Call for a Day of Service in the Gulf: August 28

Full day of community service events planned the day before massive demonstration in New Orleans

In an effort to trigger a new wave of volunteerism in the Gulf Coast region, the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) is making an urgent call for local and national groups to join them Tuesday, August 28, for A Day of Service to help rebuild hurricane damaged communities in New Orleans.

"We're calling on all able-bodied citizens to join forces with other national and local organizations, celebrities, and individuals to help with rebuilding and clean up efforts in New Orleans," says Melanie L. Campbell, executive director and CEO of the NCBCP. "While it is imperative that we send a message to the government that they need to act immediately to help survivors of the hurricane, we also want to underscore the need for every individual to do their part as well."

A Day of Service precedes "8/29, A Day of Presence," a massive demonstration that will be held on the second anniversary of Katrina intended to force the government to create a Marshall Plan to restore New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region.

On A Day of Service, the NCBCP will join the Louisiana Unity Coalition, National Urban League, AFL-CIO, NAFEO, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, International Association of Black Firefighters, The Peoples' Agenda, The Advancement Project, The Praxis Project, Saving Our Selves Coalition and volunteers from across the country to: conduct an environmental clean-up and remove contaminated top soil from damaged communities; help to paint and pressure wash buildings; repair the playground in a local public school; and help in the restoration of a historic African American church. Volunteers will also visit the sick and elderly in the few nursing homes that have reopened.

"The people of the Gulf want immediate action from the government," says Vincent Sylvain, Convener, LA Unity Coalition and Katrina survivor. "But, the world needs to know that the folks in the Gulf Coast have not been sitting and waiting for the government. We're all doing our part to clean up the city and could not do it without the help of the generous volunteers from across the country."

Campbell adds, "If you can't make it to help rebuild a Gulf Coast community, volunteer where you are. There are 'lower ninth wards' across the country. 'A Day of Service' is to highlight community service and self empowerment."

The evening of August 28, from 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM, the NCBCP's Black Women's Roundtable will host "Celebrating Our Sisters of the Gulf Coast Dialogue & Recognition Ceremony," honoring women from the region who have worked tirelessly to assist hurricane survivors and advocate for comprehensive recovery and rebuilding of the Gulf Coast. The event will include dinner, music, poetry, comedy, and the presentation of certificates of recognition. Speakers include, Susan Taylor, editorial director, Essence magazine, and Iyanla Vanzant, author, radio host and spiritual leader.

A Day of Service is being organized by LA Unity Coalition, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice at Dillard University, Mount Zion United Methodist Church, African American Leadership Project, Urban League of Greater New Orleans, Rainbow PUSH New Orleans and Millions More Movement. To volunteer contact RosariaBeasley [at] bellsouth.net or call the Urban League of Greater New Orleans at (504) 620-2332.