Dear Black America,

There is a woman in Tucker, Georgia housing 52 victims of Katrina in a small house. Her sister-in-law has 40 people at her home in Decatur, GA. I'm sure there are numerous people across the country in the same situation. When I told the woman I had space for some of them, she asked if I could take 33 -there are more on the way!

These people escaped with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They need clothes and shelter (the shelters in Atlanta are full). They were able to get food stamps - Mayor Shirley Franklin made sure of that - however, they visited the Red Cross who told them they could not help them right now. They desperately need local organizations to take donations that can go directly to PEOPLE and not towards rescue efforts that will happen eventually (that's another story).

If we are able to help the people who have made it out to get settled, they will be in position to help others as they get out. It looks like nearly a half-million people may have to relocate.

I addressed this to the Black community because it looks like we are being challenged to step to the plate. While "help is on the way" people are in need. If it takes a week to get help to people floating in contaminated water on an air mattress, imagine how long it will take for them to help the people as they make it out.

While we can't do much to rescue the thousands of people fighting for their life in New Orleans, each of us can try to help as they land in a city near you. Wherever you are - Texas, California, Georgia - find where they're staying in your city and help one family get settled. We can do this.... one family at a time.

For those of you in Georgia, the woman in Tucker housing 52 is Debra Kerry and her phone # is 770.270.9519 they need clothes, diapers, money, and personal hygiene items. The IATSE Local 834 Union, 1245 Fowler St. Atlanta, is taking diapers and clothing to the children tomorrow. I'm sure any contributions will be appreciated.

May God Bless Us All

Edrea Davis
www.dogonvillage.com

P.S - Before we all get angry with the sniper, notice that after the government realized they could not hand pick who they would rescue, the troops were deployed. He also brought attention to people dying at the convention center. People the director of FEMA says "he knew nothing about until today."

What's really going on?