By Bryan Schaaf on Thursday, January 24, 2008.
Tequila Minsky is one of the newest members of the Haiti Innovation community. She is a long time Haiti hand who is both a photographer and a frequent commentator on Haitian issues. You can view her photographs by clicking here. Below are some blogs that she has written lately. Enjoy!
Haitian Jazz: This may not be the first genre of music that comes to mind when one thinks of Haiti but it is alive and well. Haiti recently celebrated its first Haitian Jazz festival and it was a great success. Tequila explains why.
Breaking Through the Gender Barrier: Ever seen a Rara Band? Its the most unique form of music in Haiti. Ever seen an all women Rara Band? Thats is rare indeed....but exists! Tequila writes about Haiti's first all female RaRa band here.
Jacmel International Music Festival: Tequila writes about Jacmel's International Film Festival. Sure, not everything went smoothly but it is clear that this potential has much to offer and will only get better with time. Haiti has enormously diverse musical traditions and they are all represented at this festival.
Women's Trade Show: Creole Creations Colors Flavors: Haitian women are holding together Haiti. Tequila writes about an exposition that showcases the artistic works of female entrepeneurs. Definitely worth a look.
Haitian Musical History Through Album Covers: Tequila writes about an exhibit, though now finished, which is very interesting. It traces the ever-changing path of Haitian music through the covers of albums that Haitian artists have produced.
Michele Pierre Louise Wins Trailblazer Award: This article covers the founder of Fokal and her efforts to encourage literacy, democracy, and civil society. Fokal has a wide network of supports including the Open Society Institute. A solid, innovative organization.
Scholarships in Haiti through HELP: This article covers the history and impact of an organization which we have written about on numerous occasions, the Haitian Education and Leadership Program. This organization has been instrumental in preparing the next generation of private and public sectors leaders - invaluable considering the ongoing brain drain in Haiti.
Haitian Presidents Exposition in Camp Perrin: Tequila writes about an exposition which tries to humanize the (many) Haiitan presidents and to extrapolate their ambitions, ideals, and what they wanted to accomplish. It was clearly a laborous process. She also write about a film which uses Camp Perrin, a beautiful town, as a backdrop.
Bryan
I've got a question
Hi, Tequila! It's me, Tom. The old email address I have for you doesn't work. I've got a question about one of your recent, excellent photos from Haiti. Please get in touch with me when you have time.
-- Tom
Haiti--Remember Lorelei in the PC in HAiti 5 yrs. ago?
Dear Ms. Tequila Minsky,
I heard about you from my daughter, Lorelei, when she was working in Haiti
5 yrs. ago. She worked with Fonkoze, also. I have your poster hanging on my wall and love to look at the women of Haiti for inspiration.
Since the earthquake I have wanted to do something more than send money although I know that is necessary. So I have added to my website www.PAtchforPeace.com 4 pages about Haiti--including a blog of love letters, poems, songs, prayers and letters of frustration-- as well as places to donate cash.
Would you mind if I put some of your Haitian photos up there? I believe it helps so much to see individual faces of people there. I also want to include some of your blog comments which I will be looking at now. I'm so glad I found you.
Lor is in New York and very concerned about Haiti. She had just visited again this last Thanksgiving. Peace to you, my new acquaintance!
Hi, Tequila. Its Elina
Hi, Tequila.
Its Elina Apostolatova. All these years since you called I feel bad that we did not get together when you were in VA in 2001. I was very sick than, and really it was just a bad timing. I am glad to see that you still going strong. Glad to see it! Elina
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