Former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial, now president of the Urban League, pointed out what most of us have probably already noticed - that those left in the city "are people who are African-American mostly...people who were of little or limited economic means..."
Careful to avoid blame, politicians consistently mention the repeated warnings and pleas for evacuation of New Orleans and Mississippi, which were issued just days before Katrina's arrival. And it appears that "limited economic means" had much to do with the makeup of those left behind. When interviews broach the subject of evacuation prior to the hurricane's arrival, victims paint a picture of limited financial resources and a lack of a physical means of escape. We have no car. We had no way to leave. A family member is ill and we had no way to transport them. There were no buses providing a way out.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, those who had little, now learn that they have absolutely nothing. What was poverty has become destitution, a dark tunnel with no light at its end for many of these stranded families. It may take years to rebuild or reestablish these devastated cities. This has led some of those who are managing to escape on what some call a second "black migration" to Chicago.
After World War I, the U.S. experienced a massive migration of African-Americans seeking escape from the south's harsh Jim Crow Laws. Seeking a better life, they migrated to the north; this was considered "one of the most radical demographic shifts in U.S. history" according to Lolly Bowean, a Tribune Staff Reporter.
As a result, many African-American communities in the north are closely following the events in New Orleans and Mississippi. Some individuals can relate to the experience of devastation and loss as they recall their own escape from New Orleans during Hurricane Betsy.
Help from the African-American Community and Others
The haunting images captured by the media have resulted in a public cry for support and relief.BET, MTV, NBC in partnership with the Urban National League and the American Red Cross are sponsoring telethons. And the African-American community is springing into action. Citing "This is our community," Sean "Diddy" Combs and Jay-Z have pledged $1 million in support.
Among the celebrities who are also participating in the raising of support are: Russell Simmons, Chris Rock, Celine Dion, Nicolas Cage, Wynton Marsalis, Master P, Juvenile, David Banner, Harry Connick, Leonardo DiCaprio and Tim McGraw.
Radio station WGCI, a popular hip-hop station, is planning to collect money, supplies, new clothing and toiletries all day on Sept. 9 at 930 E. 50th St. in New York City.