2 Years Post Hurricanes Katrina/Rita: Call to Action
 

I'm not sure if I have seen you post...so has anyone spoke to her, or had contact from her to know that she is doing ok after Katrina

Thanks for asking. I'm online right now to give myself a break from the news. As I have been telling everyone, it is depressing. The SE LA area is like a 3rd World Country. I guess I am a refugee. I am with my mother, but this area received damage with wind and rain on Monday.

Many of us are fortunate, but others are not. Please donate to the Red Cross. Some of the evacuees are to be sent to Houston. If there are evacuees in your area, please assist them. This is a horrific tragedy. Donations are needed, as well as prayers. Today has been designated a "Day of Prayer" in Louisiana. We have our own war in the United States...RIGHT NOW! There are so many who need EVERYTHING. They have lost their homes and the only clothes they have are on their bodies. The pleas for help from those trapped are unbearable. We have heard several "live" pleas for help. The local news shows much more than CNN and Fox News. I have NEVER seen anything like this.

When can we return? :confused: From the images I've seen, I'm not ready to return.

Just keep the Gulf Coast states in your thoughts and prayers...WE NEED THEM!

Take care my lovely soror and keep your chin up...

I'll be praying for you and yours!!! :D

You are in my thoughts and prayers AKA2D91! Has anyone heard from RD? How is she doing?

I just found out that a co-worker of mine lost everything she had. She was in the process of selling her home and moving her family to DC and now this. She isn't doing too well, so please when you are praying, keep her in mind.

On another MB someone posted that they wonder how many other countries are going to come assist us in this devistation..it makes you wonder

This is all so sad
God Bless You and your family
I just said a little prayer once again

I knew 2D would get out of dodge. Glad to hear you are safe. :)

Ditto to what everyone else has said.

I was getting a little worried about you given that we haven't heard from you in several days. But it's a blessing to hear from you again and that you're all right.

Praise God! :)

Glad to see you're ok. I pray for everyone affected by this.

I am here and I am doing well. I just got an internet connection about an hour ago.

My dad, his sister (my aunt), her sons (my cousins), and husband (my uncle) are still unaccounted for. The last time I had contact with my dad was 5pm Monday and he was telling me that they had to break into a two-story house across the street to seek refuge because water was up to their chest in my aunt's house. Since then, cell lines have been down and I can't call anyone.

I also have another aunt, 19yo cousin, and her 2yo baby that are unaccounted for. The last contact I had with them was at 7:00am Monday and my aunt was telling me that the wind was trying to take the roof off. I spoke with a cousin in Colorado that said my cousin called and left a message with her around 7:30 or so stating that the roof had bown off and rain was pouring in.

Lastly, I have another aunt, uncle, and two older cousins that decided to stay who are also unaccounted for.

*sigh*

I called the Coast Guards and alerted them of areas where my family members lived so that they could swing a boat by and attempt to rescue them. Right now, it's just a "hurry up and wait" kind of situation. I JUST WANT TO HEAR SOMETHING!!!!!! I have tried calling the Red Cross to see if a registry has been set up yet, but I can't get through. I am about to go insane....

Well, from what I hear, Algiers is OK. That's where my mom lives. It appears that that part of town was not affected by the water. On the other hand, my family home in the 9th Ward is submerged. The ENTIRE 9th ward (upper and lower) is underwater, so everything is lost there. But at this point in time, I just want my fam to be alive.

My poor city is underwater.... It is truly, truly depressing. Like 2D said, PLEASE donate to the Red Cross. PLEASE donate to shelters in your area. Hardly ANYONE was spared--rich, poor, middle class, white, black, famous or not. It is ALL destroyed. What wasn't damaged by wind and rain is now being picked dry by looters. Still, I am faithful and I am hopeful that my family is OK. Please dedicate some time to pray for ALL the people of New Orleans, as well as the other areas that are dealing with the destruction caused by Katrina.

:( :( :( :( :(

That is so very sad to hear RedefinedDiva. MY prayers are with you and your family. I hope you hear from them soon.

Soror Refined...

I hope you will hear some good news about your family...

My prayers are with you...

Please keep your chin up, because I will cry if you lose it too...

I know I will do whatever is needed...

