Haiti: 8 Years after the coup
*** Saturday, March 3,
2012: 4-6PM
*** La Pena Cultural Center: 3105
Shattuck Ave., Berkeley
Haiti Action Committee invites you
to an afternoon of solidarity with the Haitian people to mark the 8th
anniversary of the February 29, 2004 coup d'etat.
*** Dedicated
to the memory of Jean Ristil Jean-Baptiste.
Eight years ago the US, France, Canada
and the Haitian ruling elite overthrew Haiti's democratically elected President
Aristide and violently reversed Fanmi Lavalas' progressive social agenda. As a result
of the coup and subsequent U.N. occupation, thousands of Haitians were killed,
imprisoned, exiled or disappeared.
Last year, Haitian and international elites imposed on Haiti
the presidency of Duvalierist Michel Martelly, who plans to bring back the
Haitian Army which was notorious for repressing the poor. Still, with the
Aristide family's courageous return to Haiti last March, Haiti's grassroots
movements continue to organize and fight for economic justice, an end to
repression, and the return of democracy.
Featured speakers:
Pierre Labossiere
Nia Imara
Marilyn Langlois
*** We would like to dedicate this
gathering to the memory of our dear friend Jean Ristil Jean-Baptiste, who
passed away in Haiti last week of natural causes at the age of 30. Jean
Ristil will be remembered for his courageous radio, video and print
reporting on the 2004 coup and its aftermath. We honor his daily heroism, and
his great support for the children of Cite Soleil and the grassroots movement
in Haiti.
La Pena Cultural Center (wheelchair accessible)
3105 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA
$5-$25 donation requested (no one
turned away)
This year marks the 20th
anniversary of the Haiti Action Committee. www.haitisolidarity.net