By Chris Richburg
Rapper/producer Wyclef Jean will be in good company on Monday (June 8) as World Hunger Year (WHY) honors his commitment to fighting poverty at this year’s 2009 WHY-Chapin awards dinner.
The award-winning hitmaker will receive the ASCAP-Harry Chapin Humanitarian award at the event, which will take place at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City.
Jamaican musician/actor/activist Harry Belafonte will be on hand to present Jean the award.
Known as a leading advocate for innovative, community-based solutions to hunger and poverty, WHY is dedicated towards combating these issues by promoting methods for creating self-reliance, economic justice, and equal access to nutritious and affordable food.
Monday’s presentation is the latest accomplishment for Jean, who established his Yéle Haiti foundation in 2005.
The organization, which works towards long-term progress for Haiti via small-scale, manageable and replicable projects – is credited with changing the lives of children and adults through education, health, environment and community development programs.
"We must continue to highlight both the accomplishments of Yéle as well as Haiti's continued need,” said Simon Khan, chief executive officer of the award dinner’s co-host, Antilia. “We are pleased to partner with WHY to bring awareness to this organization's efforts in the Caribbean, and are delighted to work once again with Wyclef and his team.”
In addition to Jean, WHY-Chapin award recipients will include WFAN Sports Radio 66 and Growing Power, a national nonprofit organization and land trust that provides equal access to high-quality, safe and affordable food for those in need.
Several 2008 Harry Chapin Self-Reliance Award winners will also be recognized for their efforts to go beyond charity to create change in their communities.
Famed Calypso singer/songwriter The Mighty Sparrow will bring the flavor of the Caribbean to the event with a special performance.
For Khan, the awards dinner marks a prime opportunity to "highlight achievements in the Caribbean community through the recognition of three Caribbean stalwarts - Wyclef Jean, Harry Belafonte and The Mighty Sparrow, who each continue to champion important Caribbean causes."