The trip is over, but the images I saw and the people, especially the children, I spoke to will be with me forever.

From the moment we landed on the Gulf Coast there was a feeling that things weren't right. I couldn't put my finger on it until we started to drive down what should have been a familiar beachfront highway. Instantly I thought "where am I" and felt lost. The beautiful antebellum southern-style homes that had adorn the beachfront - GONE! The boardwalk and tourist attractions - GONE! Businesses, restaurants, hotels - GONE! Wind-damaged signs, piles of debris and the occasional residential lot with a FEMA trailer was all that remained. This was not home...this was not the Gulf Coast I remembered.

I was glad to see that the one thing Hurricane Katrina did not change and cannot destroy is the resilience of the people. YES, they are without homes. YES, they are hurting. YES, they do feel abandoned by our government. YES, they are mad that the media has overlooked the geographic area where the eye of Hurricane Katrina hit. It saddened me to hear the same resounding message throughout the week from students and others we met "look at me, I do matter...listen to what I have to say." It doesn't take a psychologist to see the signs of post-traumatic stress emerging. Imagine being a teenager living with 6-8 people in what should be a condemned house.

Or better yet, a family of 6 living in a FEMA trailer barely big enough for 2 people. They need and want a way to release their frustrations.

I believe in my heart that a positive impact was made and I know in my mind that this is only the beginning. As brothers and as fathers, the Harvey men refuse to allow the youth of Mississippi's Gulf Coast to be left out of the recovery process. We will utilize our influence as former professional athletes and leaders in the community to bring awareness to the issues faced by those living on Mississippi's Gulf Coast. It is our goal to bring programs and resources to the area, to give kids a safe place to go...to play...to develop...to just be a kid.

We invite you to visit our website at www.harveyfamilyfoundation.org to learn more about our experiences and plans for the future.

 

2 Comments:

Lee D said...

Thank you Antonio for your giving heart and for sharing with us. Yours is not the only voice but you are acting and not just talking. Please keep us informed.

9:36 PM  

jamesclinton23 said...

Hey mike I just read on espn.com that the Blazers are trying to trade Zach Randolph. What if anything have you heard?

11:21 AM  

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