When I think of New Orleans, these are the images that I remember. I remember last year in August sitting up until the wee hours of morning glued to the TV because I just could not believe the images on the screen. I think that was one time in history when the media almost got it right in terms of reporting the news with truth and accuracy. I remember crying and praying and wondering how could this be happening in America.
I remember the restlessness I felt while I sat in my comfortable apartment as I watched on TV thousands of people who looked like me from neighborhoods that looked like mine in utter chaos. I remember getting up for work and looking around at people on the commuter train who seemed to be living life as usual untouched by the pain of these individuals. I remember thinking how can we be so out of touch? I remember thinking how can I be so out of touch?
I remember asking God what can I do. How can I help? I remember feeling so frustrated, angry, and tired that I had a conversation on the train coming home from work with a woman I didn't know. I don't think she, nor I, was prepared for my anger as I shared my feelings about the lack of concern for those left behind in New Orleans. I remember the silence on the train as if all ears were on alert.
I remember talking and connecting with others who felt that same pain, that same urge to do something…to help those in need. I am so thankful for people like Rhonda, Jabaree, Sundiatta, Andwelle, Sis. Yaa, Bro. Sheridan, Deon, Patti, Sheena, Nathalia, Mosque # 6, State Representative Verna Jones, Heber Brown, III, the adult learners at the Learning Bank of COIL, Inc, and lots of unnamed individuals in Baltimore who helped us stockpile a truck of donated items. These individuals did what they could to make a difference and ended up helping to supply two truck loads of donated goods to displaced families from New Orleans in Atlanta, GA and for a community in Gulfport, MS. It felt good to know that we helped out, but was it enough?
So, here I am one year later in my own way coming to grips with the call that is on my life. As I sit here preparing for my flight to New Orleans this morning, I am still conflicted. As the rain falls outside my window, it reminds me of the purpose of my trip. I feel so honored to be part of this three day Environmental Toxic Tour and Hurricane Katrina Reflection Retreat sponsored by the Environmental Leadership Program www.elpnet.org. Yet, I am conflicted as I wonder what real impact we will be able to make.
I remember when I first realized I would be able to participate in this Senior Fellows Retreat. I telephoned and emailed a few Environmental Justice activists I know who live in New Orleans. I don’t think I was prepared for their response. They were just like look, "We are all talked out!" Some didn’t respond at all. At first, I was like "Dang!" Then, I reflected and understood that I can't be mad at them. I don't think I will ever be able to comprehend the HELL they experienced and are still experiencing. They are angry, frustrated, and at their wits end!
My prayer is that while I'm in New Orleans that God uses me and the other Senior Fellows on this trip to help us make a difference – even if it is in a small way. My prayer is for real change, real clean-up, real community-building, real outreach, and real healing to happen in New Orleans. I pray that this experience will better equip me to help real change, real clean-up, real community-building, real outreach, and real healing to happen in Baltimore.
I'm not sure how much access to the Internet I will have since we are not staying at a hotel, but at the Dominican Sisters Congregation of St. Marya. At any rate, please keep us in prayer. Here's our agenda:
September 14th
1:00 – 4:30 pm:
Reconnect with senior fellows at retreat center (weather permitting, Errol will post directions to Audubon Park, only a short walk, at the retreat center and as participants arrive they can come join the group for reconnection in the park)
4:30 – 6:00 pm:
Historical Geography of Race and Class in the New Orleans Area by Craig Colton: This talk will give participants a historical perspective on what lead to many of the environmental/social justice issues before, during and after Hurricane Katrina
6:00 – 7:00 pm:
Discussion on the Geography of Race and Class in the New Orleans Area over Dinner
7:00 – 9:00 pm:
Voices heard: This session will allow citizens, activists, journalists and others to share their stories about life during and after Katrina with participants. Participants will get a real sense of the chaos and heroism that resulted from the storm and its aftermath.
9:00 – ‘till: Fun Time
September 15th
7:00 – 8:00 am: Breakfast
8:00 – 12:00 pm:
Through our own eyes: During this 4 hour period, participants will go on a tour of some of the hardest hit areas in New Orleans and the surrounding parishes. Participants will be able to see the destruction and the rebuilding to date through their own eyes.
12:00 – 1:00 pm: Lunch
1:00 – 5:00 pm:
Service project. Participants will be able to contribute to the rebuilding process through one of several service projects which may include: Gutting a structure or helping out a distribution center such as Common Ground which distributes both food resources and protective wear for citizens who are working on their homes.
5:00 – 6:00 pm: Free Time
6:00 – onwards:
Dinner (TBD) and free time to spend catching up each other.
September 16th
7:45 – 8:45 am:
Breakfast
8:45 – 9:00 am:
Check-in and overview of the day
9:00 – 10:30 am:
A panel composed of ELP Senior Fellows and Associates who have contributed to the rebuilding of New Orleans. Fellows and associates will talk about their experiences and contributions to the rebuilding of New Orleans and surrounding parishes
10:30 – 10:45 am:
Break
10:45 – 12:30 pm:
Workgroups Session #1: participants will breakout into workgroups of 10 – 15 participants (made up of ELP Senior Fellows, local activists, university students/academics, journalists)
12:30 – 2:00 pm:
Lunch
2:00 – 4:00 pm:
Workgroups Session #2
4:00 – 5:00 pm: Break
5:00 – 6:00 pm:
ELP discussion on The Year of The Network
6:00 – onwards:
ELP Sponsored Dinner at Franky & Johnny’s located at 321 Arabella Street
September 17th
7:45 – 8:45 am:
Breakfast
8:45 – 9:00 am:
Check-in and overview of the day
9:00 – 12:00 pm:
Group reports and next steps: Given the significant experience fellows have had over the last few days, what can we bring back to our own work, and communities, and how can we contribute to the rebuilding effort of New Orleans.
Oh yeah, get Ready! Cause you know that when I return I will be contacting you to help organize another support drive for families displaced by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, LA and in Gulfport, MS. So, be prayerful and be ready!
No comments:
Post a Comment