The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) hereby expresses its condolence to the government and people of the Republic of Haiti over the recent earthquake that resulted in the loss of many lives and the devastation of parts of the country.

We send our prayers and love to the people of Haiti on the irreparable loss occasioned by this disaster. Haiti occupies a special place in the history of the Black race because of the exemplary role the country and its people played in the struggle against slavery and racial discrimination.

We wish to use this opportunity to call on all lovers of humanity, regardless of race or colour, but most importantly Black and African peoples of the world, to rise to the occasion by offering succour to the affected people through the provision of aid, relief materials and medical personnel.

We also urge African governments through the African Union (AU) to mobilize continental efforts in this direction. It is our hope that every necessary step will be taken to prevent the recurrence of such disasters in the foreseeable future.

As a Centre established to protect, preserve and propagate the arts and cultural heritages of Black and African people throughout the world, we would contribute to attempts to salvage treasures that were lost to the disaster. We are also prepared to donate to the replacement of rare and valuable books lost to the disaster.

Prof Tunde Babawale,
Director/CEO.