Wyclef Jean's Mission in Haiti

Anybody can write their life story; but not everybody can put it over a hot reggae-ton or funk beat, receive a Grammy nomination, and still manage to stay humble and unchanged by fame. A native of Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti, Wyclef Jean moved to the Marlborough projects in Brooklyn, New York when he was nine.  During his teenage years, his family relocated to New Jersey, and  Jean began learning to play guitar and studied jazz with his high school music department. In 1987, Wyclef, his cousin Prakazrel  Michel (Pras), and one of Michel's former high school classmates, Lauryn Hill, started the rap trio Tranzlator Crew. As the group evolved, the name was  changed to The Fugees, but success didn't come easy. It wasn't until 1996 when  the trio's hard work and no-play mentality paid off big.  Their album The Score sold over 11 million copies and the group won two Grammy awards. The Score has been noted as being one of the most influential records of hip-hop history.

When the group disbanded in 1997, Jean began a career that would make him one of the most recognizable and creative artists in the hip-hop industry. Later that same year, Wyclef released, Wyclef Presents The Carnival. The album went double platinum and was nominated for a Grammy. Wyclef's music is known for its melodic beat and strong lyrics. His life, history and culture is reflected in his work.

Wyclef's natural ability to fit into any musical genre has opened many doors throughout his career. He has worked with the likes of Mary J. Blige; Earth, Wind, and Fire; Ziggy Marley; Machel Montano; Kenny Rogers; Carlos Santana, and the list goes on and on. Many Wyclef fans report that its refreshing to hear an artist step outside of their norm and explore different types of musical styles. Often in today's media, there are reports of music artists who "lose their way" and forget the people (or places) who helped shape and nurture their character before they attained stardom. 

Additionally, Wyclef has tapped into "the big screen" and appeared in movies such as Full Clip, Shottas, and Ghosts of Cite' Soleil.

Wyclef Jean has always made it a point to give back to his beloved Haiti; the country that fostered  his work ethic and guided him to the path he has continued to follow today. Over the years, Wyclef has partnered with other organizations to support causes such as children’s education, poverty, human rights, environment, and world hunger.

In 2005, Jean founded the Yele Haiti Foundation. With funding from Comcel, within its first year of operation, Yele Haiti provided 3600 scholarships to children in Gonaives, Haiti after Hurricane Jeanne. In a 2009 interview with Han O' Connor, a writer for Allhiphop.com, Wyclef said that the organization’s priority was to raise money to build  the Yele Center. The center would include The Wyclef Jean School of the Arts, a sport facility, an internet cafe, and a cultural center that focuses on the environment. In that same interview,  he also stated that he believed the key to improving the situation in Haiti was to build substantial opportunity for the advancement of its people. Through Yele Haiti,  Wyclef uses music, sports, and other media outlets to make a difference in the lives of the people of Haiti. He helps provide food, jobs, schooling, and HIV/AIDS education and prevention. Yele Haiti has also received support from other celebrities such as Eric Clapton, Brad Pitt, Norah Jones, Tyra Banks, and a host of others.

In 2007, Wyclef Jean was made an ambassador for his native country in an effort to improve its image abroad. Then Haitian President, Rene Preval, said of Wyclef, "He's our best asset to promote the country's image around the world."

Haiti's government also credited Jean for successfully lobbying the US Congress to pass a bill that would help bring textile manufacturing jobs to the country.

In 2009, Wyclef Jean and the Timberland Company partnered in an effort to bring environmental awareness to Haiti. Their purpose was to push support and education for the country, as well as healthcare and environmental awareness.

In 2009, both he and Alicia Keys won the Humanitarian of the Year award for their efforts in aiding and supporting those less fortunate than themselves.

On January 12, 2010, Haiti reached a pivotal point in the strength of  its people and culture when a 7.0  earthquake hit  the impoverished city of Port-au-Prince. Approximately a week later a 6.1 aftershock hit the same area.  As the death toll of the aftermath continues to rise, it has been reported that there are about 1.5 million people left homeless. Considering that 46% of Haiti's population is under the age of 18, those statistics are extremely alarming. Citing the urgency of his people's need, Wyclef has called for help and urged people to donate to his Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund. Within a few days, supporters donated over one million US dollars for the disaster. Even in the midst of  questioning on how funds from his organization have been handled, Jean refuses to allow attention to be taken away from his people. He is determined to help Haiti recover from this tragedy and tells Haitians he will never leave them in their time of need.  Rescuers from all over the world are still searching for survivors and still holding on to hope.

In an post quake interview with Oprah Winfrey, Jean stated that the people of Haiti don't need any more photo ops. He also stated that he wanted the US military to set up tent camps for displaced people outside of Port-au-Prince, with the intent to help provide housing at a later date.

There is no doubt, Haiti will never be the same. However, the spirit and determination of its people are now stronger than ever. Haiti will be rebuilt but the memory of this painful event will last forever.As part of the Hope for Haiti telethon, performers from all genres lent their talent to raise money for the cause.  Wyclef and his band's performance was heartfelt and moving. One line from  his performance summed up his positive and encouraging attitude. As he stood, guitar in hand, and eyes closed so tight as if he were speaking across the waters that separate our countries, Jean sang, "Earthquake...we seen the earth shake...but the soul of the Haitian people it will never break."

- Mariah Whittaker