Rush Praises Senegal President Abdoulaye Wade for Providing Homes and a Fresh Start in Life for 163 Haitian Earthquake Survivors
CHICAGO, IL – October 21, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — U. S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush today expressed his support and admiration for the ongoing humanitarian relief efforts for the survivors of the January 12 earthquake in Haiti. Last week, in a powerful expression of support for those who are still struggling to rebuild their lives, Senegal President Abdoulaye Wade welcomed 163 Haitian students to new homes and a fresh start in life in this west African nation. The Haitian students have remained homeless in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck 10 miles southwest of Haiti’s capital, in Port-au-Prince, leaving in its wake 230,000 dead and tens of thousands of families homeless.
President Wade provided homes for all 163 students who responded to his invitation to help them move forward in the aftermath of the earthquake’s devastation. In doing so, he also acknowledged the level of support for these students and all earthquake survivors from the people in Senegal, and others throughout the Diaspora, who are committed to helping the people of Haiti rebuild their lives.
“The level of love and support that was extended by President Wade to these Haitian earthquake survivors is a tremendous gift of the spirit and demonstrates leadership by a head of state who continues to work mightily to build and strengthen his economy,” said Rush who is the Co-Chair of the Africa Partnership for Economic Growth Caucus (APEGc). “President Wade’s decision to welcome these young Haitians to his nation is a clear demonstration of 21st century Pan Africanism. I applaud President Wade’s bold leadership, vision and determination to continue to build unity among all Africans and, especially, among African youth. His decision to allow these young people to stay and study in Senegal significantly contributes to the bridge building between African
Chicago has one of the largest African immigrant populations in the United States. More than 100,000 live in Illinois. They include students, lawyers, doctors, nurses, academics and small business owners. They continue to play an active role in building our community. Annually, in the United States, about 1.4 million African immigrants transfer approximately $40 billion to Africa, a level of commitment that shows the importance of the African Diaspora to the U.S. and the nations of Africa.
Rush added that he and his staff continue to monitor the ongoing support of the Obama Administration in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti. Earlier this month, on October 8, the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provided its latest update on emergency relief efforts in Haiti in the aftermath of the January, 2010 earthquake. Here’s a link to that report on their website:
These efforts, as well as ongoing fundraising and disaster relief efforts supported by the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund, provide Chicagoans and others with a steady stream of information on the status of relief and restoration efforts as well as opportunities for every American, who has a mind to do so, to lend their financial or volunteer support.
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For additional information on ways to assist in Haitian relief efforts, please visit the USAID website and the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund for additional information.
USAID: Haiti Earthquake
http://www.usaid.gov/helphaiti/
Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund
http://www.clintonbushhaitifund.org/
Contact:
Sharon Jenkins
Washington, DC Office
(202) 225.4372
Stephanie Gadlin
District Office
(773) 224.6500
