Dessalines Haitian Student Association gathered for a candlelight vigil commemorating the history of independent Haiti last night. The ceremony began in front of High Rise East and proceeded to College Green, where the group assembled in front of the peace symbol near Van Pelt Library. Led by Dessalines President and College junior Colette Lamothe, the students talked and sang the Haitian national anthem. Upon reaching their destination, the members lit candles and read from a script prepared by the Ecumenical Program on Central America and the Caribbean. The script contained passages from the Bible and the writings of Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, and ranged in topic from the U.S. disarmament of the Haitian military to various Haitian martyrs. "The struggle of the Haitian people for self-determination and for freedom continues," Lamothe said. "For the second time this century and the first time in 60 years, Haiti is an occupied country. The United States has charged itself with disarming the Haitian military that it created during its first occupation from 1915 to 1934." According to tradition, water was poured for "those who have perished in the struggle for justice and democracy," Lamothe said. This is an African custom known as the Pouring of Libations. Aristide's return from exile was another focus of discussion. "Aristide's return to power was a harbinger for better things for the future," College senior Claude Jean-Pierre said. The ceremony concluded with the lighting of the Solidarity Candle and some closing remarks by Lamothe. "Let us go forth with the understanding that this is neither the beginning, nor the end, of our commitment to democracy in Haiti and for true democracy in the U.S.," she said. "Let us go forth in song, pledging to let the light of our solidarity shine brightly." The group then sang "This Little Light of Mine." The vigil marked the end of Haitian Solidarity Week, which began on February 5. The events of the past week have included Haitian speakers, an art exhibit, a sampling of Haitian food and the performance of Pike, a Haitian band. Dessalines is a two-year-old organization with approximately 20 active members. Its aim, according to Lamothe, is "to make people more aware of Haitian culture and history in the University and the surrounding community."