September 22, 2006

To: Mrs. Kanika Taylor

Dear Sister Kanika,

For me to be able to make it to the levee in the 9^th ward of New Orleans, was nothing short of a miracle. Add that to the persistence of certain individuals, yourself Sister Kanika, Jay Milline, Craig Barabas, and God bless his soul and vision, Brother Addis, and I am left with few words, if any, that can describe my gratitude.

I knew I did not have the ability to imagine the extent of the situation before I got there. Even though I tried to clear my mind before my arrival, there was nothing I could do to complete a full mental preparation. The devastation is far from only physical. Oh such a full transformation it was from what my eyes know reality to be. My only comparison may be extreme, but when the bible tells us what heaven will be like, but also says we cannot envision it, I feel as though I can understand a little better.

When we arrived at the levee, approximately 9:30 AM, I was already too full of happiness for the opportunity, as well as many other emotions, too many to pinpoint at any one moment. It took every bit of strength and concentration I had just to begin setting up. You see, I was blessed to receive an untainted first hand view of the lower 9^th. The only people there at the time were 4 TV crews, an MP unit in a humvee , 2 residents sitting on the foundation of there homes, and us. There were about 10 or 15 people scattered about but these individuals are what I remember. The death like silence on such a beautiful day simply could not be ignored or explained. Surreal in every sense.

It was so evident the “food chain” was shattered at its core. No worms or fat bugs in the mud for the birds that were absent. There was no afternoon chorus of crickets or tree frogs. Only the crippled leaves on the trees allowed me to see there simply were no squirrels. I don’t know what animals the residents are used to seeing but there were none on the 29^th of August 2006. Just flies and tiny grass dwelling bugs. Further down in the bayou, no gators. Just humans rebuilding with limited power.

To overcome my overwhelming thoughts I proceeded to set up my equipment. Considering what it took to get there, I had such a feeling of satisfaction knowing that out of the hundreds, maybe thousands of people that would possibly show up, only a few knew I was there and why. I feel it was no coincidence there was no working sound system except the one we brought . God gave me a blessing by allowing me to provide sound for such an important and memorable event. The devil is real and many arrogant thoughts passed through my mind. But preparation and prayer prevailed. Even though I need money as bad as most, I could not bring my self to “plan to profit” from this situation. My friends offered to buy cd’s to print and sell before we went but I had one thought that convinced me not to. In not knowing what to expect, I expected to be performing for the RESIDENTS of the 9^th ward, at the very spot the water rushed through ending the lives of so many loved ones. The little money they have was not to be spent on a CD. Unfortunately I could not afford to give them for free but what does that matter when true appreciation comes in the moment, not later while reminiscing.

Before I began to sing, Someone expressed their feelings of the cameras occupying most the listening area and how the few residents present should be in front. Even with my setup, unfortunately, I’m sure only 15% of the crowd tops, were able to hear. So I said something. I asked very politely if the camera people would step back and let the residents step forward so they could hear. As rude as some of these very people were just 20 minutes before, chasing people around who were crying, trying to get the perfect shot as well as many other ridicules antics, they politely began to back up and the residents moved forward. That simple situation revealed again to me the power we have. Yes, we will be exploited sometimes, but if your SAY what you mean and you are convicted of its truth, the devil has no power and your words will be heard and obeyed!

What brought me the most joy, was there were people singing along with me! How they knew the words I can only speculate. Only about 4 or 5 CD’s were given away in Atlanta GA, and thanks to Mr. Bilal Sunni-Ali, only one of the songs I performed had been played once on the radio,89.3 ATL GA.

As I approached different lyrics in the songs, I was able to watch almost from a third person view, the intent listening and the response after some specific lines. Ex: In Rebel I say, “I won’t be fightin’ no Chinese man cause he’s got a bigger gun than me. I’ll be fightin’ to control the land that already belongs to me!” As I said this I pointed the very land some of my people own. The response let me know, even though we come from many different backgrounds, we feel the same and know simple truths together. When I said in K’trina, “My babies are doin’ good, I got them back in school“, I saw a woman smile, and he may not have been hers’, but I watched her pull a little boy in close, and hug him tighter.

As someone who fight s severe depression and a chemical imbalance, I can recognize an emotionless, expressionless face. A blank stare. Limp extremities that show no tension, As they say “no fight in you”.

These were the few faces I saw that said, “Yes, I was here. Lord help me.” As I performed I truly felt I had an abundance of energy and power. I was not nervous. I only messed up on two lines. How odd that both lines were about the children. One being “I work long nights so my boy don’t have to live like me” and the other “If I said that the school system don’t do no good”! Children are my passion. And there overall lack of nurturing and guidance in many States is something I believe can be helped. I simply do not believe we were given life only to suffer.

Before I made it to New Orleans, I had all but given up on myself. Finances, the daily struggle of a young Black man surviving with no degree but plenty of street smarts, the gift of a musical talent, and the curse of the music industries tactics, had taken most of my will and faith. I was determined to go at all costs, because I needed something. Exactly what, I don’t know. Church is the place, I was being told, is where I would find it. But I must say, the power and evidence of God and the evil one were plain to see as I stood on the hill beneath the levee break. The battle that I feel in myself between good and evil, seemed to have fought a fierce battle on the field in front of me. In history, the more blood spilled and savage remains left behind determined how bad the battle was. But here, it seemed the war stripped the earth of life itself.

The emptiness I felt before is gone, but my internal war wages stronger than ever. I for once feel like my carnal addictions could actually take my life. But stronger than any of this, I feel I’ve been give the strength and encouragement, from this one event, to last a lifetime.

I take no responsibility for the opportunity. The words came form above and the chance from people I barely know. But I will surely cherish a sense of non-arrogant pride for being the only artist to perform AT THE LEVEE ON THE FIRST ANNEVERSARY OF KATRINA. I pray it doesn’t, but sadly I see this event becoming more than a real shot at unification. I see the potential of lots of money to be made from this situation. I’m so glad I was there this year. No vendors. No parties. Just the people and some clean water.

I WILL CHERISH THE DAY AUGUST 29^TH 2006 FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.

Pierre Daniel Fignole III

Sincerely,

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