Ways to Love Haiti: Toto Bissainthe
Toto Bissainthe was one of the most prolific singers to come from the Caribbean. Haiti’s turbulent history and incredible culture are seemingly contained in any of Bissainthe’s overwhelmingly moving folk songs. Raw emotion and true to form vodun traditional melodies. She is the truth, and a testament to the purpose of music in its purest form: to express, heal, remember, and celebrate. Her full catalog is for sale on her official website.
There is so much to say about the situation in Haiti, but for now I prefer to let Toto speak for me.
1. Papa Damballah
2. Dey
3. Soufflé Van
Born in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti in 1934, Bissainthe was also an accomplished actress.
all Toto Bissainthe photos copyright Miléna Sandler
Her career started as a founding member of theater company Griots, the first African theatre company in Paris.
A Raisin in the Sun, with Bashir Touré
Ways to Love Haiti
The Monome Community is donating 100% of proceeds of compilation Haiti2010 to Médecins Sans Frontières (msf.org).
Fabulous (Haitian) glove designer Miss Numa is selling “I Glove Haiti” t-shirts to help fund her small organization’s trip home to Haiti to find and help family.
Conflict area rogue photojournalist Jeff Antebi is selling limited edition prints through Stolen Space gallery in London to benefit Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam.
photo copyright Jeff Antebi
And of course you can’t go wrong with Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières.
If you’d like to donate in general to save the world, check out Women for Women International, who have changed entire regions by working directly with the women of war-stricken areas by providing opportunities for economic revitalization and education. They recommend donating to Partners in Health for Haiti specifically.
Donate close to you by being kind to those you love. Revolution starts at home, in the heart.
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