Hurricane Katrina exposed deep fault lines in America's profession of social justice for all its citizens. As the world watched coverage of the devastation, the nation came face to face with the unaddressed racial and social disparities endemic to the world's remaining Super Power and self-proclaimed champion of democracy. Furthermore, while many Americans showed great compassion for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina, others demonstrated that even now racism runs deep and that when faced with decisions concerning the life or death of people of color, some seemed willing, if not eager, to dispatch poor and Black victims of Katrina to their deaths. While it is true that government agencies evinced a staggering lack of preparedness and maintenance of emergency safeguards, other cases were blatant in their underlying intent. For example, in Gretna, Louisiana, sheriff department officers reportedly used force to stop hundreds of African-Americans from evacuating New Orleans, despite the extreme emergency conditions that necessitated their passage through Gretna to reach safety. 

Advancement Project already is employing its method of operation to assist Gulf Coast organizations in their recovery and rebuilding efforts.  We are forming deep partnerships with organizations that seek to ensure that the voices of low-income Gulf Coast residents are heard and weigh in on the discussions about rebuilding.  We are providing legal assistance to these organizations and plan to provide strategic communications assistance.