Wyclef Jean: Why I'm Running for President of Haiti

Ronald Reagan did it. Clint Eastwood, too. And the Terminator himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger, is currently serving as governor of California.

Now Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Wyclef Jean is hoping to become the next successful entertainer-turned-politician. Jean tells PEOPLE that this week, he plans to announce his bid to become the next president of Haiti, which will choose a new leader in November.

"The suffering of the people of Haiti, the youth of Haiti – which is the majority of the population – can't take another five years of the corruption that's been going on for the past 200 years. This is why I'm running," Jean tells PEOPLE.

Wyclef Jean: Just Call Him Dr. Fugee

By Laura Adibe
Grammy Award-winning artist and philanthropist Wyclef Jean can now add another distinguished honor to his long list of achievements: The Haitian-born Jean was awarded an honorary doctorate on May 23 from Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Dr. Jean delivered a commencement speech, titled "Vision for the Future," to the graduating class of 2010 and was presented a check from the university in the amount of $9,500 for his organization, Yéle Haiti.

Founded in 2005, Yéle Haiti was one of the leading organizations that stepped up to the plate in the aftermath of this year's earthquake in Haiti.

Jean, who came from humble beginnings, stated that he had to "ride a donkey to school in Haiti" and stressed the importance of perseverance.

"I lived in a one-room shack. When I came to America, I didn't speak a word of English. Today I am able to travel the world, reach people with my music, work on behalf of my native Haiti and even speak at a college commencement."