South Florida Hip Hop Stands Up For Haitians Seeking TPS

If you thought all Miami hip-hop stood for was balling out, popping pills, selling crack, hitting licks, fucking hoes, and killin fools then you were wrong.The local rap game has rallied behind the cause of TPS (temporary protected status) for Haitians in the United States. TPS is granted to "aliens...

By Jacob Katel

September 14, 2009

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If you thought all Miami hip-hop stood for was balling out, popping pills, selling crack, hitting licks, fucking hoes, and killin fools then you were wrong.

The local rap game has rallied behind the cause of TPS (temporary protected status) for Haitians in the United States. TPS is granted to "aliens in the United States who are temporarily unable to safely return to their home country because of ongoing armed conflict, an environmental disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions" according to a US government website.

Haiti was struck a series of devastating blows when four hurricanes ravaged the island in 2008.

TPS allows people to get social security numbers, ID cards, go to school, work legally, and be able to send money back home to help the country rebuild.

This Friday September 18, 2009 at Virginia Key Beach Park (4020 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami) local organizations are holding a TPS Solidarity Vigil featuring appearances by DJ Griot, Brisco, Billy Blue, Flo Rida, Des Loc from Piccalo, Mecca AKA Grimo, Grindmode, Ballgreezy, Stitches and poetry from local artists Michael Martinez, Haiti Bluez, and Wilda Nubia Previl, and support from 99 Jamz, Hot 105, Iconz Music, and Poe Boy.

Here is a list of countries whose nationals are currently granted TPS:

El Salvador
Honduras
Nicaragua
Somalia
Sudan
Liberia

Politicians and community leaders will also be present at the rally, which is sponsored by Tet Ansanm (Heads United), On Point Entertainment and Marketing, Haitian Women of Miami (FANM), Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC), and Free Haiti Now (FHN).

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