The Haiti Support Project has announced its third annual Pilgrimage to Haiti, set to take place October -12. Dr. Ron Daniels, President of the Institute of the Black World 21st Century and the founder of the Haiti Support Project (HSP), announced the pilgrimage that will promote cultural-historical tourism and economic development in the country. Haiti has symbolic meaning throughout the Diaspora as the world’s first Black Republic. Five years ago the Haiti Support Project mobilized more than 500 African Americans, Haitian Americans and friends to participate in “Cruising into History,” to mark the 200th anniversary of the Haitian Revolution.

One of the purposes of the trip is to counter the negative imagery of Haiti that is conveyed in media and popular culture. Dr. Daniels noted, “We believe people should come and see for themselves the rich history, culture and irrepressible energy/dynamism of the Haitian people. In that spirit, every person of African descent and friend of Haiti should visit the Citadel at least once in a lifetime.” The Citadel is a mountaintop fortress that King Henri Christophe had constructed to defend the Haitian Revolution against French invasions. One outcome of the “Cruising into History” trip in 2004 was the launch of a Model City Initiative to transform the town of Milot that sits at the foot of the Citadel in the northern region of Haiti.

The delegation, which will be limited to fifty people, will meet with various Ministers of the Haitian government and participate in a roundtable hosted by women’s organizations, and political and civic leaders. The group will also have the opportunity to visit other cultural sites and relax on one of Haiti’s beaches. The pilgrimage will conclude with a reception at the Presidential Palace.

The Haiti Support Pilgrimage delegation will be limited to fifty (50) people nationwide. For further information and to Pre-Register, interested parties should contact HSP immediately at 888.774.2921 or Email haitipilgrimage@ibw21.org.