KATRINA RELIEF UPDATE: Michael Barone emails:

A source at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce tells me (5:15pm) that they’re in touch with corporations who have pledged $100 million in aid to hurricane victims and communities. Wal-Mart and General
Electric have each pledged $15 million.

I’m also forwarding to you an email from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. It includes several offers of specific kinds of help relayed via CBC members and has absolutely none of the political blame-game stuff we have seen too much of. I think the CBCF deserves
credit for this kind of constructive response.

Indeed. Here’s the release — click “read more” to read it.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Joins the CBC in Response to

Hurricane Katrina Aftermath

In a united front, CBC members Reps. Elijah Cummings, Jesse Jackson, Jr., Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, Stephanie Tubbs Jones, and Diane Watson joined representatives of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, NAACP, National Urban League, NCNW, NAFEO, Black Leadership Forum and others for a press conference at the National Press Club. The press conference was held to call attention to the extreme circumstances facing hurricane victims in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Former CBC Chair, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings led the collaborative effort stating that, “Now is the time for us to respond with a force equal to that of Hurricane Katrina.” The Congressman urged that we “dedicate full resources to repair our country” and noted that the private sector, government agencies, and people of wealth must offer assistance.

Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. expressed a similar view and called on companies that manufacture items such as baby formula, bottled water, and other basic necessities to donate these products. As well, Jackson indicated the importance of involvement from hotels, airlines, and bus companies as the country works toward transporting victims and providing long- term housing solutions.

Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick followed with an announcement that the city of Detroit is offering immediate housing and relocation support to 500 families from the regions destroyed by the hurricane and implored other mayors to seek ways to offer assistance. Congressman Jackson pointed out that every state should take on the responsibility of absorbing displaced American citizens into their cities. Congresswoman Diane Watson remarked that students attending universities in affected areas are being offered placement in Los Angeles educational institutions.

Joe Leonard, Jr. of the Black Leadership Forum and Melanie Campbell of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation referred to the press conference as an initial step toward providing support and bringing awareness to appropriate strategies. Such support includes an upcoming telethon hosted on BET on September 9th. In a statement issued by CBCF, President and CEO Dr. Don Tharpe observed, “In recent days, hundreds of thousands of Americans have lost heir homes, their possessions, and, in some tragic cases, their loved ones to Hurricane Katrina… Here at CBCF, our hearts go out to the victims of this unimaginable tragedy. Now is the time for us to open our hearts…and volunteer our time and money to the relief efforts.”

I agree.