Hurricane Katrina and the Rebuilding of New Orleans
Though 1,400 miles away, New Orleans and the Gulf coast were on the minds of many in Denver during the 2008 Democratic National Convention. As we approached the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina “Why,” and “How can we prevent this from ever happening again,” were questions repeatedly asked as several attempted to answer.
Mayor Nagin says that having a good relationship with a concerned administration will make a huge difference. “I keep in contact with Sen. Obama and he will handle things differently if we ever find ourselves in that situation again.”
Several programs were held in Denver to study, speak on acknowledge Hurricane Katrina and the devastation that happened afterwards. Speakers, including Sen. Mary Landrieu and Marge Perez, reminded people of the failure of the current administration and the promise that an Obama presidency would provide in regards to protecting the Gulf.
“America can’t afford to let John McCain drown our hopes in more of the same failed policies,” was the sentiment of Jazz singer, Marge Perez, and what she shared with millions of people as she described her experience with a flooded New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.
The need for an effective FEMA was the highlight of Sen. Landrieu’s speech Tuesday evening at the convention. “It's been three years since hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the failure of the federal levee system devastated New Orleans, the region, and parts of the Gulf coast. The Bush White House, the Republican leadership, and FEMA showed up not just late, but unprepared. America deserves a FEMA that works. A FEMA that understands the best ways to leverage the private sector and non-profits. A FEMA that will rebuild our communities with respect, dignity, and determination.”
On Tuesday morning, a media round table to discuss Katrina recovery was moderated by Ted Koppel. The panel included Sen. Mary Landrieu, Donna Brazile, Douglass Brinkley; James Perry, Executive Director of the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center; Rev. Tyronne Edwards, Executive Director of the Zion Traveler Cooperative Center of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana; Martin Gutierrez, Executive Director of the Neighborhood and Community Services of Catholic Charities in New Orleans, and others.
Later that evening, the Democratic National Convention Committee hosted an event to recognize Friends of New Orleans (FONO), Oxfam America and other organizations affiliated with the Gulf Coast recovery and rebuilding effort. The second part of the event, New Orleans All-Star Jam-Balaya, featured well known jazz musicians and world famous Louisiana cuisine and generated financial support for charities and organizations that have been working to rebuild communities in the Gulf Coast region.
“This anniversary is too important to pass by unnoticed. We are one country, and we stand together in good times and bad,” said Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Governor Howard Dean. “Nearly three years after Katrina, we want the nation to know that rebuilding New Orleans and the Gulf Region is not just a local issue but a national one. The voices of those who were affected by Hurricane Katrina have not gone silent, and it is critical to make sure those who live there and those who were displaced are not forgotten.”
Party Unity at Historical Event
Louisianans whole-heartedly participated with last week’s events from chanting “Who dat say they gonna beat Obama” or giving the Fox News reporters a friendly taunt of “No to Fox,” during Thursday night’s outdoors event.
There’s no such thing as a stranger with these people. Those who started the week as strangers ended it by being friends. Obama supporter from day one or deferred Hillary backers, everyone in the delegation loves Louisiana and champions the causes that are in her best interest.
A void of inspiration was a largely unheard complaint, but many people noted how much it’s been a life-changing event. “History” was the most commonly used word to describe this convention. Many first time convention attendees were able to appreciate that they in person experienced likely one of the greatest moments in American history.
There were many celebrating points at the convention including: finally an end to the Bush administration, the idea that America and Americans can progress from a damaging racist past, Clinton and Obama giving proof that glass ceilings are meant to be shattered and the strengthening of Democratic unity.
Speaker Pro Temp Karen Carter Peterson believes that the convention provided a place for healing that fostered party unity. “I undoubtedly believe this will provide party unity,” she said, “Some people had to go through a grieving period but at the end of the day we fundamentally believe the same things in regards to health care, education, the war and tax breaks.”
Some Clinton supporters wanted to cast their ballots for her before moving on to supporting Obama. One delegate said that he was elected to do that so it’s what he did. But he also went on to note his appreciation for Obama and the candidate’s focus on issues that were important to him.
Demographics of Representation
Louisiana had 76 Delegates. 41 for Obama, 24 for Clinton, 10 Super Delegates and one unpledged add-on. 29 African Americans and one Asian American supported Obama, while 10 supported Clinton. Eight whites supported Obama, 14 for Clinton. 21 women supported Obama, 13 women supported Clinton.
Several delegates and participants from Louisiana were under the age of 36 including delegates Ashley Scott of Shreveport and Brian Thomas of Opelousas. In addition, the Young Democrats of Louisiana (YDL) sent three of its Executive Committee members (Ralph Johnson – President, Katrina Rogers – National Committeewoman and Ricardo Malbrew – Southern Regional Representative) to participate in the Young Democrats of America convention and work with the Louisiana delegation.
Both organizations work towards driving youth participation within the Democratic Party. YDL is open to all Louisiana registered voters who are under the age of 36.
