Through the Fire

I am a firm believer in the fact that New Orleans as a city has a testimony. The city itself, its residents, everybody. That was hell that we went through. The thing I admire now is that we have dispersed (those that are no longer here) and are doing WELL. We are NOT the hellions that CNN sensationalized and mocked. We are versatile, contributing members of society, and we are making it happen! Now that stations can't make money off of our misery anymore, Katrina efforts are no longer an issue. However, there is still a negative sense of gloom that hovers over the Crescent City. I can feel it when I walk around. I feel like an outcast. Almost as if this city were a sess pool that we send the dregs of our country to. I am NOT FEMA-reliant, I am NOT a bum or a beggar, I am NOT misappropriating my government assistance, and I am NOT appreciating the NEW stereotypes that are being put on black people in New Orleans. Maybe folk would behave better if you didn't assume that our residents were the end-all cause of all your crime. Get off our backs and give us a chance! Thank you...

-B