This United Nations TV video grab handout shows rescue efforts on January 13, 2010 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Planeloads of rescuers and relief supplies headed to Haiti Wednesday as governments and aid agencies launched a massive relief operation after a powerful earthquake that may have killed thousands. US President Barack Obama ordered a swift and aggressive US rescue effort, while the European Union activated its crisis systems and the Red Cross and United Nations unlocked emergency funds and supplies for the destitute nation. AFP PHOTO/Clarens Renois (Photo credit should read HO/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
People look through destroyed buildings on January 13, 2010 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Planeloads of rescuers and relief supplies headed to Haiti Wednesday as governments and aid agencies launched a massive relief operation after a powerful earthquake that may have killed thousands. US President Barack Obama ordered a swift and aggressive US rescue effort, while the European Union activated its crisis systems and the Red Cross and United Nations unlocked emergency funds and supplies for the destitute nation. AFP PHOTO/Clarens Renois (Photo credit should read Clarens Renois/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
People carry the injured on January 13, 2010 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Planeloads of rescuers and relief supplies headed to Haiti Wednesday as governments and aid agencies launched a massive relief operation after a powerful earthquake that may have killed thousands. US President Barack Obama ordered a swift and aggressive US rescue effort, while the European Union activated its crisis systems and the Red Cross and United Nations unlocked emergency funds and supplies for the destitute nation. AFP PHOTO/Clarens Renois (Photo credit should read Clarens Renois/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
PACOIMA, CA - JANUARY 13: Los Angeles County Fire Department urban search and rescue team members load US Agency for International Development supplies to be flown to Haiti in the aftermath of the magnitude-7 earthquake onto truck on January 13, 2010 in Pacoima, California. Thousands are believed to have died and unknown numbers are trapped in rubble. The 72-member California Task Force 2 team is taking 55,000 pounds of prepackaged search-and-rescue tools and medical equipment to conduct round-the-clock search and rescue operations. The team includes firefighters, paramedics, rescue specialists, emergency room physicians, structural engineers, heavy equipment specialists, search dogs and handlers, hazardous material technicians, communications specialists and logistics experts. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
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PACOIMA, CA - JANUARY 13: Los Angeles County Fire Department urban search and rescue team members load US Agency for International Development supplies to be flown to Haiti in the aftermath of the magnitude-7 earthquake onto truck on January 13, 2010 in Pacoima, California. Thousands are believed to have died and unknown numbers are trapped in rubble. The 72-member California Task Force 2 team is taking 55,000 pounds of prepackaged search-and-rescue tools and medical equipment to conduct round-the-clock search and rescue operations. The team includes firefighters, paramedics, rescue specialists, emergency room physicians, structural engineers, heavy equipment specialists, search dogs and handlers, hazardous material technicians, communications specialists and logistics experts. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
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PACOIMA, CA - JANUARY 13: Los Angeles County Fire Department urban search and rescue dog Baxter and handler Gary Durian prepare for deployment as other team members load US Agency for International Development supplies to be flown to Haiti in the aftermath of the magnitude-7 earthquake onto truck on January 13, 2010 in Pacoima, California. Thousands are believed to have died and unknown numbers are trapped in rubble. The 72-member California Task Force 2 team is taking 55,000 pounds of prepackaged search-and-rescue tools and medical equipment to conduct round-the-clock search and rescue operations. The team includes firefighters, paramedics, rescue specialists, emergency room physicians, structural engineers, heavy equipment specialists, search dogs and handlers, hazardous material technicians, communications specialists and logistics experts. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Gary Durian
Getty Images
Injured are carried through the rubble on January 13, 2010 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Planeloads of rescuers and relief supplies headed to Haiti Wednesday as governments and aid agencies launched a massive relief operation after a powerful earthquake that may have killed thousands. US President Barack Obama ordered a swift and aggressive US rescue effort, while the European Union activated its crisis systems and the Red Cross and United Nations unlocked emergency funds and supplies for the destitute nation. AFP PHOTO/Clarens Renois (Photo credit should read Clarens Renois/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
In this Jan. 12, 2010 photo provided by the U.S. Navy, the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson departs from the Naval Station in Norfolk, Va. The USS Carl Vinson is expected to arrive off the coast of Haiti Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010 as part of a larger international effort overseen by the United Nations, whose peacekeeping operation headquarters was destroyed in the quake. (AP Photo/Petty Officer 2nd Class Rafael Martie, U.S. Navy)
AP
Haiti's National Palace is seen damaged in Port-au-Prince, Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010 after a powerful earthquake struck the country on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Jorge Cruz) ** NO PUBLICAR EN REPUBLICA DOMINICANA **
AP
Injured people sit along Delmas road the day after an earthquake struck Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010. A 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit Haiti on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Jorge Cruz) ** NO PUBLICAR EN REPUBLICA DOMINICANA **
AP
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Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here. 
Comments: (14)
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By: John on 1/16/2010 5:36AM
I wonder what would happen if the embassy collapsed and the Haticians were setting these same requirements before they allowed anyone to go digging to save the people inside.
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By: lotus on 1/16/2010 5:36AM
Organizations are telling the masses that money, donations, is the only thing needed. They try to make it seem like Black people are not needed to come and lend a physical hand is needed. Some may argue, they have enough black people over there already. I am saying those that can get there need to get there and lend a hand. But, some may argue, why should I subject myself to such tragedy, besides--God ain't leading me to do that. Those that are suppose to be there will be there.
Yeah, I think God knows, the weak can't do much. But he sho' is letting them white people go up over in there to help. At least Wyclef Jean and his wife is up over there pulling out bodies, dead and alive. He is subjecting himself to the tragedy. Some may argue, well that is his native country, he is more familiar and comfortable. I would argue, he was never comfortable with Haiti's condition and plight. That is why he is using mind over matter. All able bodied need to be over there right now. But who going to the next Tom Joyner cruise on the Caribbean to party and celebrate Black heritage and pass out awards. Also, what does Kwanzaa mean??--Nothing. Also, what does Dr. Kings Dream mean?--Nothing. Also, what does Black history month mean?--Nothing. It meant something when one was a boy and a girl, beginning life and we thought we could change the world. Many grew older and realized struggle, broken dreams, and realized that Dr. Kings dream, Kwanzaa, black history was just programs and talents shows. Some Blacks have realized those cultural components on a progressive and dynamic level. But, most have not experienced them on such a level. Thus, many will not take action because of being conditioned not to do so. It is complex and deep. It is what it is.
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By: Lerla G. Joseph, MD on 1/19/2010 5:53AM
Please, please keep the US military, USAID, and Red Cross accountable for the numerous unnecessary deaths in Haiti. This rescue and relief has been botched and Black people have died, are suffering, and will die as a result. I am a medical doctor who has a team of 8 medical professionals, food, medicine, medical supplies,sanitation supplies, tents and 2transport helicopters available to me. We have been denied access to enter Haiti since Thursday, 1/14/10. It is a travesty and they must be held accountable.
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By: Wheeler on 1/19/2010 7:34PM
My family is interested in adopting a Haitian child who has been orphaned by the earthquake. I have called and written other organizations, but have received no contact or assistance with doing so.
Does anyone know who I can contact?
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