[Posted Jan. 9, 2008]

H.U. Students Spend Holiday Rebuilding New Orleans

   HAMPTON–As most college students have been enjoying their winter breaks in the comfort of their homes, thirteen students from Hampton University traveled to New Orleans, hoping to help rebuild a city that is still in turmoil more than two years after Hurricane Katrina.
   “I am excited to go and help those in need. If my city had been devastated, I would want people to do the same,” stated student Sabriya Rosemond.
    While some of the students have been physically putting up houses and other structures with the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), the group recognized that rebuilding community programs is just as important for the city’s residents. With this thought in mind, Hampton students also committed to work at the New Orleans Women’s Health Clinic and tutor at Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School.
   “A lot of the effort in New Orleans focuses on rebuilding houses but there are other issues as well. Right now, people are fighting the decision to destroy public housing units. We wanted this trip to help in more then one way,” said Alise Parrish, trip organizer and a member of the Black Campus Progressives.


   

     The students’ video diary of their experiences in New Orleans will be published by Campusprogress.org, an online magazine by and for young people. They hope the video can both educate students about the current situation in post-Katrina New Orleans, and inspire others to do what they can to help.
The Black Campus Progressives have organized service trips, like this one to New Orleans, for every school break since 2006. According to Parrish, “It’s hard work getting funds and students together, especially without the help of our university, but it is well worth it. New Orleans shouldn’t be a tragic symbol. It should be a symbol of people coming together.”
    This year’s trip was made possible by Campus Progress. Campus Progress, part of the Center for American Progress, works to help young people—advocates, activists, journalists, and artists—make their voices heard on issues that matter.
    Through an on-line magazine and student publications, public events, and grassroots issue campaigns, Campus Progress acts to empower new progressive leaders as they develop fresh ideas and communicate in new ways. The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan progressive think tank dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through ideas and action.

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