Learning from Disaster: Miyakejima, Japan and New Orleans, USA

Andrea and I were invited to a round table discussion between the Japan Society and The New Orleans Office of Recovery Development and Administration. There were many critical stakeholders representing government, private sector, non-profit, financial professionals, and foundations for both countries. This discussion was a great opportunity to learn from the island of Miyakejima and their experiences with prevalent volcanic eruptions.

A couple things that stood out was the power that the government has to provide immediate relief. American checks and balances were created for a reason and it is much needed, but in times of relief and recovery, drastic measures will produce drastic results.

Other points that stood out was the way in which homes are demolished--once the owner and the government decides that the home is best to be demoed, then the owner is responsible for the demolition and if s/he chooses to ask the municipality, then unemployed people are contracted through an organization to provide the service. Thus, public tax dollars are not expended.

The Japanese also stated that at the community level, a map of each neighborhood depicts the demographic of the community, especially those elderly and disabled so that everyone is aware of the vulnerable population for emergency preparedness and disaster readiness. There were many other key points that our organization will further research.

On the other hand, the mayor of the Japanese town expressed his empathy towards New Orleans' disaster-related poor. I'm sure it is confusing to see so many working homeless living in tents underneath a major highway in one of the richest countries in the world. For me, it was a very embarrassing moment...he said he cried when he took a morning jog downtown. He asked, "Can't you do something about it?" The room was silent.

I kept saying to myself, "Yes, we can do something and believe me our relatively small organization has done so much and continues to push on the issue of sustainable and affordable supportive housing, but we need support too."

I left the room reaffirming that people do what they want to do. I make no excuses. Either it happens or it doesn't--I don't need a song and dance, or the run around. EVERYONE'S time is valuable and while we wait, thousands remain homeless with our City's guest and company asking, "Why?" I think we know why, and that's where the silence lay. The mayor of the Japanese town also said that if there were so many disaster-related homeless in their town after an eruption, there would be so much political critique that the homeless would not remain much longer.

Why is it accepted here, but taboo there? That's a question I cannot answer....but I think it's time we all ask each other.

Thank you New Orleans for listening and sharing, and thank you Japan for opening my eyes and offering lessons-learned through centuries of disaster experience.

Central City Partnership Network

On April 25, 2008, Andrea and Yasmin participated in a monthly CCPN meeting. The goal of this partnership is to bridge together the initiatives aimed at keeping a safe, clean, profitable, and healthy Central City. There were many key stakeholders present, representing non-profits, City government, State Government, and business entities. Consciously Rebuilding was introduced to new faces, in hopes that our network will expand so that our mission for a sustainable City can be achieved.

The upcoming community workshop will definitely benefit from the CCPN, as many organizations provided contacts and materials for us to use at the workshop's resource booth.

Mentoring St. Augustine H.S. Science Class

Yasmin and Andrea realized that there is nothing more rewarding than mentoring the future leaders of tomorrow. On April 25th, they were invited to speak to a 11th grade science class on their professional matriculation from high school to college and graduate school.

The fun-filled dialogue range from topics of, "What to do to adjust to freshmen year of college!", "The strategy of getting accepted to your university of choice" and "How to market yourself after college".

Throughout the discussion, there was special emphasis on empowering the students to follow their dreams and aspirations. Andrea and Yasmin also highlighted the importance of science and how it is related to everyday life. The students were also encouraged to volunteer with Consciously Rebuilding, which is a great hands-on experience to see how high school and college education transcends into our work.

Overall, these young men have the potential to be role models for the world to see, and they were encouraged to continue on their positive path and to think outside the box to achieve success. :-)

Gooooo Purple Knights! Keep up the great Work!

Workshop Flyer: See below

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!!!!

In our celebration for Earth Day, we got our property tested for lead. YAY!!!!!

Lead Assessors :)

We would also like to thank everyone who has supported us and the millions who will:

Carla Davis-Madgett

H.M. Social Services, Inc.

USGBC Emerging Green Builders

Greater New Orleans Housing Alliance

Common Ground Initiative

Hands-on NOLA

Parker Bowers Environmental Consulting, LLC

Floyd Risk Consulting, LLC

Twin Properties LLC

Central City Renaissance Alliance

Holy Cross Neighborhood Association

Rebuilding Together

City of New Orleans

Young Men Olympian Jr. Benevolent Association

Solatube

Association of African American Environmentalists

Savannah College of Art and Design

Loyola Institute for Environmental Communications

The Green Project

emPivot.com

Materials Management Group

Department of Energy Savannah River Site Environmental Justice

Benjamin Paddock

NOLA YURP

V-Day V-to the 10^th Superlove Celebration

Ritchie Katko

Green 4 All

Jenga Mwendo

Charles Allen III

Central City Comeback Committee

Our VOLUNTEERS!!!!

Thank you Everyone, and Thank you EARTH!!!!!!! We love you!!!!!!

V to the 10 April 11-13 2008

Last weekend, Andrea and I had the opportunity to experience the V-Day celebrations in the Superdome. It was such a blessing to be surrounded by inspirational and strong women. As women entrepreneurs, we were refreshed to be around such an encouraging energy. I also met Ms. Gayle King and Ms. Rosario Dawson who were super excited about Consciously Rebuilding. Of course Consciously Rebuilding represented New Orleans in the Activist Lounge and got a chance to spread the word to the thousands that visited.

The Dream Reborn

Van Jones (Co-founder of Dream Reborn and Activist) and Us
Majora Carter(2nd to left),Winona La Duke, Baye Wilson(far right), Van Jones(center)

Tennessee Youth Choir
Honorable D'Army Bailey
Afeni Shakur
Dr. Bullard

This weekend, Andrea and I attended "The Dream Reborn" hosted by Green 4 All in Memphis, Tennessee. We were very excited to be surrounded by current and future leaders of environmental justice, social justice, and economic development for everyone, especially people of color and low income populations that are disproportionately affected. It is time for a change and we were super excited to see so many people ready for justice and equality. It was especially touching because the conference was held on the 40th anniversary of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. He did not die at the Lorraine hotel because his words and his dreams transcend through me, Andrea, and millions of people who are ready to say,"Enough!!! It's time for change." Injustice is getting old, and we're tired of it.

We met many people that inspire us daily, Dr. Robert Bullard (founder of the Environmental Justice Movement), Majora Carter, Van Jones, Winona Laduke, Afeni Shakur, the Honorable D'Army Bailer, Baye Adofo-Wilson, and 100s of eager and inspirational young leaders.


Empower yourselves because sometimes you are the help that you've been waiting for :)