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Massachusetts’ Haitian Community
Haitians first began arriving in the Bay State during the 1950’s and have continued to make Massachusetts a prime destination ever since. The area is favored due to its employment opportunities, quality education system, and safe environment. Strong Haitian communities can be found throughout Somerville and Cambridge, although the largest concentration of Haitians is found in the Boston neighborhoods of Mattapan, Dorchester, Hyde Park, and Roxbury. As the Haitian community grows, members work together to help strengthen their community.
Did you know?
· The Coalition is the largest Haitian organization north of the Charles River.
· The Coalition is just one of many organizations in the Boston area established to better the lives of Haitian Americans.
· Massachusetts has the third largest Haitian population in the United States and is home to an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 Haitians.
· Many Haitians in the state work in the health care industry. Some estimate that up to 75% of all nursing home workers are Haitian. Other popular fields for Haitian immigrants are high-tech and teaching.
· UMass Boston created a Haitian studies program and has a Haitian Studies Association: www.haitianstudies.umb.edu.
· Haitians in Massachusetts are becoming increasingly politically active. Important issues for the community include education, economic development, public health, and immigrants’ rights.
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| Coalition Recognized With MLK Award by the City of Somerville |
January 2011 -- On January 17, the city of Somerville's Human Rights Commission conferred to the Coalition its Martin Luther King award for exemplifying the ideals of community service and working to bring Dr. King's dream to action. Every year, the city requests nominations for the award from members of the community with these guidelines: "The recipients of this award should have promoted human and civil rights; shown striving for equality, respect and dignity of all people; economic justice...and inspiring others to practice these ideals." The Coalition is the only social service agency in Somerville to be awarded the prize twice.
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| Press Clippings on Coalition's Earthquake Commemoration Event and More |
January 2011 -- The Coalition marked the anniversary of Haiti’s devastating earthquake by holding a commemorative event on January 14 at Somerville High School. One-hundred-fifty of our supporters attended the event, which included an interactive memorial, moving testimonials and outstanding musical performances and more. Please see below for the articles about the commemoration and other facets of our work.
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| The Haitian Coalition Successfully Leads Humanitarian Mission in Haiti |
August 2010 -- In partnership with non-profit partners and dedicated volunteers, the Haitian Coalition of Somerville concluded a successful humanitarian mission to Haiti in April. During the trip, our delegation of 30 professionals delivered medical assistance and mental health counseling to 1,200 earthquake survivors; distributed supplies, food, clothing, beds, temporary shelter and other materials to 1,300 individuals; and provided CPR training to 60 women. Please find below our report, which outlines the mission’s successful service delivery in the midst of persistent difficulties on the ground in Haiti.
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| April 7 Forum on Haiti's Reconstruction |
April 2010 -- At the panel discussion “What It Means to Rebuild Haiti,” prominent community activists and scholars tackled issues and concerns that continue to impact Haiti in the aftermath of the January 12 earthquake. Panelists discussed fallen buildings and damaged roads but also the deeper, long-standing problems that still plague the country. For those who missed this important discussion, we include the below report summarizing the views presented by panelists at the event.
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| Harvard Medical School recently honored Dr. Marie-Louise Jean-Baptiste (center in blue) its Service Award for her outstanding contributions to the local community. Dr. Jean-Baptiste, an Assistant Professor of Medicine at HMS and a physician at Cambridge Health Alliance, designated the Coalition as the recipient of a $1,000 donation from HMS on her behalf. Thank you, Dr. Jean-Baptiste and HMS, for recognizing our work. |
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