Humanitarian efforts are underway in Memphis and across the country, where organizations, churches and media are raising funds for the earthquake-ravaged Haitians.  

Billy “Soul” Bond – referred to as Mr. Scat Cat (“Here Kitty Kitty,” was one of his biggest hits) – gyrates as he belts out one of his tunes. (Photos by Wiley Henry)

Falisa Janaye, who grew up singing in the church, had no problem expressing herself with the sweet, tantalizing sound of soul music. Her inspiration: a blend of Shirley Caesar, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson.

On Thursday evening (Jan. 28), several local and nationally known blues artists joined these efforts by raising more than $3,000 during a benefit concert at the Whitehaven Celebration Complex in Whitehaven.

The “Helping Hands Concert” was sponsored by the Afro Police Association and featured Willie Clayton, Bobby Rush, Sheba Potts Wright, Billy “Soul” Bond, Falisa Janaye, Preston Shannon, Toni Green and Sweet Angel.

Blues songstress Ruby Wilson made a cameo appearance. The “Queen of the Blues,” still recovering from a stroke, did not sing but received a rousing applause nonetheless.    

Before Rush launched into his rendition of the blues, the “purveyor of the blues” shared why he felt compelled to help Haiti’s people.     In 1965, on his way to Peoria, Ill, in subzero weather, Rush recalled a deadly accident where he and his drummer were struck from the rear by 10 truck drivers who all died in their burned trucks.

“My drummer and I were pinned in the station wagon,” he said. “We dug a hole in the ground and buried ourselves to keep from freezing, and stayed there until about 4 a.m. in the morning.

“When the sheriff department came, they shined a light on us. We called out for help. Someone said, ‘Is anybody else out there?’ Someone else said, ‘Naw, just two niggers already dead or almost dead. Leave ‘em there.’”

Having experienced horrific events in his life, Rush said he knew he had to do something to bring a semblance of hope to the devastated country.

Tyrone Curry, president of the Afro-American Police Association, said the benefit concert is one in a series of public service activities the association has planned.

Three years ago, they sent books to Nigerian children. They also have paid for  medicine for some sick children in Memphis, in addition to numerous other charitable acts.  “Anybody who needs help, we’re willing to help,” Curry said.

After the earthquake rocked Haiti, Curry said he and his friends decided they had to do something to help. “We were all talking about it on our own — Troy Vaughn and Willie Clayton,” he said. “But our friend Bill Wilchie said, ‘Let’s all do it together.’”  

The heart-breaking images of Haitians collective pain and triumphs prompted  Curry and company to spring to action. “Seeing families torn apart and children pulled from debris is enough to let you know we’re blessed,” he said. “Your heart just goes out to them. They were poor from the beginning and now they get hit like this. How can we not extend human love?”

The funds raised will be sent to a number of screened and sanctioned Haitian relief organizations such as the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund (CBHF) — which will be administered through the two presidents’ respective nonprofit organizations — and Haitian-born singer and producer Wyclef Jean’s Yele Haiti Foundation.

Former interim mayor of Memphis and City Councilman, Myron Lowery, who supports the humanitarian efforts of the Afro Police Association, said, “This is the first African-American campaign that I’ve seen. We need to do more to help ourselves and others.”

Curry said relief efforts will continue. “We’re going to make this a continuous thing,” he said.