Hurricane Isaac: The Gulf Coast

The Louisiana Flood of 1912

Hurricane Katrina hit the area of New Orleans with such ferocity in 2005 that residents forced out of their homes were originally labeled “refugees” by the U.S. media.

On the anniversary of Katrina on August 28^th, 2012, Hurricane Isaac is threatening to be as memorable as Katrina.  While our federal and local government leaders are all different, and I hope, their response to this threat is more measured and organized, I hope not to see citizens again labeled as “refugees” in the coverage post-hurricane.  Instead, we should call them survivors.  

Valentine's Day 2012

Today is the perfect day to celebrate these life virtues and principles. 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Photo from Ebony.com

1963 – 2012

I mourn, and deeply regret, the sudden loss of popular music’s voice:  Whitney Houston. 

Whitney’s human journey ended on February 11, 2012, and while she is no longer with us, she leaves a legacy of music to be enjoyed and studied by fans, scholars and creators. 

Gone too soon – she will always be simply: The Voice.

I can only add my voice to the chorus of millions that pray for strength and God’s grace on behalf of her only child, and her surviving family members.

Paid In Full: Sepia Souls

Almost 161 years ago, this copy of receipt was written in reference to the purchase of a slave named Davy.  The exact date as shown is September 28, 1850.  Sold by a Virginia resident to a Florida resident for the amount of $765.00.

Slavery remains an undeniable stain on the fabric of the red, white, and blue. 

Photograph of a receipt for the purchase of a slave named Davy, a photo by State Library and Archives of Florida on Flickr.

Earthquake By Northeast

                  
An earthquake measuring in the range of 5.9 to 6.0 hit the northeastern United States today, its epicenter in Mineral, VA.  Washington, D.C. area in the news once again.

 

Sometimes life can be stranger than fiction.

        

Photograph of the Effect of Earthquake on Houses Built on Loose or Made Ground After the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, 1906, a photo by The U.S. National Archives on Flickr.