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 Suns, NBA Assist New Orleans Reconstruction Efforts During All-Star Weekend
Posted By: Steven_J. Koek |
Former and current NBA stars (Bill Russell and Steve Nash pictured) came together in New Orleans to help in continuing hurricane recovery efforts. (NBAE Photos) |
We drank Hurricanes, walked Bourbon Street, hung out by the river's edge and even managed to perform a couple of concerts, most notably in historic Jackson Square.
When the footage of Katrina's devastating aftermath began to air two years ago, I joined all who had ever been to New Orleans in a personal feeling of loss. Only those who had the opportunity to enjoy the French Quarter and its eccentricities pre-Katrina could truly know what was lost when that massive storm blew ashore and changed the region forever.
So when I heard that the NBA's All-Star Weekend was heading to Louisiana I jumped at the chance to return to the source of such great adolescent memories. I knew it would not be the same. Natural disaster and human error had combined to make New Orleans a bleak skeleton of what it once was - a proud and unique destination, combining European style and class with Southern hospitality and good old American entrepreneur spirit.
Upon our arrival on Thursday, the airport shuttle to our hotel made a couple of stops to drop others off in the French Quarter and the memories from our trip over a quarter-century ago (yikes) came back clearer than ever.
I tried to set aside in my mind the pain that was still being felt throughout the city while the efforts being made to rebuild the ravaged communities and return the people to their homes continued.
As heart-wrenching as the images of the destruction were, they did not come close to what it felt like to see first-hand the destructive wake that still ripples throughout the area.
On our way to the league's NBA Cares event on Friday, we could see block after block of gutted out buildings and flattened slabs where vibrant, if not terribly wealthy, communities once hosted barbeques, family gatherings, all the good and bad that "normal" life has to offer.
As some of the world's most famous athletes painted, touched up and cleaned up houses in conjunction with "Rebuilding Together," an organization dedicated to the continual reconstruction efforts, getting out the message of despair that this community is still feeling seemed even more important than the handiwork Nash, Stoudemire and their buddies were applying to the buildings.
As I spoke to one of the organizers the anguish and anger was clear in her face and tone. As she explained the environmental, economic and political reasons that the very spot we were standing on was once submerged in several feet of water (I actually heard members of the media complain about the mud and paint they got on their jeans, but that is the subject for another time), it occurred to me that this was not just someone dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster. This was a woman who felt let down by the very people who were supposed to be there to help the situation, not exacerbate it with poor planning and poorer execution. This was a woman who felt as if after gaining the world's sympathy over the tragic storm and its aftermath, New Orleans had become a forgotten city.
The shuttle driver who took us back to our hotel gave us a tour of the some of the neighborhoods. I could not hear most of what she was saying, but the visuals told the story anyway. More gutted houses and businesses, blocks of empty concrete slabs where homes and lives were washed away. Houses tipping at an angle, seemingly ready to topple over at the slightest breeze. Many of the buildings had markings from rescue workers, letting those who would follow know when they had passed through and what they found, if anything. I even saw some houses marked with "AZ," which we were told meant that a rescue team from our state had been there.
The prevailing aura of sadness was lifted a bit by the knowledge that the NBA and our Suns players and staff had put in the time to help with both the physical labor and awareness efforts. But as we drove through the streets of New Orleans, where only half its pre-Katrina population remains, the massive job that still awaits those that are left was apparent in the shambles that left behind.
 (Steven J. Koek/Suns.com) |
It was a massively humbling experience and one that dissuaded me from taking part in the traditional Bourbon Street celebration, even if I had the time or energy I had with my high school buddies so long ago.
Thankfully, I was in the minority viewpoint in that respect, as the city's visitors partied and pumped money into the local economy like it had not seen in quite some time.
I did walk the French Quarter and recalled some of the landmarks from my first trip. I waxed nostalgic at The Court of Two Sisters restaurant where we toasted to the friendships that remain to this day. I stood at the boardwalk where I sat with our group for hours and listened to water lap up against the shore while we talked about what lay ahead in our lives beyond high school.
I could not help wondering how different this trip would have been, both personally and professionally, without the underlying current of sadness that seemed to hover throughout the weekend.
There is some feeling of hope from those who have returned or never left. Hope that with time, effort and an increased global awareness of their continuing plight, they can rebuild their lives and community to some state of normalcy. Unfortunately for many, two years after Katrina hit their shores, hope is still all that remains.
Comments
Ian Streicher - NYC
A wonderfully written piece. I've never been in New Orleans, but Koek has written painted a picture that really resonates.
Kudos.
Warner Saunders - NBC-5 Chicago
Very good work,Koek...You make us proud....You may remember that I spent many of my childhood summers in New Orleans at my aunt's house in the Holly Grove section. (Katrina took the house down))... I then spent four fun filled college years at Xavier University. Although, the South was laboring under legal segregation, there was enough wiggle room to enjoy those parts of the city I was allowed to frequent. The French Quarter was not one of them however. But I made up for it in later years. A couple of months ago, I returned to Xavier to celebrate my 50th college reunion.
I found the heart of the City still recovering, but the Soul is alive and well.
Michael - Planet Orange
Great story. While I have never been to New Orleans, it showed me again how much of the city has changed. It also reminds us that these people are still suffering in New Orleans. Thanks a bunch
Kai - New Orleans
Thanks Koek for depicting the emotions, needs and desires of our city...much appreciated.
CMO - Scottsdale
Very well done - I was in the Big Easy for All-Star and it felt like a place that has been forgotten. The NBA did a nice job bringing the citizens and the rebuilding effort back into our conscience but it needs more assistance. It might be time to let the Roger Clemens thing go and get the leaders of that State in front of congress and let's make them accountable for making their state better and provide the people of New Orleans more hope.
Joop - Wheeling Ill.
What a wonderfull discription of feelings on several levels. I would love to see this article picked up by some of the major newspapers. More people need to read what you have to say on this subject.
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