Light and Love toward Haiti
The BESLA family is saddened by the recent devastation of Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. In the wake of many prayers, we join the millions of Americans pledging resources within its means to alleviate the impact of this unimaginable tragedy. Our heart goes out towards the Haitian earthquake victims, and to our Haitian American colleagues who have lost their loved ones. As humanitarians, we implore everyone to assist in the relief efforts of their choice like Yele Haiti, the organization founded by industry colleague and Haiti native Wyclef Jean, to expedite relief to the people of Haiti.
Ways to make a contribution: Via cell phone Text "Yele" to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund (it will be charged to your cell phone bill).
Or visit www.Yele.org and click on DONATE.
In addition, here are some organizations Haitian Filmmakers organizations that are leading efforts to aid the Haitian earthquake victims:
Haitian American Association of Filmmakers
http://www.haiticinema.com/
Motion Picture Association of Haiti
http://ayitinou.com/article-posts/30-article/258-motion-picture-association-of-haiti-mpahaiti.html
http://www.mpah.org/
The need is great and BESLA applauds all who will help make a difference for our Haitian brothers and sisters.
Tamela R. Cash-Curry
BESLA President |
BESLA’s Salute to Olympic Legends Rocks Aruba!!!
It was long, long overdue.
Still, the time was right for BESLA to honor Drs. Tommie Smith and John Carlos, the track champions who courageously raised their black-gloved fists for black solidarity and social justice from the Olympic medal stand in Mexico City in 1968.
The two men were guests of honor at the gala banquet and awards presentations, the grand finale of BESLA’s 29th Annual Conference in Aruba, October 21-25. They were moved by a special video tribute that showcased their “silent gesture heard ‘round the world” more than 40 years ago, before many in the audience were born.
As they were presented with BESLA’s inaugural 2009 'Disrupter' Awards, Smith and Carlos were overwhelmed by a deeply heartfelt standing ovation that said, “Thank you! Thank both of you for standing up for all of us.”
In their remarks, both men acknowledged their friendship and mutual respect over the years. And far from being complacent icons who have retreated from the social battlefield, Smith and Carlos spoke with passion and fire and wisdom about the necessity to fight today’s racism and exploitation in sports, politics and other areas of American society. They also strongly validated BESLA’s advocacy role and called on individual athletes and other performing artists to vocally support each other.
By the end of this historic evening, these once fleet-footed legends proudly cradled their plaques and passed the baton of solidarity to this generation
Pre-Gala Fun
