Using star power to rebuild the Lower 9th Ward
By Jesse MuhammadStaff Writer | Last updated: Dec 23, 2007 - 12:35:00 PM
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(FinalCall.com) - “It wasn’t just—you can’t call this an act of God,” said actor Brad Pitt of Hurricane Katrina on CNN’s Larry King Live. “This was a man-made failure. This should not have happened. These were levee failures ... mistakes with destroying the barriers that once protected this city. Now I don’t think it was a dastardly evil move on someone’s part. It was a chain of events that culminated into this horrific event. But it can be fixed.”
Mr. Pitt stepped to the plate for New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward by announcing plans for a new community of homes in the area hardest-hit by the worst natural disaster in American history. He has partnered with filmmaker Steve Bing in creating the 150 affordable and sustainable homes, which are the first effort of Mr. Pitt’s “Make it Right” (MIR) Project. The initial announcement was made during the Clinton Global Initiative, where Mr. Pitt challenged the leaders in attendance to join him in rebuilding the Crescent City. He appealed for broader help Dec. 5 on Larry King Live.
Mr. Pitt pledged $5 million of his own money in contributions to the project and Mr. Bing matched that for a total of $10 million in matching funds. “The heart and soul of New Orleans, specifically the people of the Lower 9th Ward, are paramount to this project,” said Mr. Pitt. “The words of one elderly man who is determined to return to New Orleans led to the name of our organization: he asked us, directly simply and profoundly, to help make it right. So that’s what we’re doing. We’re going to help to make it right with 150 sustainable, affordable houses so that these people can live in beautiful safe structures that respect their spirit and provide a good quality of life,” he told interviewer Larry King.
Mr. Pitt and Mr. Bing said Make it Right is committed to building the 150 houses in the Lower 9th Ward; ensuring a green, affordable, sustainable, and replicable community to serve as a model for further rebuilding; including the Lower Ninth Ward community as an integral part of the process; forming a core team of local, national and international architects, utilizing sustainable construction practices; and a finance plan that ensures that residents who wish to return to the Lower Ninth Ward can do so without further financial hardship
“In general, I like what he is doing but it still remains to be seen what its ultimate impact will be for the poor people,” said Keisha Reed to The Final Call. Ms. Reed is a former resident of New Orleans now living in Houston. After evacuating without any money, she partnered with a long-time friend to open the restaurant Beaucoup Wings N Wings. “It is sad that is takes actors and celebrities to come on television before someone does anything. Why can’t it be a poor person struggling on TV to inspire others to help? I think Brad Pitt is sincere because he stays there and he sees the beauty of the city which most of the time gets a bad rap.”
“Brad Pitt’s initiative is so needed, so full of grace and compassion.He is a shining example of how celebrities should use their blessings to be a blessing to others,” said Susan L. Taylor of Essence magazine to The Final Call.“Providing housing for the abandoned and suffering people of New Orleans is more proof of why Brad Pitt, his spirit and soul so occupy the people’s heart.”
“I’ve visited the MIR project. I’m not sure about it. I believe in sustainability. I’m not sure those houses are going to be cheap enough to replicate,” hip hop mogul Russell Simmons told The Final Call.
“It is sad that with all of the African-Americans we have, who are in the same position financially as Brad Pitt, that most of them has not stepped forward to help us. I challenge them,” added New Orleans activist Malik Raheim. His group Common Ground was one of the first to help survivors immediately following the flood and has since helped thousands with food and medical needs. “People thought New Orleans had recovered because they saw the Superdome, Mardi Gras and parties, but that is not the case. We have had plenty people say how bad things are but have done nothing,” said Mr. Raheim.
When asked if hip hop artists have done enough, Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur of AllHipHop.com commented to The Final Call, “I believe hip hop initially stood strong in the events surrounding Hurricane Katrina in several different ways, financially, socially and morally. Furthermore, hip hop outfits have been very outspoken about the matter. People like Jay-Z, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Lil’ Wayne, Master P, David Banner and numerous others lent their support.What has happened since is a bit different.I don’t think that hip hop has offered any sustained program or platform that has lent aid to rebuild New Orleans or aid Katrina victims.But, I don’t think that it is fair for people to look to hip hop artists to push these initiatives along. I feel hip hop has done its share, but if there is more to be done, artists will seek guidance from the few leaders in the Black community.Unfortunately, many of the N.O. natives in hip hop have actually relocated to different regions rather than try to rebuild their home or attach themselves to an organization that is.I do find that sad.The upside is that activists such as Kevin Powell and lesser known figures continue to work well after the cameras are off and they should be commended for their efforts.”
“Brad Pitt being able to donate money for the building of environmentally safe housing in the Lower 9th ward is possible today, due to the efforts of residents of the Lower 9 and many others who fought back the initial plans to make that area a green space.What he is doing will really help some of the thousands of people who are still displaced,” said Willie Muhammad of Muhammad’s Mosque No. 46 in New Orleans.“Housing is one of the major needs in the city.The homeless population in the city has skyrocketed from 6300 to 12,000. About 250 homeless people now live directly across the street from City Hall in erected pup-tents.It is something you would have to see for yourself.The impact of Katrina has gotten further and further away from the minds of many, yet the suffering still exists.”
Visit the Make It Right project website at http://www.makeitrightnola.org/.