CONTACT:
Alex Taylor, Communications Director
ATaylor@council.nyc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK ––– Council Member Farah Louis (D-Brooklyn), Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus and Vice Co-Chair of the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus, issued the following statement on the earthquake in Haiti.

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER FARAH LOUIS

Yesterday, a terrible earthquake struck Haiti that caused significant damage to the country. At least 227 people were killed and hundreds more were injured and missing. As the proud daughter of two Haitian immigrants, I join the entire Haitian community to mourn the tragic events that have unfolded in Haiti in recent years including the 2010 earthquake, hurricanes, a deadly cholera outbreak, and near-constant political and economic instability. 

Going forward, it is critical that we stand in solidarity with the Haitian people. They need our prayers and support. They also need our help.

Please understand that this is a difficult time for the Haitian community here in New York City. Everyone here knows someone in Haiti who is struggling. Everyone here is worried about their family and friends back home. Haitians have had to endure a cycle of trauma over the years, and it has taken a toll. As Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities and Addictions, I pledge to work with Haitian clergy leaders, legislators, activists, and organizations like Capracare, Little Haiti BK and Haitian Studies Institute, and others to ensure that our community receives grief counseling and the additional support it deserves.

Haiti has suffered many setbacks in its history. Yet the Haitian people have always remained resolute and resilient in the face of adversity. Today is no different. The Haitian American community stands shoulder to shoulder in support of our Haitian brothers and sisters. And we remain united in our hopes for a brighter future for Haiti. 

Thank you. And God bless.

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New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis represents the 45th Council District, which comprises Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, & Kensington in Brooklyn, NY. Currently, she serves as Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addictions. She is also a member of the committees on Civil Service and Labor; Economic Development; Education; Finance; Housing and Buildings; Women and Gender Equity, Youth Services. Council Member Louis is the Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus and Vice Co-Chair of the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus.