Instructor of Haitian Language and Culture, Brown University
Writer, essayist and poet, and Instructor of Haitian Language and Culture at Brown University's Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies; author of the forthcoming book, Framing Violence within the Haitian Context
'Haitian Politics' and Rejection of Wyclef Jean's Presidential Bid Wyclef Jean was born in Haiti, grew up in Brooklyn and became an international hip-hop star. Now 40, he announced his intention to run for president of Haiti earlier this month, on Larry King, Live. Last Friday, Haiti's elections board rejected his candidacy, but Wyclef Jean says that should not be the last word. Yesterday, he said he would challenge the ruling. Essayist-poet Patrick Sylvain is Professor of Haitian Language and Culture at Brown University.
Haiti's Troubled History, America's Role and Hope for the Future The human disaster in Haiti is hard to describe: mass graves and street-corner cremations with piles of decaying bodies still growing in Port-au-Prince. Tens of thousands of injured survivors with no access to medical care; the lack of food and water leading to fears of looting and violence. Rescuers with relief supplies are on the way from Latin America, China, Russia, the European Union and the United States, with President Obama leading a massive effort. We learn about a history of homegrown corruption and international exploitation. How much is the US to blame? Is there hope for the future?
As sidewalk gardens grow on Skid Row, homeless residents lose a sidewalk In a city with tens of thousands of people living on its streets, sidewalk space can be a hot commodity. Businesses want to keep the sidewalk clear for customers, but the city’s housing crisis means that for some people, the sidewalk is home. Some property owners have reportedly used sprinklers or private security guards to make sure no one sets up camp outside their doors. And in recent months, people living on the streets have noticed a new tactic – business owners effectively occupying a portion of the sidewalk themselves.
LRC Live: Taxes, tech and Taylor Swift It’s a special live Left, Right & Center from San Francisco!
LA Renters Fight Back The housing crisis is so bad that some landlords are boosting rents without making fixes to big problems, like mold and infestation. Now, some Angelenos are taking a labor union approach and organizing renter strikes. We go to Westlake and Highland Park with LA Taco editor Daniel Hernandez. The housing crisis is so bad that some landlords are boosting rents without making fixes to big problems, like mold and infestation. Now, some Angelenos are taking a labor union approach and organizing renter strikes. We go to Westlake and Highland Park with LA Taco editor Daniel Hernandez.
Are state-mandated gender quotas legal? California becomes the first state to impose gender quotas on corporate boards, but will the new law make it through legal review? It’s a close race for the 25th Congressional seat in Ventura County, as Democrats try to flip the district from red to blue. A wine from the Central Coast plays a lead role in “Somm 3,” and artists debut performances inspired by the Thomas Fire and subsequent mudslides.