Dearest Sorors, my heart is heavy after hearing about the circumstances you are faced with. I hope that your families are safe and that you hear from your loved ones soon. We are presently doing a drive at my school to raise a large sum of money to donate to the Red Cross. Please keep us informed of any further developments.

RD, Girl you are very much in my thoughts and prayers, the whole of NO and the Gulf area. I pray that you hear from you family members and soon. We can survive this, it is in HIS Glory!!!

Sorors and friends,

we're all praying for you. i'm hoping that the next time you all post, it will be good news.

Sorors 2D and RD, it is a relief to hear from you. I will continue to pray for those who have been affected by this disaster.

Put your money where your mouth is...
 

Here you go folks...

Put your money where you mouth is and DONATE!!!

American Red Cross

I challenge ALL MY SORORS who are unaffected to beat my $100 donation!!!

My prayers are with both of your families. This is just horrible and I can't even imagine what you must be going through. Stay strong!!

Oh craziness....
 

We are currently putting together funds to donate to the Red Cross together at my job.

We will be keeping everyone in our prayers....

im am so grateful you are here!
 

when i didnt see a post ealier got worried, but i am glad to 'see' you.

my family is praying for you and the millions displaced. stay encouraged! use that strength and tenacity to get through this time!

"because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high beause he has known My name. He will call upon Me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life aI will satisfy him and let him see my salvation"

psalms 91:14-15- the new inductive study bible.

through all of my trial, this psalm and specifically this passage has kept me. my prayer is that in the midst of all of this, you remember that God is by your side, protecting you. the devil is a liar. you, your family, your neighbors WILL rebuild.

GOD BLESS YOU AKA2D and all affected by this week's events!

Re: Put your money where your mouth is...
 

i will be volunteering at the redcross and working with my league chapter to provide assistance.

AKA2D'91 and RedefinedDiva,

My thoughts and prayers are with you all and your families, loved ones and friends. None of this makes sense now, but hold onto the fact that He is able. He hears and answers prayer and will give you with the peace you need to go on.

May God strengthen you all and your families. And may we all learn again the lesson that every day, be it a good day or bad day, is indeed precious.

Psalm 55:22

Thanks. I am very fortunate.
My situation is not like RDs. Her family's situation is very disturbing. It's like so many others. We have, however, seen cases where families were reunited on live TV.


We'll be okay.

Wishing you both the best.
 

How do you feel about the looting that is happening right now? How do you feel about the police officers who are locking people up for looting?

I've been looking at pictures online, and it is so devastating and so sad. I want to cry:(

I can understand why many are looting for FOOD/WATER. These people have not had any nourishment for days. The babies are without formula, diapers. Women are without sanitary items (it's raw, but it's REAL). This is a desperate time! I cannot understand why you are robbing Athlete's foot and it's flooding. What are you going to do with all of that? It's flooding, the water is in some areas chest deep and its toxic. I don't understand that aspect. The druggies are needing their fix, so they are trying to get into the hospitals/drug stores. Before they entered the dome, the national guard checked each person and his or her belongings. Guns, drugs, weapons were taken from them.

This has turned into the survival of the fittest. It's a mess and it's sad.

Where are they locking them up? :confused:
The local prisoners aren't even in the prisons, so where are the "arrested" looters? :confused:

SOME of the reports you all are seeing on some national news, especially CNN isn't all true. I prefer to watch Fox, it's more balanced. I'm getting most of my news from the local stations. The governor, her department heads, etc are the source of my information. Don't believe everything that is being covered. I hope Gov. Blanco comes on Larry King tonight to discuss this. She was very upset at how misinformation was spread to the nation.

I don't like the fact that the looting has taken over the news coverage. These rescuers need assistance. The elderly, medical fragile, and children/babies need help and they need help NOW! Focus on THAT! Focus on families being reunited with each other. Focus on how most individuals have lost their homes. Focus on how Texas is admitting our displaced students into their educational systems. Crime has always existed, even during a crisis.

Concert for Hurricane Relief:
Friday on NBC...

Singer Aaron Neville has 3 nieces missing. :(

I hear what you are saying.

When I was looking through pictures on various sites I saw police officers with shot guns and sticks yelling at people. One officer had a "looter" pressed up against a wall with the officers hand on the mans neck to hold him still.

