Raising Our Voices: Thinking Through the Katrina Disaster

Raising Our Voices: Thinking Through the Katrina Disaster

As we all struggle to come to terms with the hurricaneKatrina disaster, I know that we are all doing what wecan to aid these displaced Americans and supportrescue efforts at this hour.Furthermore, I am interested in creating an edited volume (working title: Raising Our Voices: Thinking Through the Katrina Disaster) for those who are writing about this national tragedy.

As I have surveyed websites, newspapers, televised news coverageand even celebrity talk shows, I have been struckprofoundly by how few perspectives I have heard fromartists, writers, academics, clergy andactivists----particularly individuals of color--- inregard to the events and their aftermath. So, Idecided to put out a call.

If you are interested in sharing your work, please submit the following kinds of pieces for review:
—Essays
—Poetry
—Journal entries
—Letters
—Position papers
—Proposals for future action
—Accounts from displaced friends, family and relatives
-Lectures/sermons to communities of faith
—Other forms of writing and reflection

Possible topics include:
—Personal reflections that discussloss/trauma/distress associated with disaster and recovery efforts for those in the region or in moredistant locales as well as coping strategies
—Media analysis
—Race, gender, class and regional dimensions of thecrisis
—Perspectives on relief efforts, the nation’s responseand relocation efforts
—Long-term planning and policy concerns
—Historical perspectives on the events
—Intersections between your own field of expertise andpossible applications to recovery efforts
—Patriotism and the role of public debate in times of national crisis
—Other proposed topics welcome

On a more personal level, writing has been one of myonly comforts through this, so I would like tounderstand how other writers, thinkers and activistsare examining these issues. I am also convinced that those of us who are in the“idea business” must be chronicling how this event hasimpacted us personally. Furthermore, I believe that we must also use ourtraining, expertise, and collective vision to bearwitness, acknowledge our concerns, document our varied
perspectives and strategize to aid displaced citizenswith short-term and long-term needs.

Again, submissions from ALL are welcome, particularlythose from people of color.

Please send a hard copy or email attachment of your submission to the following address by November 30,2005. Be sure to include a brief bio about yourself as well and your contact information for possiblefollow-up correspondences.:

Nicole Anderson Irvine Fellow/Professor of History
Occidental College 1600 Campus Road
MC-13
Los Angeles, CA 90041-3314
Office: 323-259-2775
email: diaryofayoungblackprofessor@yahoo.com