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Grammy Award-nominated singer Maxwell is working with big names to help his native country of Haiti.
The Brooklyn-raised R&B crooner, whose mother is Haitian, was asked to attend an emergency meeting organized by President Bill Clinton on Jan.14 to create solutions for combating the effects of the devastation caused by the massive earthquake on Jan.12.
Maxwell describes the meeting as "pivotal" and "uplifting."
"I was in a room with all kinds of incredible people from all sorts of different backgrounds, all working on solutions - artists, financiers, disaster specialists and Haiti experts like Dr. Paul Farmer, the public health specialist who is a United Nations Deputy Special Envoy to Haiti," he said.
"Many ideas were discussed that are at this moment being put into action. While the immediate focus is on humanitarian aid and saving lives, the ultimate goal is to rebuild Haiti so that all Haitians can make their country a better place to live for all."
The 'Pretty Wings' singer says that he's committed to assisting President Clinton and that raising money is "the most important thing to do now."
"...The easiest way to do it is through text messaging, but other ways to help include donating to organizations such as the Clinton foundation, Unicef, Red Cross and Wyclef's charity Yele Haiti."
As previously reported, Wyclef Jean's Yele Haiti organization has garnered over one million dollars through its text message campaign and the Red Cross's similar effort has raised over eight million dollars.
Comments: (7)
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By: raetowngirl on 1/19/2010 8:09AM
there r so many, actor-actress-singers-rappers-footballplayers-basketballplayers, whatever they do that have some form of haitian in them, wheather they were born here of a haitian parent or they were born in haiti n r living in america making money. they all need 2 come 2gether n support there roots...not being ashame that they have haitian in them......STEP UP HAITIANS!!!!
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By: Sin on 1/19/2010 9:59AM
Are you a (((MORON))) nobody cares about your knock off handbags and clothes... This Article is about helping Haiti.
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By: alexia on 1/19/2010 4:08PM
wow.. i didn't know maxwell was haitian. I love his album. I am learning something new everyday.
god bless haiti
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By: AfrikaVenus on 1/20/2010 12:00AM
According to the article NY is where he was "raised." His mother is Haitian. Its obvious the writer (Bridget Blandis)is a tad-bit confused by her headline statement/claims as "His Hometown of Haiti" and "native country of Haiti" Good thing you corrected her. Hopefully she will re-title her article after she confirms your claim. But the most important issue is that Maxwell is "dedicated" to helping Haiti. Perhaps, through the spirit of his mother. But he is "committed to assisting President Clinton" that is why the Clinton Foundation is listed first (I thought it was the Clinton/Bush foundation). In any event, they are helping Haiti. The Red Cross "raised" over eight million and Yele Haiti "garnered" over one million. I question why Maxwell did not state being committed to assisting Yele Haiti organization. Since the Yele organization is older than the Clinton Foundation in assisting Haiti.
Sometimes you have to read the rhetoric between the lines.
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By: afrikavenus on 1/20/2010 12:19AM
I don't think they are "ashamed" they have "Haitian in them." What an outrageous opinion and perception. Haitians that can "step-up" are doing just that and supporting their roots.
raetowngirl, you need to check yourself.
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By: Nina on 1/22/2010 7:31PM
I hate to say it but raetowngirl is right. There are a LOT of celebrities (and everyday people) with haitian roots who will not admit to those
roots and are not stepping up in the face of this crisis like they should. Wyclef is not the only musician/celebrity of haitian descent in the States. And yet, they remain silent. You would be
utterly surprised to know how many there are and who they are. I don't know why that is. Maybe because Haiti is the poorest country in the caribbean, I don't know. I applaud Maxwell for his efforts. Yes, he was born and raised in the US but he acknowledges and celebrates his roots regardless. There are millions of people of haitian descent who were born and raised in the US. I don't see any other folks with roots in the other islands denying their origins.
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By: afrikavenus on 1/20/2010 12:40AM
Bridget,
Your article states the "Clinton foundation." Is that foundation separate and apart from the ClintonBush Haiti Fund? By the way, who has received more than "114,000 contributions" for relief and recovery efforts. Not very much considering that both these ex presidents have many wealthy friends and associates.
Source: http://clintonbushhaitifund.org/
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