Today marks the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. While progress is being made, the recovery is uneven and reflects the racial and economic disparities that existed before the storm.
The challenges facing Katrina survivors include housing, education, employment and training, health care and mental health services, and public safety.
By our presence in New Orleans, we will bear witness to the ongoing crisis in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast and tell the stories of Katrina survivors for whom today is just another day to get through.
Melanie Campbell, executive director and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, told BlackAmericaWeb.com:
This is not about pointing fingers. This is about, "Can we demand from our government at all levels to come together for the people of the Gulf Coast region?"
As for the recovery effort, Melanie noted that outside the French Quarter:
All it takes is a five-minute ride in either direction, and you know it's not okay. If this thing stays as it is, it will be one of the largest forced migrations of this century and the last.
So we will march and rally to show Katrina survivors that they matter. We care and we have not forgotten the anger we felt two years ago as we watched their suffering on CNN and other media outlets.
From 2 pm to 5 pm CST, there will be a rally in front of Halls A and B of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the site of unimaginable misery, perseverance and survival. CNN is expected to broadcast the event live so tune in.
But don't just sit there like a bump on a log -- multitask. Flood Congress with calls and emails and demand an equitable recovery here.
After the rally there will be a silent march from Spanish Plaza to Jackson Square, where we will hold a candlelight vigil.
Earlier this week, I stood in the spot where President Bush promised to "do what it takes…to help citizens rebuild their communities and their lives." I was struck by the inscription on the base of the statute of Andrew Jackson: "The union must and shall be preserved."
Now that sounds like a plan for New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.
