NAACP President and CEO Statement on Haiti Earthquake

"The entire NAACP family is deeply saddened by the earthquake that occurred in Haiti yesterday afternoon. The thoughts and prayers of the NAACP’s 2200 units go out to the families and those affected by this tragedy," stated NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. "The swift actions by the US Government and other countries show the world’s compassion for tragedies like the one that occurred in Haiti. The NAACP commends President Obama for the Administration’s rapid response to this tragedy."

On Tuesday, shortly after 5:00 PM, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck 10 miles southwest of the Haitian capital of Port Au Prince. Preliminary reports say that well over 3 million people were affected and that it will take days before we know the true damage to the city.

"We are asking all of our members to do what they can to assist the people of Haiti that have lost their homes, business, family members, and livelihoods," stated President Jealous "The NAACP plans a relief effort, which will be announced this week, to help with bringing food, water, temporary shelter and medical services to the people of Haiti," Jealous said.

"An earthquake of this magnitude is a tragedy anywhere in the world. An earthquake of this magnitude in Haiti, however, is even more devastating because of the political, economic, and social fragility in the country. Our concern for our sisters and brothers in Haiti will move members of the NAACP with compassionate responses for immediate relief as well as advocacy for longer term support for recovery and viability," stated Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley, Chairman, International Affairs Committee of the NAACP Board of Directors.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO OFFER HELP AND ASSISTANCE TO THE PEOPLE OF HAITI, PLEASE TEXT THE WORD YELE TO 501501 ON YOUR CELL PHONE. THE TEXT WILL DONATE $5 TO THE RELIEF EFFORT. (The charges will be placed on your phone bill)