Harold Hambrick, Expo President

This is the house and museum of legendary Fats Domino.  He was believed to be dead, but it has been learned that he made it out alive.

That news did not reach those that wrote this message on his home.

All Photos Courtesy of Harold Hambrick

Don't miss The LaLa Festival!

February 11 and 12, 2006

Leimert Park. Click for Details

Download Gumbo Cook-off Registration Form

Louisiana:  What I saw changed me in a lot of ways

By Harold Hambrick 

For me, it really started Aug 25 when the announcement came that a Hurricane was headed to the gulf.  In three days, it gunned from a category one to a category 5—from 0 to 145 miles per hour. That’s a lot of wind, y’all.   

We all know what happened after that. 

I did not go back to Louisiana after the hurricane hit. We were planning Expo 2005. What we did do was set up a Katrina Fund.   At the Expo (BBX2005) we had a family of evacuees who attended.  They were acknowledged from the stage and to our surprise, another attendee was motivated to come up front and hand this family $1500.  That was one of many “moments” at the Expo.   

It was not til Christmas that we loaded up my truck and drove to Louisiana. We made good time, but when we hit Beaumont, Texas we began to see the destruction left by Hurricane Rita.  Then we pulled into New Orleans.   

There was devastation like I have never seen: trees barely standing, limbs broken, signs hanging, buildings leaning to.  It was a ghost town.  The best way I can describe it?  It is as if the area from the 10 Freeway on the north to the 405 on the West to the Long Beach Freeway on the West to the 105 on the South was completely deserted.  No cars.  No open businesses.  Nobody really, just one or two residents on a block here and there, trying to piece their lives back together.  

There were many Latinos working on reconstruction, Vietnamese had reopened the one soul food restaurant Broadview Seafood on Broad and Orlean.  From turkey necks, to pig feet and shrimp they were cooking all our old favorites, and doing it well. I 'm still wondering where are the black folks?

New Orleans went from 80% black owned businesses to none in those three days of Katrina.  There are a few hustling trying to bring their businesses back online, but it is devastation, plain and simple, and no one has the answer. 

Dr. King said "Man’s adversity is God’s opportunity."  We must be part of the team to plan things right.  This story is to be continued. 

I went in houses where water rose to the ceiling—pressure so great it blew out windows.  My aunt lost everything and moved to Houston with her son.  Last week we buried her.  I believe if there had been no hurricane and she had been in her house she would be living still.  

When you get the opportunity and they say “Help!” reach out and do what you can.    Save New Orleans. (And be sure to vote in the upcoming election on April 23rd.)

The last time I saw New Orleans whole, was in July, at the funeral of Tootie Montana, the Big Chief of the Black Indians.  Tens of thousands of people lined Claiborne under the 10 Freeway.  It was pure New Orleans culture on display. 

Walking down the desolate street near my aunt’s water damaged property in the midst of dust and devastation, we noticed a plant.  My cousin said “Look at this cabbage!”  But it wasn’t a cabbage.  It was one of the most beautiful mustards I had ever seen, a sure sign. 

In New Orleans, Catholics, Buddhists, Lutherans…everybody had pews sitting outside.  The looters had taken whatever they could, but in most instances, when I looked up the crosses stood, still.  I didn’t know where the pastors or the members were but I believe we’ve got to rebuild all of that.   

So, how did it change me?  The major way is it taught me one thing:  This little Expo is nothing in comparison to all of that.  All of a sudden, its burden was made lighter on my shoulders. 

New Orleans is going to be a chocolate city again, just like the mayor said.   Why?   

Before Katrina, 70% of New Orleans was Black.  Roughly 81% of those were originally from Louisiana, compared with only 57% of Atlantans being from Georgia.  They have deep roots and I believe most are coming back.  The same bus that took these people away—to Idaho, Washington DC, Utah, L.A., --can also bring them back again.   

We have got to save New Orleans.  And don't forget to vote.

Editor's Note:  Ironically Harold Hambrick had been crowned King of the Mardi Gras, by the La LA group.  His reign saw Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and Harold has been stumping to raise funds ever since.  

His sister Kathe has been tirelessly working on the relief efforts, and has been parceling out donations and goods to those in need.  Kathe Hambrick is the director and founder of the River Road Museum which thankfully was spared during the storm.  To donate to the Katrina Fund, click here or come  to the Gumbo Cook Off Harold is organizing at the LaLA Festival.  IPL 1/30/06

BBX 2005 Was a Blast!

It’s been weeks since the Expo, but people are still thanking us. As I walked the show room floor, I met so many exciting new business owners, with so many great ideas. Their enthusiasm is infectious...and makes me believe that our quest to increase African American owned businesses is really paying off.

We are seeing the first generation of young people raised at the Expo, exhibiting, working the stages and working in show management. We are witnessing the Expo “hookups” that help businesses grow. And we are witnessing the 10th anniversary of a business born at the Expo, the Watts Coffee House. In fact, the Watts Coffee House was selected to be a model business for this year’s ad campaign, along with Arrivals and Wendy Raquel Robinson’s Amazing Grace Conservatory.

Thank you all,  if you participated-- sponsors, exhibitors, coordinators, a volunteer--if you simply bought a ticket, you helped us turn a corner this year.

Last year, we heavily profiled young Michael, who, because of a birth defect, has been running his business from his wheelchair. He and his dedicated family wrote a letter after their experience exhibiting his artwork at the Expo again. Here is the letter. I hope you enjoy it. CLICK HERE 

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