HOUSTON – Pictured above (center, at podium) is NAACP Interim President and CEO Derrick Johnson, flanked by national, state and local NAACP leaders. Among those assembled are (from left) Ron Reynolds, Texas legislature state representative; alongside Houston NAACP branch President James Douglas, Texas State Conference President Gary Bledsoe and national board member Howard Jefferson, before embarking upon an assessment of conditions in the Houston area’s most hurricane-battered neighborhoods. Johnson joined Texas NAACP State Conference officials last weekend to assist with recovery efforts, and to help serve local residents who were still in need weeks after Hurricane Harvey devastated the region. Johnson was also on hand in Houston to help open the Texas Disaster Support Command Center (DSCC), which will serve as a hub to field requests for service and match those needs to resources.

“Disaster does not discriminate. Therefore, for us to be as effective as possible in providing aid and support, we need to realize the different struggles that have come about as a result of this natural disaster,” Johnson said. “We cannot undermine the emotional impact that this hurricane has had across the board.” The day began in the Galena Park Independent School District, where the NAACP team met with community members who rallied together in the middle of the storm to rescue those who were trapped by rising flood waters, followed by a visit to the community of Dickinson, Texas, where residents still contend with debris on their front lawns, backyards and sidewalks. The NAACP president also met with the Greater Houston Black Chamber, local officials and the County Commissioner. The team additionally made a stop at Mt Olive Baptist Church, which has been serving hot lunch and dinner to Harvey survivors daily, and distributing water, cleaning kits and other supplies.