At the conclusion of the stirring address by United Teachers of New Orleans President Brenda Mitchell, center, NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi presented a check for $125,000 to the AFT relief fund. Accepting the donation, which brings the NYSUT Hurricane Relief total to $550,000, is AFT Executive Vice President Antonia Cortese.
When Brenda Mitchell evacuated her home in advance of Hurricane Katrina last August, she grabbed an AFT jacket, her jewelry and her mail. "I never thought I wouldn't return," she said in a Thursday night general session address to the delegates. "In fact, I thought I might even get in some shopping while I was in Houston," she said.
Nine months later, Mitchell's home is little more than a foundation, studs and a few ceramic tiles. Still, the United Teachers of New Orleans president considers herself one of the lucky ones. Given time, she knows she can recover. "But for thousands of people - especially those living in the 9th Ward - they will never be the same," said Mitchell.
Still reeling from the devastation of her home city, Mitchell was visibly overcome with emotion during a showing of an AFT-produced video highlighting the storm's devastation. "I promised myself I would try not to cry, but things just take over me," she said. "New Orleans hasn't changed much - the water has receded, but the devastation remains the same."
Despite the trials still facing her and other displaced educators, the support of their union brethren nationwide has been a silver lining. "Kate McKenna was my lifeline," said Mitchell of the Syracuse Teachers Association president who later approached the dais to embrace her. "She and her local sent a $3,700 check before the month of September was out.
"I didn't even know what to do with it, but just knowing that my union brothers and sisters came to my aid ..." said Mitchell. Her voice filled with emotion as she paused before launching into a soaring a cappella anthem that seemed to both acknowledge the caring and understanding of those who came to their aid, and to provide a promise to never forget the helping hand.
"If I can help somebody as I pass along ..." sang Mitchell, who closed her speech to a standing ovation.