Haiti
Massachusetts has the third largest population of Haitians and Haitian-Americans in the US -- an estimated 80,000, including roughly 35,000 born in Haiti. Many live in Mattapan, Randolph, and Somerville, among other places; and of course we have a number of Haitian-American pols here, including Linda Forry and Marie St. Fleur, and last year's city council candidate Jean-Claude Sanon.
The Boston Haitian Reporter is doing a good job providing information as they get it -- obviously a very frustrating task right now.
I am trying to post and retweet info that I'm gleaning from a variety of sources on my Twitter account (@dbernstein).
One political note: Ted Kennedy was a great champion of Haiti, Haitian refugees, and needs of Haitian-Americans in Massachusetts (as he was with all immigrant populations). I have yet to see any comments about the situation from either Martha Coakley or Scott Brown (unlike the Senate candidates in Florida), but I'm not looking to criticize them for that (at least, not yet) -- just curious what their responses will be. Kennedy was beloved here in large part for his almost reflexive urge to help constituencies in the Commonwealth, and this might give us some insight into how Coakley and Brown would carry on that tradition.
Update: Around 11:15 am Martha Coakley Tweeted: "My thoughts are prayers are with the people of Haiti, and their relatives here. How to help: "
Update: Around 10:15 am Scott Brown Tweeted "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims in Haiti, here is how you can help: "
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