As we all struggle to come to terms with the hurricane Katrina disaster, I know that we are all doing what we can to aid these displaced Americans and support rescue efforts at this hour.

Furthermore, I am interested in creating an edited volume for those who are writing about this national tragedy. As I have surveyed websites, newspapers, televised news coverage and even celebrity talk shows, I have been struck profoundly by how few perspectives I have heard from artists, writers, academics and activists----particularly individuals of color--- in regard to the events and their aftermath. So, I decided to put out a call.

If you are interested in sharing your work, please submit the following kinds of pieces for review:

—Essays
—Poetry
—Journal entries
—Letters
—Position papers
—Proposals for future action
—Accounts from displaced friends, family and relatives
—Other forms of writing and reflection

Possible topics include:
—Personal reflections that discuss loss/trauma/distress associated with disaster and recovery efforts for those in the region or in more distant locales as well as coping strategies
—Media analysis
—Race, gender, class and regional dimensions of the crisis
—Perspectives on relief efforts, the nation’s response and relocation efforts
—Long-term planning and policy concerns
—Historical perspectives on the events
—Intersections between your own field of expertise and possible applications to recovery efforts
—Patriotism and the role of public debate in times of national crisis
—Other proposed topics welcome

On a more personal level, writing has been one of my only comforts through this, so I would like to understand how other writers, thinkers and activists are examining these issues.
I am also convinced that those of us who are in the “idea business” must be chronicling how this event has impacted us personally.

Furthermore, I believe that we must also use our training, expertise, and collective vision to bear witness, acknowledge our concerns and strategize to aid displaced citizens with short-term and long-term needs.

Again, submissions from ALL are welcome, particularly those from people of color.

Please send BOTH a hard copy and email attachment of your submission to the following address by November 30, 2005. Be sure to include a brief bio about yourself as well and your contact information for possible follow-up correspondences:

Nicole Anderson
Professor of History and Media
c/o Occidental College
1600 Campus Road
MC-13
Los Angeles, CA 90041
email: diaryofayoungblackprofessor@yahoo.com