New Music Tuesday: Lonely Are The Brave

Continuing on our quest to find the dopest eco-friendly music we caught up with Lonely are the Brave. LATB coins themselves the "synergetic beast child of hip-hop and punk." The group's Facebook page states,

"LATB stands as a call for the sharing of strength in a time of despair."

LATB's sound is a mixture of raucous punk rock and hip-hop inspired percussion infused with a sound similar to new orleans flavored zydeco due to saxophonist Sam Goering. This unique showcase of rhythm with gritty lyrics makes you understand why everyone should go to a good rock concert every once and a while.Check out this video clip of them performing "Noise on Nightmare Street" a song written by lead vocalist, Henry Mills and dedicated to those who lost their lives during Hurricane Katrina... (also big thanks for the Checktheweather shout out!)

Can't make the next show? Lonely are the Brave will be releasing their first LP "Combat Rap" on August 14th

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We'll check back with them before then but to find out about the album read their blog @ combatrap.blogspot.com

To hear more tracks, see video and find out their next show dates check out LATB's Myspace page at Myspace.com/latbdc.

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Good News Katrina Survivors Won't be Evicted from FEMA Trailers

The New York Times reported today that Hurricane Katrina survivors living in trailers provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency will not be evicted. In fact, those living in the trailers will be able to buy the trailers for five dollars or less! Also, The Department of Housing and Urban Development will give the 3,450 families still in trailers or temporary housing — including many elderly, poor and disabled people — priority for $50 million in permanent housing vouchers. The money for the vouchers was appropriated by Congress last year.

This story is a follow-up to the story we posted last week and to the several rallies that were held in support of the Katrina survivors.

Finally some good news to share! This post and tomorrow's full day of uplifting stories are dedicated to Dominique Grant, avid reader and dancehall queen. For more on Dominique and the hottest reggae events, news and gossip visit thewickedesttime.com!

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"A dry roof over a toxic trailer beats no roof at all."- Katrina Survivors Rally at FEMA Headquarters to Stop Trailer Evictions

By MARIA RECIO
McClatchy Newspapers

With a FEMA trailer parked across the street, a coalition of Gulf Coast activists stood outside the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters Monday to mark the start of hurricane season, to demand Hurricane Katrina rebuilding and to protest the latest deadline for eviction of about 5,000 residents from FEMA trailers.

"The people of the Gulf Coast don't want FEMA trailers," Michele Roberts, of the Advocates for Environmental Human Rights, told a small crowd. "They want to rebuild homes."

FEMA, facing a public relations disaster of leaving Katrina victims homeless, again backed off a deadline - the most recent was May 30 - while activists said that even a trailer laced with toxic formaldehyde is better than no home.

"FEMA is continuing to work with federal, state and local partners to help area residents make the transition to long-term housing," said FEMA spokesman Clark Stevens. "New options are being finalized in the next few days, and no one will face eviction from a temporary unit while transition measures are implemented."

The coalition of housing and activist groups is challenging the Obama administration to make dramatic improvements by Aug. 29 - the fourth anniversary of Katrina.

"This is President Obama's Gulf Coast now, and nothing has been done yet to remedy the government's failures," Roberts said.

Trinh Le, a community development coordinator from Biloxi, Miss., said, "If you drive around Biloxi, you see vacant lots and empty buildings." Residents face high insurance rates, she said, and "Vietnamese shrimpers are having a hard time making ends meet."

Gulfport, Miss., resident Derrick Evans said he came to Washington out of solidarity with volunteers from Turkey Creek, a historic African American community.

"There is an affordable housing crisis of epic proportions," he said. "A dry roof over a toxic trailer beats no roof at all."

The groups support the Gulf Coast Civic Works Act, a bill co-sponsored by several members, including Reps. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., Charlie Melancon, D-La., and Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-La., that would create 100,000 jobs in the region through construction and development projects.

The bill failed to get any traction in the last congressional session. It was re-introduced in the House in early May.

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"Can't Stand the Heat?" Lil Wayne takes a stand for Environmental Justice

Following up on the Rally to stop the evictions of Katrina Survivors check out this video made last August during a rally at FEMA headquarters for the 3rd Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The song featured in the video is "Tie My Hands" by Lil' Wayne and Robin Thicke. Along with the song that highlights the struggle of Katrina Survivors the video highlights pictures and facts on Climate Justice issues worldwide. Take a peek.

For more information go to krvexpress.org to follow Katrina Survivor and Environmental Justice Activist, Derick Evans as he travels the country in his FEMA trailer gathering support and creating awareness on what's really going on in the Gulf Coast.

Oh yeah and for those of you not up on Climate Justice check out EJCC.org!

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