The nations and peoples of the African Diaspora too must come to the aid of Haiti in the wake of the devastating 7.0 earthquake that struck the capital Port-au-Prince. According to reports it seems a city of 2 million people has been destroyed. There has been no estimates on the death toll but its expected to be in the thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands. Throughout the blogosphere the use of social networking platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Flickr has brought the most up to date news and images.

What is being reported thus far is that the damage is extensive the Presidential Palace collapsed, as well as the United Nations headquarters in Haiti, the cathedral, main hospital, hotels, prison, and mall. Haiti’s Archbishop are among those who have died. There are reports of bodies in the streets, in the rubble. Citizens digging through rubble to look for survivors.

The earthquake again shines a light on the nation of Haiti. A poor nation founded through revolutionary slaves overthrowing their French enslavers. But one that maintains a powerful white elite that has through the use of their black benefactors kept Haiti incredibly poor. Unfortunately the land where Columbus first landed is no stranger to devastating loss of life-from the genocide of the native peoples to the slave revolution to repressive governments, foreign invasions and hurricanes. Yet, given that history this earthquake ranks among the worst tragedies.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) released a statement pledging its support to its member nation. The NAACP released a statement pledging its support. Jamaica, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Bolivia are also sending assistance. President Obama has also pledged the support of U.S. resources including health, rescue and recovery aid.