The Black Leadership Forum Makes Joint Statement on Haiti Earthquake

Member Organizations of The Black Leadership Forum have made a Joint Statement about the Earthquake Crisis in Haiti. Read the Statement Below and visit the BLF website at http://www.blackleadershipforum.org/


"Joint Statement by the Black Leadership Forum on the Earthquake in Haiti

Chairman - Marc H. Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League
Executive Director – Gary Flowers, Black Leadership Forum


“On behalf of the Black Leadership Forum our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti as they cope with the effects of the devastating earthquake that has taken so many lives and destroyed so many communities. We are all distressed by the images of death and destruction in the wake of this horrific disaster. We commend President Obama for the way in which the United States has responded to the crisis so far.
“When disasters like this occur, as in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina struck this country, organizations, like the more than 30 national African American Civil Rights and service organizations that make up the Black Leadership Forum, come together to assist in the relief effort and provide support to those in dire need.

As the recovery and relief efforts get underway, we recommend the following:
1) As we have assessed the best way to assist in the relief effort in these first critical hours and days, we have been advised that cash donations are the most efficient and effective way to help the relief effort in Haiti right now. We urge everyone to donate to a reputable organization of your choice and contribute what you can as soon as possible. You can go to www.whitehouse.gov/HaitiEarthquake to determine an organization to contribute to.

2) The United States must take the lead in developing a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction and rebuilding of Haiti, like the Marshall Plan, to ensure that the physical infrastructure and human lives are permanently rebuilt.

3) The United States should grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for the 30,000 Haitians currently under threat of deportation.

The Black Leadership Forum stand ready to assist in the relief efforts to help the people of Haiti recover from this terrible disaster. We will issue further statements and updates on an on-going basis as relief efforts continue.
For more information, visit www.blackleadershipforum.org."