Harvey finds Katrina as no laughing matter

Comedian Steve Harvey said his visit to Southern University’s F.G. Clark Activity Center on Sept. 3 was to get a look for himself of what is going on to aid survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
The Minidome, which is temporarily housing at least 680 evacuees, is used as one of the five American Red Cross shelters in East Baton Rouge Parish.
“I often times don’t pay too much attention to the media because sometimes they don’t tell the real story, especially when it involves so many of us,” Harvey said. “I’m just here to get a real assessment of what’s going on and talk to some people firsthand, so we can see where the real problems are.”
Though the comedian starred in the comedy sitcom, “The Steve Harvey Show,” and other comedic movies such as “The Original Kings of Comedy” and “Fighting Temptations,” Harvey was not about laughs when he came into the Minidome.
“The news stories alone have been absolutely devastating,” Harvey said. “So I don’t expect this to be a pleasurable trip at all to see what I expect to see today.”
Ken Hampton, a New Orleans evacuee, said his heart goes out to the children staying at the center.
“One of the saddest things (is that) we have so many young parents with kids who are suffering and don’t understand what’s going on,” Hampton said. “They haven’t grasped the reality that this has taken place.”
During Harvey’s visit, he spoke out against using “refugee” as a way to describe the citizens of New Orleans.
“Every time you hear the word refugees, it carries a negative connotation. These are Americans,” he said. “They are poor, they are dispelled. They are Americans who have reached the bottom.
“This is a terrible catastrophe and we come to see about our brothers and sisters that are down and out,” he said.
Harvey, alongside East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Kip Holden, listened to stories from some of the evacuees.
“By Steve coming here, I think it will draw the attention to other celebrities to get together as a network and support,” Hampton said.
Holden reflected on a prior conversation with Harvey, and said Harvey called him to let Holden know that he wanted to try and do some things to really show the people of Baton Rouge that he was concerned.
“It lets people know that there are a number of people who care,” Holden said.
Hampton said the evacuees appreciated Harvey’s visit.
“We appreciate him,” Hampton said. “We pray that God continues to bless him to reach out and show love to more people, just not New Orleans but throughout the United States.”
By the time Harvey finished visiting the Minidome, he appeared convinced of the part he wanted to play in the effort.
“I’m just a person that has to see it for myself,” Harvey said. “I’m going to make sure that my money goes to where it’s most needed and do the most good.”