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Council issues proclamations honoring Soul Patrol rescuers from Hurricane Katrina
Summary
The council presented proclamations recognizing members of the "Soul Patrol," citizen rescuers who helped during and after Hurricane Katrina, and announced a related school reading program and community awards.
The City Council recognized a group of Seventh Ward citizens known as the Soul Patrol for rescue work following Hurricane Katrina. Council member Oliver Thomas introduced the recognition, noting the twentieth anniversary of the storm and the continuing need to honor citizens who performed rescues when official help was delayed.
Earl Barthe Jr., who accepted the proclamations on behalf of the group, described the Soul Patrol's efforts: "We started as soon as the water came in, the same day. We didn't see help for 4 days." Barthe recounted rescuing neighbors and providing food and support in the immediate aftermath.
Council members read proclamations that thanked the Soul Patrol for their service and named individual members for recognition, including Earl Barthe Jr., Ortegas Coleman, Jadel Beard, Dwight Boudreau, Thomas Peters, Richard Matthew Sr., Emmanuel Matthew, Edwin Barthe Jr., and Steven Matthew. Several proclamations were to be delivered to family members of deceased participants.
Council members and speakers also announced a literacy project connected to the recognition: a book titled 10 True Tales: Heroes of Hurricane Katrina will be used in a national reading program being piloted at McDonough 35 High School; the presenter said 100 donated copies were provided for the project.
Ending Council members said they would present the proclamations and photograph recipients before the formal meeting; they encouraged continued recognition of community rescuers and invited council members to attend the school reading events.
