I never know where to begin describing the impact of Hurricane Katrina. It’s a subject so broad and devastating words can’t possibly articulate the depth of the situation.
My family goes back eight generations in Louisiana. I was born on the bayou; I grew up in New Orleans and throughout the surrounding Parishes. My childhood was steeped in a rich culture with colorful characters. The food, music, and southern hospitality were part of a heritage shared by all the people for hundreds of years. Louisiana certainly had its backward ways, but it had a soul and a heartbeat like no other place in the world. And then one day, it literally drowned.
When the storm hit, I was attending CSUMB and registered in 20 upper division units. It was the first week of school, so I dropped all my classes, enrolled in an Independent Study and returned to Louisiana. For the remainder of the semester I documented the devastation of my hometown. I filmed over 200 hours of audio and visual material and have dedicated the last two years advocating for the region’s recovery.
The people of Louisiana continue to struggle. The government has failed to supply the necessary and promised relief. Homelessness, poverty, suicides, and murder have all become epidemic in scope. The suicide rate has tripled since 2005, and according to a Tulane University study conducted in 2006, New Orleans has the highest murder rate in the country. People are desperate, traumatized and suffering, and it’s getting worse as time goes by.
This semester New Orleans native Staci Caccioppi and I have started the Ragin’ Cajun Club. Our goal is to get CSUMB and the community involved with the important political and social concerns facing the people of the Gulf Coast. We will also introduce and celebrate the culture, food, and music of Louisiana.
We are currently collaborating with San Jose State University to support the Gulf Coast Civics Works Project (GCCWP), which was developed by students at SJSU. This modern day Public Works Administration (WPA) is a proactive solution that will create 100,00 jobs to rebuild the public infrastructure. The California State Senate will vote on this legislation in the next term. If you would like to help call Nancy Pelosi (415-556-4862) and tell her to that you support the Gulf Coast Civic Works Project.
There are many ways that students and community members can get involved with recovery efforts. The Ragin’ Cajun Club is actively seeking new members to participate in educational, fundraising, and cultural events. A little bit goes a long way in this situation and all efforts are appreciated. I am committed to helping Louisiana recover from this unprecedented event and believe we will make a difference here at CSUMB.
On Monday November 12 there will be a showing of my short film Heaven Come Down: Stories of the Lower Ninth Ward at the East Village Coffee Lounge, at 498 Washington Street in Monterey. The screening will be broadcasted on Cable AMP TV and will be shown hourly from 6 – 9 pm, followed by an audience discussion.
The home I remember and love will never be the same as it was before the storm, but life goes on. The waters have receded. I realized from all this loss that “home” was never a tangible thing. As cliché as it may sound, home is in our hearts, it’s our memories and who we are. Home is the family and friends that we love. Everything else is replaceable. As Americans we’re all in this together. This is our land and our home and it is precious.
Estée Blancher
estee_blancher@csumb.edu
www.filmkatrina.com
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