Tracy Barfield
“Well, I think it was Bush’s fault because he knew the hurricane was coming. He didn’t show up until after it was over with. He should have been there during and after this happened to make sure the people were safe. The people were treated like they were not taxpayers, because most were black. Blacks are taxpayers and homeowners just like white people. I don’t know what I would have done because I’ve never been in that predicament, but if it was here I think it would have been the same way.”

 

Tianna Searcy
“I can’t say what I would have done differently, because I really don’t know. But I think they could have done more than what they did, because they knew the hurricane was coming. It seemed as if every time something happens the president just lays back. When 9/11 happened, they came and told him and he didn’t do anything; just sat there looking silly. My third period teacher is in New Orleans right now helping out, so I don’t know exactly what I would have done. I would have tried to get the people out faster, and someone told me the following and made me realize that we’re not really at war in Iraq, we at war with ourselves. Everything that is happening in another country is happening to us too.”

Vonda Paige
(Tavis Smiley Foundation/Program Manager)
“I think that with young people we have to recognize that they also have a potential to lead. And so some of the innovations and ideas they shared just demonstrates how if we listen to young people then we really don’t have to guess what they think. Often times adults want to tell them to wait for them to become leaders or for them to decide to do something. If we really want young people to lead we have to engage them early, put them on the team. There could have been teams of young people who would have helped organize the schools, organize clubs, organize with the churches and talk to other young people about what needs to be done to prepare. So we just need to tap into all areas of our community and don’t forget about working with young people.”

Angela Barber
“They knew the hurricane was coming. I would have had the residents get as many items they could and have them go to nearest Greyhound Bus Station or some type of transportation. There was ways for them to get out but it just took time and it wasn’t organize. Everyone was rushing and they weren’t really trying to help other people. What Kanye West said I agree with him- Bush don’t care about us. They are over there fighting in Iraq, they are fighting over oil, not for us. (Bush) hasn’t even let the troops come home.”