Common Ground: Solidarity with Ninth Ward Begins

Common Ground Collective efforts have begun to take shape in the 9th Ward of New Orleans. The 9th ward has gained international media attention since hurricane Katrina due to the severity of flooding the area has recieved along with the human righs violations and neglect the residents have suffered at the hands of the New Orleans Police Department and the State government of Louisiana.

Solidarity with Ninth Ward Begins

Common Ground Collective efforts have begun to take shape in the 9th Ward of New Orleans. The 9th ward has gained international media attention since hurricane Katrina due to the severity of flooding the area has recieved along with the human righs violations and neglect the residents have suffered at the hands of the New Orleans Police Department and the State government of Louisiana.

The city and state governments have attempted to purchase land from the areas residents for decades inorder to expand the Industrial Canal and allow a cruise ship line to build it's hub in the region. The 9th hasn't recieved any aid or clean up efforts from any state, city, or non-profit agencies. Local realtors and business are pushing to have the entire area bull-dozed so that the city can get a "new face." Garbage, decaying animals, and other debris remain untouched while other areas in the city are recieving services.

Common Ground volunteers are currently placing information sheets on every door of the 9th Ward urging residents to return home, organize, help each other, and resist the city's efforts to destroy their community for profits. Common Ground is addressing the city's lack of garbage and trash pick up by removing the trash from the neglected 9th and placing it in the nuetral area of main boulevards away from homes; thus, forcing the city to do trash pick up.

Common Ground is forming relationships with 9th Ward community elders in an attempt to aid them and be in solidarity with them. Community meetings where residents can share thoughts and solutions are soon to be called.

http://www.commongroundrelief.org/ [2]