We Shall Overcome the Storm…
I think that the motto of today should be “we shall overcome”. Yes, that classic phrase used by many Black Americans that marched and led the Civil Rights Movement. But, today took a different spin on those powerful words of, “we shall overcome”. The community of Hancock community really respresent a strong group of people that have endured so much because of a natural disaster, Hurricane Katrina. It is so hard for me and many of my peers to imagine what it is like to live through such a devastating storm. I am grateful to meet the strong people that continue to live, work and put so much of their heart into thier community. Listening to the stories of the citizens from Hancock County, Waveland, and Bay St. Louis, MS gave me the opportunity to think about how I would react in the same situation and if I would be able to possess such strength. The public library system is a powerful example of a branch of society that can pull resources together to help people within the community with important tools like telephones, computers and even clean restrooms. I am pleased that Dr. Sutton is spearheading this part of the class because there is a lot we can learn and hopefully, when I come back to the area I can do hands on things such as helping to rebuild because that would be a great experience as well.
A major part of the class that I can’t leave out was when we went on the bus and toured the library’s surrounding area of Waveland and Bay St. Louis. Many of the beautiful beach front homes were destroyed and some are being rebuilt. An important part of the city that was just opened was the new bridge. The opening of the bridge makes life in Hancock County a little simpler because of less traveling. Commerce is such an important aspect to keep a city running and after Katrina, many of the city’s businesses were destroyed. It’s interesting how many of the major franchises like Burger King come back into the community and rebuild quickly. Money truly is a major part of why cities like Hancock County can rebuild and it was a good thing to hear that money and other resources have been used in this community. I see great things for the future of this community and that is a blessing. On another level, I would add that it doesn’t seem like Hurricane Katrina has completely ruined the spirits of those in this community. The gracious and kind attitude that the administrators of the library had toward us says a lot about the community itself and that it seems like the value togetherness. Also, just being in one of the local restuarants today, I noticed a lot of families that are probably locals that seem very cheerful especially youth of the community. Even though, almost two years ago, this area was completely flooded and lives were completely changed because of Hurricane Katrina.