New Orleans, Haiti Share Cultural Ties at Fest

- Members of the Haitian band DJA-Rara march through the fairgrounds at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. (AP)

Zoom | Photo Reprints

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — It's no coincidence that the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival has taken the earthquake-ravaged country of Haiti under its wing. The city and the country share more than just a love of music and culture. They share history and are both survivors, said Richard Morse, lead singer and founder of the Haitian mizik rasin band RAM. "I like to say New Orleans and Haiti are twin sisters separated at birth," said Morse who recounted a bit of history behind the Louisiana Purchase during an interview. Morse said both Haiti and New Orleans were once part of the same French Colony, but in 1803, Napoleon sold Louisiana to the United States after a successful black slave revolt on what is now Haiti caused him to lose the land for his empire. After his defeat, experts say Napoleon saw holding onto Louisiana as a liability and sold the land to the U.S. for $15 million.