Haiti’s Got Talent – and they are using it to free their child slaves. Songs for Freedom, or as NPR put it, the Haitian “American Idol” will probably forever be one of my most memorable nights yet to date.
While I was with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute in Port au Prince, Haiti a few weeks back we had the pleasure of meeting the inspiring people of the organization, Restavek Freedom. Prior to traveling to Haiti, I’d never heard the word “restavek” and had no idea that children were being enslaved in a ‘foster care gone wrong’ scenario all over the country. The issue of restavek in Haiti is very complex and difficult to talk about, however, the folks at Restavek Freedom are constantly coming up with new, innovative ways to start the conversation and end child slavery. Creating a singing competition and concert to was one of those innovative ideas.
Songs for Freedom is a singing competition where each contestant must write their own song about freeing the child slaves, perform it in front of a stadium full of people, and then the winners receive a cash prize and the opportunity to record an album in the United States. The stakes were high, and let me tell you, they brought it.
After the competition, Chris Tomlin, a popular Christian singer and worship leader took the stage with his band. Singing God of this City as we looked over the city of Port au Prince will forever be one of my favorite memories.
I seriously felt so honored to witness this night and to have been able to document it. God is moving in Haiti, friends.
I really encourage you to learn more about this issue on Restavek Freedom’s site and in NPR’s article about the concert.
PS – Like this post? You may also like Portraits of the Change Boys, Markets of Thailand, or Filmmaking in Panama.
So SOOOO amazing! Girl, you are talented, and wow, got chills just thinking about being there:) xoxo
Awe thanks girl!! It was an amazing and holy night.