The Naked Truth/Jamala Rogers
Using a Tornado as a Teachable Moment
A powerful storm system ripped through the Midwest recently included a series of deadly tornadoes, golf ball-sized hail and forceful wind shears. The disasters hit states from Arkansas to Minnesota. The devastation comes at a time when trump and DOGE have slashed staffing and funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As families and communities are faced with tremendous loss and destruction, it may not be a good time to show how MAGA policies and decisions impact real people in real time. But if not now, when?
The St. Louis area was hit by an EF3 tornado. Wind speeds estimated to be up to 165 mph wreaked massive devastation, causing at least seven fatalities and damages at $1.6 billion so far. I was a victim of Mother Nature’s fury. The harrowing experience left an indelible mark on those of us who experienced the rare storm system.
The last time such a tornado touched ground in St. Louis city was 1959, out of memory for most city residents. This time around North city, where African Americans reside, was hit hard.
What is more current in the memories of Black folks is how disaster relief shows up (or not) in predominantly working-class areas and neighborhoods we call home. The relief response has a class and racial lens to it that is inescapable to ignore. This year is the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. That man-made disaster opens up a floodgate of traumatic images of poor, Black victims begging for help.
As the country enters the bad weather season, FEMA has been gutted and admits that it is “not ready” for what’s coming. The DOGE clowns have threatened to do away with FEMA all together, with no proposed new-and-improved agency to take its place.
Climate change and other environmental damage exacerbated by people, particularly reckless corporations, has resulted in more frequent and more intense episodes of weather events. From wildfires to mudslides to floods to hurricanes, we have seen or experienced first-hand the power of natural forces when the planet has been compromised. That scenario will only worsen.
Where the government can have a more immediate impact is assessing a more comprehensive, effective response to disasters. Eliminating FEMA and insurance companies denying claims or terminating insurance policies is irresponsible. This is not the way a civil society responds to the needs of its people, particularly during a crisis.
When viewers see the images of their community struggling for survival, they shouldn’t be paralyzed by inaction. Individual or organized outreach must be made to their elected officials about a proactive, humane response to the catastrophe. We must demand an effective and funded policy that addresses climate change and its long-term, debilitating effects on the only planet we know.