Now onto the humanitarian side of things. Since the main stream media loves to talk about all the violence and misogyny in Hip-Hop, it's only right that we here at OKP give them something positive to talk about. From day 1, Wyclef Jean has been an ambassador for Haiti, routinely making trips out there and donating much of his time and money to help his native country. For Clef's latest trip he was joined by President Clinton and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The three were on a mission to bring worldwide awareness to Haiti, the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. After the waves of storms that hit the impoverished country in the last year over 800 people were left dead and over 1 million have been left homeless. Jean has been using his Yele foundation to help rebuild, educate, and create jobs for his fellow Haitians.

Wyclef says: “I was honored to show my support when they asked me to join them on this important humanitarian trip which also gave them the opportunity to experience the beauty underneath the devastation my country and its people have had to face.  It’s crucial for me to do all I can to raise awareness and help Haiti get through this tough time.” Kudos go to Wyclef for his efforts. Visit his blog for more details about his trip. We are well aware that there are many others within and outside of the Hip-Hop world putting in their best efforts to help the less fortunate, so we will try to shed light on as many of those stories as possible.

Comments

  • blackstar3434

    Wyclef is one of true good people in the entertainment industry. So many people talk about “not forgetting where they come from” but so few actually have the will to actually do something about helping out their homeland – Props to Wyclef for his continued efforts – One of the true greats!.

  • gbuck

    if bill clinton hadn’t been so interested in promoting economic globalization and deregulation, there wouldn’t be so much poverty in haiti. bill is just as responsible for global poverty as reagan and the bushes. he’s just good at looking like he cares.

  • newjackjawnson

    “Ghosts of Cite Soleil” – everything u need 2 know about the most dangerous country in the world…Haiti.

  • jpbonnet

    your gifts of voice and popularity are a blessing. the poor everywhere are your champions. keep up the good deeds. Don QUixote has a line where he describes a man on his death bed asking why? not why am I dying but why did I live. You are showing us a noble cause as to why we live. Bravo

  • Something 2 say

    Wyclef should run for President of Haiti…I think he was asked that question by a Haitian reporter. People should read ‘Unbroken agony’ by Robert Randall. It speaks about the Bush Administration and it’s involvement with Haitian President Jean Bertrand Aristid but Clinton is not innocent in this as well. Haiti is still dealing with how it became independent in 1804 by overthrowing the French. Haitians and many in the Caribbean claim their African heritage and are truly proud and unapologetic for being so and the Anglo/European powers can not stand it. It’s all remnants of slavery. I hope Wyclef keeps pushing for the betterment of Haiti and others in the hip hop community truly stand up for their neighborhoods, towns and cities.

  • Chuck Summers

    I really believe Wycelf is one of the best people in music. Watched a great peice 60 mins did on the Hati Sit. You should watch it

    http://www.smissbeatzpresents.com/

  • AQUA ISLAND

    It is beautiful to see hip hop having positive impact in the world.

    AQUA ISLAND “2:01″ music video:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJZQsYH9Uso

  • KIN CAMELL

    PEACE,FROM THE BAY!

    HAITI=STRENGTH+RESILIENT.

    COME VIBE;
    KIN CAMELL@IMEEM.COM
    MYSPACE.COM/KINSNSPACE
    KIN CAMELL(GOOGLE THAT)

    PEACE TO YOU & YOURS.

  • NegMawon-FEPOULI.ORG

    Give props for Okayplayer for even giving exposure to something of this magnitude. There is a lot of ignorance about Haiti out there, as well as bad publicity. Lets all keep in mind that Haiti is the first Black Independent Republic in the western hemisphere. Of course anyone with any bit of knowledge would know that that title alone came with a heavy price to pay. Singlehandedly dismantling the slave trade as we studied it and know it. And taking their independence in January 1,1804… In other words HAITI IS NOT POOR BY CHOICE. Do the Knowledge !! The best way to help Haiti is to find out more about her.. There are endless ways we can all help her that go far beyond monetary gains..