The date of January 12th 2010 marks a day in history that will never be forgotten.  It was a day that changed our lives forever and impacted the country we hold dear to our hearts.  The earthquake that occurred in 2010 not only affected the landscape of Haiti but the spirit of our countrymen/women.  We grieve for those who were lost and are thankful for those who carry the torch in their memory.

A number of pieces written on the personal impact resulting from January 12th were sent to us from our youth in Haiti and in the U.S.; we share a few perspectives with you as we remember and respect.  The torch is carried forward.

With Love & Strength,

From Hernice, Haitian living in Haiti, Youth in 20′s

I feel so honored today to let you read my third perspective on this event which has marked my life and every Haitian and the Haitian story.   I recognize that if there are moments that we remember rarely in our stories, January 12, 2010 earthquake isn’t be part.

Every time I think about myself, about my mission for this country or do something which bring me more close to the realization of this dream, every moment, even a second I look those people who is still living in a situation as this event was happened yesterday, because their situations are still the same, (read more)

From Danice, Haitian living in Haiti, Youth in 20’s

Everybody has a heart to love. The great sensibility in our heart never lets us stay indifferent to the least event that affects a human being like us.  For the first time, I cried on the behavior of my Haitian brothers.

Never have I known such tremendous moment in the story of Haiti before the earthquake of January 12, 2010. In least of one minute, the town was totally destroyed, between 217,000 and 230,000 people was dead, around 300,000 injured, an estimated 1,000,000 homeless, around 250,000 residences and 30,000 commercial buildings were collapsed or highly damaged. Why all these deficits took place? That required a great reflection… (read more)

From Monique, Haitian American living in the U.S., High School

To be inadequate is what it’s like to hear about your roots and be completely unscathed. Living in the states I remained sheltered from all the hardships endured by the people of Haiti and thus when I heard the news of the earthquake I felt almost as though it didn’t have anything to do with me.

In those moments I didn’t feel as though I had the right to call myself Haitian, for I was emotionally detached from the situation. People constantly kept asking me if I was okay and all I could think is why wouldn’t I be?  And then I heard. I heard how (read more)