Most of the "looters" I have seen were had diapers and water in their hands. Those things that are needed. In a way I can understand going to the shoe store especially if you lost your shoes. Some protection from glass and splinters is better than no protection.

I "see" what you are saying as well. When you get the merchandise out, its bound to come into contact with that toxic water. I don't think they realize how disease-ridden that water is. It's just madness there! Officials are trying to get everything together. Icannot really say what I would or would not do in that situation. Its so crazy.

I saw where one officer had a M-16 and made 2 looters drop everything. We learned that one officer was shot in the back of the head. He's supposedly okay. :confused:

I'm glad to see New Orleanians checking in, I'm not sure who all was NO-based that got out, but I praise God for those who did, and for family members you haven't heard from. Its absolutely heartbreaking to see New Orleans underwater...to see people calling NO "unfit for human habitation"...

Someone had the nerve to call me today and tell me Bayou Classic might be moved (like I care right now)...I don't want to go anywhere but New Orleans...this country needs the historic city of New Orleans.

2d & RD - I'm glad you're ok. This is so sad, but I'm still praying. I'll vent about the gas in the gas thread. I was looking at the news, and of course, having a 4 1/2 mos old myself, I was thinking - what about formula? Where do you get clean water to make it - I know I cannot afford to buy the ready made stuff. I saw this lady on the news bawling her eyes out because she had a pickup truck and numerous family members. She had to choose between which family members to try to load into the truck, and which ones to leave behind. She said she had to leave someone behind who has a baby - but when you see how water logged that truck was - I understood her decision. That way if she made it to safety - she could send someone back for her, because the truck might not have made it.

The news said the police have given up on trying to stop the looters.

Sorors and Friends,

I am glad to see you all are okay. As was stated earlier I can not imagine. When I think about the total lost, and the next step it just breaks my heart. New Orleans is a great place to be and the good thing is that the people are so strong they will rebuild. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers.

Your President!!!
 

Your President just came on the tv and said that he believes in zero tolerance on looting! That includes essential items!

Ok, so let the people die of starvation/dehydration/ infestation of cuts on their feet...

stupid stupid stupid:mad: :mad:

2D and RD, I am glad to see that both of you are ok. I am definitely keeping everyone in my prayers in your neck of the woods. RD, I hope that you hear from your missing family members soon to know that they are ok.

I was watching Dateline last night and they showed a woman and her husband looking for her father. He had decided to stay and wait it out. Well they picked her and her husband up on this swamp looking boat and they went by her house which was totally under water, and then they rode down a little more and they saw her father.

I also heard on the news that other countries are coming to the rescue of the United States which is something that I too was wondering about because the U.S. is always out to help others, and I was wondering if they were going to help us.

AKA2D91 and Sistahdiva, I'm glad that you're okay. :)

Sistahdiva, I thought about you and I tried to call your cell a few times, but of course, "all circuits are busy". I came here and was delighted to see that you checked in. I will keep your loved ones in my prayers. (((((((T)))))))))

:( My prayers are with you and your family.

Oh you guys I am sooo glad that you are ok. Members of my family too were trapped by the hurricane. My cousins home is totally destroyed. My two aunts and uncle were trying to remove water from their home--but to no avail at last time I checked. My mom's house has become literaaly the Holiday Inn. God Bless to all.
Soft

Re: Your President!!!
 

:( Then he needs to act quicker to get them the supplies that they need. Unfortunately, I'm thinking - get the National Guard out there to try & control the situation, but bring the supplies that they need so they wouldn't have to loot. Be hard on the looters that are just looting for the heck of it.

It's a tough situation. I saw on GMA today where people are dying in the hospitals & it's sooo hot & humid there. There are sick babies whose parents were forced to leave the city. :( They said that they tried to get a supply truck thru, but there were 100 looters (ok - who sat down & counted them & why is the number exactly 100????) in the way with guns. :( :(

I have a novel thought - let's leave Iraq alone for now and help our own citizens!

2D and RD, I'm glad that you guys are ok. My prayers and thoughts are with you and everyone in those areas affected by Hurricane Trina. I plan on giving to the Red Cross, I don't have much to give but I'm blessed!

