Ellington

It's a testament to the human spirit to see how Mississippians have responded in this time of crisis. Hurricane Katrina may have devastated property, homes and businesses, but it didn't crush hope. Out of the rubble that is now the Gulf Coast rose a renewed sense of worth.

Life became more valuable. Hell, a roof became more valuable. Before Aug. 29, some of us were mired in our little selfish worlds. We took for granted all the luxuries that the modern world could give us.

As I watched southern Mississippi crumble beneath Katrina's wake, my safety was no longer paramount. It didn't matter that I was without lights for a few days when some would be without lights for months. Some folks had lost everything they owned—everything. With nothing but the clothes on their backs, they probably wondered, "in this 'one' world that we live in, who would dare help us now?"

Ironically, just when I think the least of this country, I see the very best. And I had to look no further than the recent Music to Heal Mississippi Benefit concert to see the absolute best that this state has to offer. On one night, in one building, on two stages, more than 400 people witnessed the biggest names in Mississippi hip-hop, R&B, rock and spoken word perform for the well-being of others. Egos were put aside as the brainchild of an entire coalition became a reality. I have never been more proud to be a Mississippian than I was that night. I swelled up with pride as I watched boxes of donations file into Hal & Mal's, bag after bag filled with clothes, toys and canned goods. God smiled on the state.

But more importantly for me is the fact that we put a face on the pain. We made the city look into the eyes of those who had their lives turned upside down. The M.A.P. Coalition chose to save our own. We stood up for Demiracle and Brittney, two college students from Moss Point whose families lost everything. They are struggling to maintain some normalcy while suiting up this fall for the Tougaloo College women's basketball team.

We were there for Nathan, a self-employed graphics designer from Gulfport who lost all his possessions including his computer with all his files and potential work from clients. The ray of hope he couldn't find at the Coliseum, hopefully we gave to him. We were there for the Coste and Brown families of New Orleans.

They've had to start their lives over in our city. The kids will have to go to school here. Right now, FEMA pays for them to stay in a hotel: 16 family members in three or four rooms. After the 18th, hopefully we brought them a little closer to owning their own homes.

To the families at Greater Fairview Baptist Church, I hope we brought you some relief. You made this tragedy personal for all of us in the M.A.P. Coalition. Glad we could do our part.

And that's the truth … sho-nuff.

Previous Comments

ID

70880

Comment

Did the Katrina victims families' get the money that was raised?

Author

Jocelyn

Date

2005-10-07T11:50:14-06:00

ID

70881

Comment

Yes, the MAP Coalition wrote checks directly to victims of Katrina.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-10-07T11:56:19-06:00