Keisha Jean-Louis, holds a copy of her book, Love Hurts. - Photo by Lauren Ostberg

By Kelsey Keating
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As relief efforts in Haiti fade from the headlines, a group of young Somerville authors are giving a voice to the pain of a struggling nation.
After the January earthquake, Haiti was the focus of the world. As the tragedy begins to fade, these young writers are working to remind their listeners and readers that the struggle is continuing and that help is still needed.
On Friday, the authors from Books of Hope – a writing and publishing program founded in 1999 and based in the Mystic Housing Development – took to the Seven Hills Park Stage Friday as part of ArtBeat to share their own original works Friday.
The writers – many first or second generation Haitian-Americans – explored topics ranging from the female image to the struggle to pay for college. The subject that came up most, however, was the devastation in Haiti – a tragedy the young writers felt personally and artistically.
Marie Jean Baptiste wrote “And as you stare into your TV I heard my people crying,” as part of her piece entitled “Open Your Eyes.”
Jessica Masse, a member of the program for three years and author of two published books, wrote “Rage” about the struggle in Haiti.
Another poet performed his work in Creole.
The ArtBeat performance was the next to last stop on a multi-state tour that kicked off in May. The young writers travel to New York City next for the Harlem Book Fair.