CAIS

This is the last entry in a series of blogs about my experiences in New Orleans at the People of Color Conference, from December 3-7, in reverse order (most recent first). If you prefer to read from the beginning, scroll down, click page 2 or next, and see the initial entry entitled, "NAIS People of Color Conference 2008, New Orleans." Click the titles to view the full entries, and feel free to post comments. 

If you haven't already heard the recording (Come Sunday), treat yourself to Mahalia Jackson's rendition of the song as performed with the Duke Ellington orchestra. It took some convincing before she agreed to do it, because at the time, jazz was still commonly referred to as the "devil's music." 

Getting out of bed was a bit like raising the dead, but being lifted up by the beautiful sounds of the PoCC choir made it worth the effort, a great remedy to the Sunday mornin' blues.

(Sunday Singers)

Philanthropy Facts

Community service continued to play a central role during the conference, as a number of attendees chose to give of themselves and their time to the following important organizations:

* Over 50 people participated in the St. Bernard Project, whose mission is "rebuilding the lives of Katrina survivors, family by family." The founder won the overall CNN Heroes award for exceptional service. Click here for more: www.stbernardproject.org

* Over 50 people spent their time working for Second Harvest Food Bank. Another fantastic organization making a difference locally and beyond through awareness education. Check out www.no-hunger.org

* About 350 volunteers spent their time and energy working for Habitat for Humanity. The organization continues to make a huge impact in the lives of Katrina survivors and people all over the world. See www.habitat.org

Wendell  Pierce, acclaimed actor, recently known for his role on The Wire, was humble and well-spoken, and more passionate about his philanthropy efforts with Ponchatrain Park in New Orleans than his role as an actor.

He's leading an effort to have Ponchatrain Park gain "National Register" status, in hopes of protecting and preserving the area. He also mentioned efforts to not only to rebuild, but to rebuild green homes with geothermal systems. 

He challenged every one of us to remember the "blood on the ballot box" as we exercise our privilege to vote, and to fulfill our philanthropic obligations to our selves and to others. I carried these thoughts with me as I left the conference and made my way to the airport....