PHOTO: Members of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus listen intently as representatives from FEMA and the American Red Cross explain their perceived delayed relief efforts. Photo by Othor Cain/The Mississippi Link
Mississippi Black Caucus grills FEMA and Red Cross
BY OTHOR CAIN, Editor
The Mississippi Link
Members of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus, chaired by Rep. Walter Robinson, D-Bolton, took to task representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross (ARC) Sept. 27 during the opening of the special legislative session called by Governor Haley Barbour to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
During a roundtable discussion, representatives from FEMA and ARC were questioned extensively on the failure of their organizations as it related to assisting the thousands of Mississippians and other evacuees in the state that are still in need of federal money as a means of putting their lives back together.
Questions ranged from hours of operation to the amount of money being disseminated to whom qualifies to receive the relief resources.
“I’m really concerned about your organization’s blatant disrespect to the disadvantaged people in this state,” Robinson said. “It has become apparent to me that perhaps if ‘we’ stop contributing to your organization, then you would think twice about the way you treat people.” Robinson opened the door for what later became an apologetic session and ended with a memorandum of understanding.
Mary Coleman, D-Jackson, who appeared on Black Entertainment Television’s Save Our Selves special appeared quite unimpressed with the responses from FEMA and ARC.
“I wanted to get a good understanding of what was happening in the areas hardest hit, so that I would know how to prepare myself for this session,” Coleman said. “As lawmakers, we must address the issues ranging from restoring Mississippi’s workforce to dealing with long term goals of citizens becoming self sufficient.”
After lawmakers questioned officials, the floor was open for others in the room to share their concerns.
“Why are the lines so long and why is so much erroneous information being given out?” asked Chris Smith, a public relations official in Jackson. “I think it hurts the image of the state when we can’t get the necessary information to move this state forward.”
FEMA and ARC officials replied that the proper amount of money was being given out and that they are using every available resource to reach those in need.
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--Compliments of The Mississippi Link
