ENMU to lead rally for Haitian relief

Eastern New Mexico University students are rallying together on Wednesday to raise money for Haiti at the campus fountain.

The Neighborhood service group, Associated Students Activities Board and African-American Affairs have teamed up to encourage people to come out whether or not they have money to give to a relief rally for Haiti.

The Haitian Relief Rally is raising money to give to the Red Cross for relief after an earthquake struck Haiti last month. Chairman of The Neighborhood James Pearson said he felt that Eastern has been dormant in school spirit since the Vietnam rallies when it comes to mass demonstrations.

“We care about our neighbors who are suffering, and we care about the people in the world,” Pearson said. “We’re not materialistic, self-serving Americans. We wanted to do this as soon as possible because unfortunately people tend to forget as time goes on.”

Pearson said colleges have historically been a center of change.

“It’s always been a place where people can talk about global issues and concerns and have the in-depth knowledge of it that can actually make a difference,” he said. “Also you have the fact that you have so many young people who have a real spirit and motivation.”

The demonstration begins at 4 p.m. Speakers include a Red Cross representative, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Mary Fanelli Ayala and Professor of Reading Doug Morris.

Taller Than Aubrey is set to perform throughout the rally, and Travis Erwin is scheduled to play at 7 p.m., with Seven to follow. If the weather is bad, the rally will be moved to the Campus Union Building Ballroom.

African-American Affairs Director Jordan Anderson said his office has been helping with the promotion of the rally.

“It would be great to have 100 people come out to a cause that is not directly related to them or to New Mexico,” Anderson said. “Whatever anybody can give will be good. Even if you don’t have anything in your pockets, come on out and support the movement.”