What Oakland, California is doing to help New Orleans Citizens

[FrenchieCat]

Yesterday, I attended Church (as I do every Sunday), and I am happy to report that our Pastor, Dr. J. Alfred E. Smith Sr., one of the most prominent Black Pastors in Oakland, is co-organizing a massive contribution Rally next Saturday at the Oakland Coliseum.
http://www.allen-temple.org /
http://www.jalfredsmithsr-ministries.org/Articles.htm

We Expect thousands to show up!

In addition, a Press Conference was held this past Saturday in where our local Black Pastors discussed their reactions to Hurricane Katrina, the Feds' response, and the help needed for the citizens/survivors/victims of this disaster.

I am proud to say that my husband is one of the church Deacons and the personal assistant to the pastor and was on hand at the press conference. Of course, this is also Rep. Barbara Lee's church!

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2005/09/04/news/state/2...

Bay Area churches organize hurricane relief
By: JUSTIN M. NORTON - Associated Press

OAKLAND -- With impassioned prayers and angry speeches, a coalition of black religious leaders on Saturday began coordinating a regional relief effort for Hurricane Katrina victims -- a group many said were abandoned by the government because they are predominantly poor blacks.

"I believe that after the storm comes the resurrection," said Reginald W. Lyles, 55, a deacon at Allen Temple Baptist Church, where the group met. "But I would like to say one thing -- we are not refugees. We're American citizens, taxpaying good citizens of the city of New Orleans."

The group, from Christian churches throughout the San Francisco Bay area, called for relief drives within black churches and the black community to assist victims, announced a fund to be administered by Bank of the West and pleaded for churchgoers with medical expertise to volunteer.

We can replace things, but we can't replace life," said Bishop Joseph E. Simmons of St. Paul Baptist Church in Oakland. "This is about how we can help someone because we're only one earthquake away from being in the same place."

"When you talk to Bay Area people about New Orleans you're talking about their mothers and uncles and cousins and you're talking about the people who mentored them," said J. Alfred Smith Sr., senior pastor of Allen Temple Baptist. "The blood is as thick between us and New Orleans as it is between American Jews and Israel."

Many said they were incredulous with how late federal aid arrived in New Orleans and how some news organizations referred to blacks taking necessities as looters while whites seen taking similar items were trying to provide for their families.

"I ask you -- how can you loot a wet TV?" asked Lyles, a former police officer. "It's all junk now."

Another Article generated by the Press Conference:
http://www.insidebayarea.com/localnews/ci_2998498

I welcome your participation and responses in a similar thread over at GDP.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

If you are not sure where to donate, this may be the best way. Black churches are not going to allow the money to go elsewhere other than where it is directly needed. They are in touch with the Black Clergy Leaders of New Orleans.

[bleever]

1. Nominated. People helping people, when the president fails to show up.

:thumbsup:

[cally]

2. Do you know if Oakland plans to house evacuees?

I saw on the local news that one church wanted to help an entire NO congregation relocate to Oakland. I haven't seen any more about it but I wanted to help out. My sense from the story I saw was that many had family members from NO and it seemed the best way to help out.