Katrina survivors celebrate life in Jackson - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Katrina survivors celebrate life in Jackson

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By  Julie Straw - bio | email | twitter

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - On Kevin Garnett Court there was a party thrown Sunday.  "We just are going to do a little New Orleans boiled pig feet, turkey necks, corn, potatoes, stuff like that, A little small celebration," said Anthony Young.

The Young family is hosting their neighbors to celebrate life post Hurricane Katrina.  All of them are survivors of the storm. 

"That was truly a blessing.  We couldn't ask for nothing than what happened after Katrina because we was down with nothing," said Young who is a New Orleans native and relocated to Jackson.

"Not knowing this would be my house, I'm proud to say I am so happy that we are here," said Barbara Young.

In the Spring of 2006 Habitat For Humanity partnered with Oprah and NBA star Kevin Garnett to build ten fully furnished homes for those who lost everything during Katrina. 

"My intentions were to go back to New Orleans, but Hod sent a blessing my way and here I am," said Jomeika Ruth.

Ruth and her two children were living in New Orleans.  They fled to Clarke County, Mississippi and there on August 29th they celebrated her daughter Kayla's 5th birthday.

"We had a cupcake and a candle.  We were sitting in the dark singing happy birthday," said Ruth.

Sunday Kayla turned ten surrounded by strangers who became neighbors and are now dear friends.

"We love each other.  We depend on each other.  We stick by each other through thick and thin," said Ruth.

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