I would like to focus the conversation now to what can be done so that New Orleans what get washed out in the Gulf if another strong hurricane comes through. Any engineers here care to shed some light on structural things that can be done.

You won't see THIS on the NEWS
 

*With possibly thousands dead, water and food supplies running out and 80 percent of New Orleans submerged in rising waters, rap mogul and native son Master P has been busy trying to coordinate relief efforts to help citizens cope with perhaps the most catastrophic natural disaster ever experienced on US soil.

Master P still hasn't heard from his Dad - Percy Miller Sr., or his wife Sonya's sister. He went to New Orleans over the weekend and organized vans to drive family members to relative's homes in Houston, Baton Rouge and Lafayette. Traffic on the highways was crawling all the way. Many of them didn't want to go and stayed with their homes and their belongings. They still have not been able to locate those people who stayed.

"Too many people cherish material things. They should be concerned about being alright. They should cherish their lives." Master P said yesterday. "Talking to people who stayed, man ... they're just in shock. Seeing bodies floating in the water. Seeing family and people they know and grew up with dead. Watching neighbors trapped in attics, trying to get out and then knowing that they drown. It's just awful." Master P lost all of his homes in New Orleans and all of his family members lost their homes as well.

P spent part of Wednesday, in his Los Angeles home, on the phone with New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and the suits at BET in hopes of organizing relief efforts.

Master P's publicist, Donna Torrence, said he will be in New York today at the Red Cross' headquarters for a 12:30 PM press conference organized by BET, the Urban League, the RED Cross and Russell Simmons and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network.

“As a native of New Orleans, me, my wife Sonya and my son Romeo have formed Team Rescue to help our community affected by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina,” P said in a statement. “We are contributing our own money toward items such as food, clothes and shoes and we are also reaching out to corporations for donations.”

Torrence said: “[P] provided a way for all of his family members to get out, but I didn’t get the details of what he did, whether he rented a bus, sent them airline tickets, or what. But there were some members who didn’t want to leave, and those are the ones they are not able to locate.”

Master P’s wife, Sonya Miller, plans to donate products from her hair care and skin care line to women who make up the over 78,000 people living in shelters around New Orleans.

“Sonya is reaching out to companies for product donations for mothers, like Pampers and Gerber baby food, as well as soliciting donations of items helpful to ladies and girls,” said P. “I am reaching out to companies for men's products as well as calling on my friends, athletes, sports team owners, banks, etc for monetary contributions as well items such as a quantity of cell phones so that people can call loved ones.”

P is also organizing a Save Our Hood concert and album to raise additional funds, while Romeo is calling on his teenaged peers for help with donations.

As President Bush prepared to speak on the situation Wednesday afternoon, looters in New Orleans continued to raid abandoned stores - grabbing up food, clothing, electronics, guns and other items. One nurse was held up at gunpoint while stepping out of a hospital to get some fresh air.

Thousands of stranded citizens waving white flags piled onto rooftops and crowded into upper level apartments with hopes of attracting attention from Coast Guard rescuers.

Long lines began forming Wednesday at gas stations across the country, causing unease and short tempers at locations in Atlanta and Mobile, Alabama as folks tried to get gas in their vehicles before prices surged to over $6 a gallon. There are now concerns that limited supplies of gas could bring back the long lines and rationing reminiscent of the 1970s gas crisis.

Conditions in the Superdome, where some 15,000-20,000 refugees were being housed, grew down right uninhabitable – with no air conditioning, rising flood waters riddled with disease, broken toilets and nowhere to bathe. Five hundred buses will carry as many refugees as possible to the Houston Astrodome in Texas, 328 miles away.

Nagin said there will be a “total evacuation of the city. We have to. The city will not be functional for two or three months.”

Master P said of his relief effort: “My family has set out to save and rebuild our neighborhoods and help our inner-city brothers and sisters who have lost everything in this disaster. Those in need and those who wish to donate can call our hotline at 888.886.7377 and speak to someone who can help. The line will be up and running today. For more information please go to www.teamrescueone.com

I was just reading about what Master P is doing a little while ago.

My prayers are going out to all that have affected by this disaster. :( :( :(

A special prayer goes out to Soror RD and her loved ones.