National Coalition for Black Civic Participation: As we have seen in the recent fiasco, it is TIME for us to build and strengthen our community based organizations. I write you this email for two particular reasons. The first reason is to thank you the work, prayers and contributions that each of you have made to our communities down south. The second reason is to ask each of you to support and spread the word about all of the great grassroot efforts that are currently underway in our community.
Many people think that organizations like the Red Cross and United Way are for the most part the organizations that are serving our community right now. Although they are doing good work and have quite a bit of experience in this area it is important that we recognize their limitations. More importantly, we need to support the work of organizations and people who are in constantly "in the grind". These are the institutions that are working day in and day out to empower our folks every day.
Each of us have seen the callus, unrighteous, and racist relief response by the federal government and local agencies to the hurricane victims. It is imperative that we never allow ourselves again to become totally dependant on a system that will allow us to die from dehydration and simple neglect as the world watches. We must become much better prepared to "Save Our Selves" This leads me to the next reason why I am writing you and that is to ask you to seek out and consider giving your donations to community based organizations that are doing the work.
Although the media is not showing the images there are hundreds of black organizers and grassroots workers across the South that are pulling off some organized relief efforts with very limited resources. These people are distributing needed supplies to our folks directly. I know because I am working with one such effort here in Atlanta and Alabama(my home state). I have listed below some efforts being headed by other community black groups and ask you to please share the word and consider sending items, resources or whatever support through these types of organizations.
Peace and Blessings, LaTosha Brown, National Coalition for Black Civic Participation, 404-664-7588, [email protected]
Highlights of Alabama S.O.S.(Saving Our Selves) Efforts Alabama Coalition on Black Civic Participation: This is a chapter affiliate of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation that served as the coordinating body for the statewide efforts in Alabama. Also this organization helped with fundraising and collecting donated items for the effort. Contact Natasha Jennings at 1-866-922-VOTE.
Malcolm X Grassroots Movement: The Selma chapter has organized 200 units of temporary and long-term housing for Hurricane victims. They also organized a service system of community groups to provide educational services for the children, legal aid, food, clothing and transportation from the disaster sites to Selma, AL. They are coordinating alot of work with the groups in Mississippi. Contact Cliff Albright at 334- 872-7517.
One for Life: This organization was founded and led by formerly incarcerated people who have dedicated their lives to restoring, empowering and building communities. The organizers coordinated an effort in which food, water, pampers, instant milk, and hygiene items were distributed to the residents of the Orange Grove Housing community and the bay area neighborhoods in Mobile. Over 300 people were served. Contact Paul Robinson at 251-604-1837.
T.O.P.S.: This is a prison ministry located in Dothan, AL that is also led by formerly incarcerated people that were able to collected five van loads of food, clothing, water, and personal items. They also organized and coordinated the transporting and assisted with the distributing of the items from Dothan, Al to Mobile. Contact Kenny Glasglow at 334-791- 2433
Ellwood Community Development Center: This non-denominational Christian community based in Selma has organized resources, housing and transportation for the victims. contact Pastor Crum at 334-872- 6000.
Community Empowerment Project: This is a group of young Alabama natives that have formed a think tank to help with training, logistics, and developing a community based plan and strategy to address some of the long-tern issues. Contact Vivian Felts at 251-377-9691.
Black Youth Vote: This is a student led organization that is coordinating volunteer efforts of college students at several junior and community colleges. Contact Natasha Jennings at 866-922- VOTE.
Beneath My Wings Ministry: This grassroots organization that was recently donated an abandoned Wal-Mart building and shopping center is working to transform the building into a temporary crisis center and shelter. Contact Rev. Joyce Peeples at 334-872-2929
21st Century Youth Leadership Movement and the National Voting Rights Movement: These organizations have coordinated the 21st Century dormitory and camp site based in Perry County into as a shelter for over 65 hurricane victims. They are making arrangements to accommodate at least 50 more people. They are also establishing a school for the children at the site as well as support programs. Contact Joanne Bland at 334-418-0800.
Here are some Atlanta local organizations to consider:
Georgia Coalition for the Peoples Agenda contact Helen Butler 404-653-1199.
Black Youth Vote contact Steven Waddy at 404- 290-2912.
