Before a devastating earthquake last January brought the small nation of Haiti to the forefront of international news, groups at N.C. State University were already at work planning ways to bring awareness of Haitian culture to the University.

Now, despite the obstacles presented by the earthquake’s destruction, these plans are being made a reality in the form of the University Haitian Celebration, which kicks off this weekend.

Anita Flick, Health-Pac director, had been working in Haiti for several years with Hearts for Haiti, a non-profit organization based in Raleigh, when she met with other University leaders who had an interest in Haiti to discuss a University-wide initiative to bring awareness to issues surrounding Haiti.  

Included in the initial planning was Mike Giancola of the Center for Student Leadership, Ethics and Public Service, and Phillip Dail, director of advising and admissions in the College of Textiles.

“We wanted to bring together different people and groups on campus who all wanted to be involved with the people of Haiti,” Flick said. “Our goal is to bring awareness on campus of both the good and bad aspects of Haitian culture; the dance and the art as well as the child slavery.”

Hearts with Haiti provides assistance to Haiti by working with the St. Joseph’s Family, an organization that runs three homes in Haiti for former child slaves as well as homeless and mentally and physically disabled children.

The University Haitian Celebration began yesterday with a dance-off between the Resurrection Dance Theater and the University Dance team before the N.C. State football game against Cincinatti. The RDT is comprised of boys from St. Joseph’s Home for Boys, a school supported by the St. Joseph’s Family, that were given a second chance at life through the contributions of Hearts with Haiti.

According to Cheryl Proctor, chair of the Hearts with Haiti board, two of the St. Joseph’s Family’s three homes for Haitian children were destroyed in the January earthquake.

“One of the goals of this project is to raise funds to rebuild the schools and support the children, along with raising awareness,” Proctor said.

Friday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Brickyard, students have the opportunity to listen to and participate in a drumming exhibition and lesson from renowned Haitian drummer Bill Nathan, along with members of the RDT. Students can purchase a drum for $5 to practice with the drummers with all proceeds going to the rebuilding efforts for St. Joseph’s Famiy homes, according to Flick.

“All of the dancing and drumming students can watch; the boys learned all of that at the St. Joseph’s school,” Flick said.

Also on Friday, the RDT will present a free performance, along with an art exhibit, in Stewart Theatre, sponsored by Arts N.C. State Center Stage at 8 p.m.

Lori Jones, community engagement coordinator for Center Stage and arts outreach, worked with Flick and Hearts with Haiti in planning the event.

“When our office was approached with the idea we were intrigued by the possibility of bringing a new cultural perspective to the University,” Jones said. “The young men who perform have an amazing level of commitment that is a great opportunity for students to see.”

Jones said there are still tickets available, although they are close to selling out.

“The best thing about this event is that it shows what can happen when the University collaborates with other partners,” Jones said. “It enhances the experience for everyone.”

Finally, students can take part in the Haitian Celebration this weekend by creating their own Haitian petwo hand drum in classes offered by the University Craft Center. Classes will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Tony Allen, a senior in physics, is the instructor for the course.

“This course is for all skill levels, so it’s great for people who have never done woodworking before and want to try a new skill,” Allen said.

Proctor has worked closely with the University in planning the Haitian Celebration. She said HWH started in Raleigh with 12 people who had been to Haiti through the Presbyterian Church and were immensely impressed with the philosophy and success of the St. Joseph’s family.

“We support St. Joseph’s because it is a model for how to change children’s lives, not just pack them into an orphanage,” Proctor said. “This program has been successful and we believe it could be replicated in other cities and towns in and beyond Haiti.”