Tulane student to talk about rebuilding New Orleans

Tulane student to talk about rebuilding New OrleansNovember 28, 2005Matthew R. Snydermrsnyder@syr.edu

Jay Arena-a Tulane University doctoral student, and community and labor activist who recently returned from the New Orleans region-will give a first-hand report and analysis on grassroots efforts to rebuild the city in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and the importance this has for all those concerned about economic and racial justice. The interactive presentation, titled “The Battle for New Orleans Before and After Katrina: Whose City Is It?”, is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m. in Grant Auditorium. A reception will follow in Grant Atrium. Parking will be available in paid visitor lots.

Hurricane Katrina’s impact dramatically exposed to the nation and world the deep racism, poverty and exploitation that exist in the United States. Many critics feel that poor, black and working-class people in New Orleans, and throughout the Gulf states, were abandoned by all levels of government to face hideous conditions; and that elite-driven post-hurricane reconstruction plans promise to bring more misery. Yet, the black and working-class majority of New Orleans have not simply been victims. Arena’s presentation will explore these and other issues.

The event is co-sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs, the Office of Orientation and Transition Services (OTS), the Department of Sociology, University College, The College of Arts and Sciences, the Soling Program, the School of Information Studies, Blacks and Latinos in Information Studies Support, Women in Information Technology, the School of Information Studies Graduate Organization, the Office of Supportive Services, the Black Graduate Association, the Black Artists League, the Association of International Students and the Office of Off-Campus Student Services. For more information, contact Mariana Lebron, director of OTS,at (315) 443-1012 or mjlebron@syr.edu.