Border of Lights is a collection of individuals influenced by the Haitian and Dominican diaspora and moved to shed light on the injustices felt by Dominicans of Haitian descent dwelling in the Dominican Republic. Border of Lights' latest effort to counter the discrimination, violence and hate experienced by Dominicans of Haitian descent is a Kickstarter campaign, which asks the public for financial assistance to help them transform tension at the border into "a bridge of hope and light."

For a number of years, Border of Lights has encouraged friendship and camaraderie between peoples of both nations, reminding them of ties in language and culture. Border of Lights and its work has been supported by the acclaimed authors Junot Diaz, Julia Alvarezand Edwidge Danticat, as well a global community of humanitarians, activist, educators and students.

This fall, Border of Lights looks to draw artistic peoples from across Hispaniola to erect a mobile art installation that will be placed against the bridge that connects border towns, Dajabon, Dominican Republic and Ouanaminthe, Haiti. The "Mural of Light" will be crafted using recyclable items, such as cement, paint and wood panels. And the purpose of the two-day mural-making project is to convert the border-crossing into an "international symbol of friendship of understanding."

"Border of Lights supports and encourages strengthening a new understanding of borders. Not one that is expressed and associated with confrontation or isolation, but rather solidarity and the acknowledgment that for more than three centuries has culturally enriched both sides of the border in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Our diversity enriches us, strengthens us, and does not erase our identity," said Father Regino Martínez, former Director of Solidaridad Fronteriza in Dajabón, DR, who led a candlelight vigil at the border October 2013.

In the month of November, the mural is expected to be the backdrop of a unity concert, set to inspire and push likeminded people to help make history. But, to do this Border of Lights needs donations to fund their mural, concert and other collaborative border projects. In addition, Border of Lights invites the public to join them on the ground, in Dajabón, Dominican Republic, or Ouanaminthe, Haiti on Oct. 3-5. The public is also asked to act in solidarity by participating in the Border of Lights' virtual vigil online on Oct. 3 at 8-10 p.m., where participants are asked to post photos of themselves holding lights. In addition, supporters are also asked to bring Border of Lights resources to their school, work and/or community centers.

For more information contact them at: info@borderoflights.org or visit: borderoflights.org. Please check out their Kickstarter, Also, check out their Facebook and Twitter.

BOL 2014 Schedule of Events:

Friday, October 3, 2014 • Event: Vigil & Mural Prep • Location: Dajabon, Dominican Republic - Ouanaminthe, Haiti bridge. (We will also be hosting a global vigil for anyone / anywhere in the world to join. Just send a photo of yourself or community with your candle).

Saturday, October 4, 2014 • Event: Art project installation. Working with youth and community members from both sides (Dajabon/ Ouanaminthe) to create an art installation to be displayed on the bridge. • Location: Dajabon, Dominican Republic / Ouanaminthe, Haiti border bridge. • Event: Tweet & Meet (Q&A) with authors Julia Alvarez, Michele Wucker, and more TBA, along with BOL coordinators.

Sunday, October 5, 2014 • Event: Social Justice Symposium • Location: Santiago, Dominican Republic • Partners: MOSTCHA • A leadership summit to discuss racial justice, multi-cultural inclusiveness and denationalization.

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