"Katrina: The Movement"

By Makani Themba-Nixon From Alternet: "Katrina: The Movement"

All around the country, a storm is gathering. The aftermath of Katrina is gaining power and energy in churches, barbershops and rec rooms, on campuses and online. A growing number of advocates are finding common cause in preventing the next "perfect storm" of racism, government neglect and divestment. And they are already chalking up some victories.

It started with targeted pressure on FEMA that forced the agency to reassess its no-bid contract process and got Congress to look up from its partisan playbook and actually take FEMA to task. Of course, it wasn't enough to overhaul the process -- yet. However, it was the first substantial chink in the Bush armor since he took office. And this is only the beginning of what we can do.

Groups like the Young People's Project's Find Our Folk initiative are out speaking directly to survivors across the Katrina Diaspora, listening to their issues and giving form and voice to their outrage.