Gavin Richard reflected on the ‘truthful’ inspiration behind his book about Hurricane Katrina and shared his reactions concerning the recovery efforts or lack thereof.
Richard, a Southern alum and current Southern University Law Center first-year law student, discussed his experience as an author and New Orleans resident in the aftermath of Katrina.
Richard offered advice to those who are going through the same situation and still coping.
“You are not alone. We’ve gone through hell and back, despite the pain and suffering we are still here. The fact that we have not done something to harm others and ourselves says something about our character. In the future we have to keep our head up and keep pushing and moving,” he said.
Richard was 19 when writing the story chronicling before, during and after the storm from his and other perspectives.
“I was 19 at the time when the flood and the destruction happened. I talked to a great friend of mine; I was frustrated at the response and mad at the stereotypes portrayed. The public didn’t get the whole picture. I felt some of the truth was hidden,” he said.
Richard addressed his present concerns and challenges he still faces.
“Even seven years later there is still a lot of foot tracking as far as rebuilding. It has opened my eyes to evils of this world. We are still fighting to get back into my house.”
He is burdened most with coming to reality and coming to terms with the situation of being uprooted and disconnected to his previous world.
“Go back there and still see what was left of a blooming area. Coming to grips with reality has been my biggest problem. It was a life changing experience that people will have to live with for the rest of their lives,” Richard said.
In his discussion he addressed the way he approached certain sections of the book and his purpose.
“I was motivated and compelled to write this book, for one thing only to find the truth. Things that are larger are at work, not just involving the elite that run New Orleans,” he said.
In one chapter Richard acted as a reporter and allowed people who were affected by Katrina speak from their perspective.
“I had the perspective of those people. SI sourced from Associated Press and CNN. My sources came from where you watch and read your news. Let the subjects talk. I didn’t approach like I was Don Lemon, Anderson Cooper or Oprah. I was just talking and asked general questions,” Richard said.
Richard discussed one particular subject who survived in her attic for 10 days on canned food until she could be rescued through her roof.
“Clotheide Mack lived in her attic for 10 nights and 11 days on canned food and what was available within her reach. She called emergency services and they said just hold on that there was nothing they could do for her at the moment. She was rescued and pulled out of her attic window,” Richard said.
Richard reflected on emotions he felt during and after the writing process.
“When I heard the stories I felt heartbroken. The notion that there was no previous knowledge can be denounced. Out of our pain comes our greatest art,” Richard said.
Reflecting on his faith Richard concluded his discussion with an inspirational message.
“I believe trouble don’t last always and I pray that the truth will come out,” Richard said.
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Richard reflects on experience writing book
February 28, 2012
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