EKK/Red Cross Collaboration

August is typically a rain filled month in Central Mississippi; however, this year has truly been an exceptional one. After receiving record amounts of rain generated by a huge, slow-moving system that created massive flooding in Dallas Texas, the front moved along I-20 into the heart of Mississippi. The end result was several consecutive days of torrential rainfall that swelled the Pearl River and quite a few other tributaries that feed into the Gulf of Mexico.

August 22, 2022, the City of Canton was inundated with water in its usual low lying areas as well as places that do not generally flood during heavy rain. Schools were dismissed early and many motorists around the bustling town were stranded and needed to be rescued by local public safety agencies. Particularly hard hit were the Southside community between Hickory and Trolio Streets east to west and Lee and West Dinkins north to south along with Martin Luther King Drive and the King ranch area. Flood waters were waist deep on some residential blocks causing damage to houses and vehicles which led residents to temporarily relocate until the water receded.

After conducting an initial needs assessment, Basileus K. O. Martin contacted several brothers and began putting words into action to help our community. On Saturday August 27 th , brothers of EKK led by Derrick Garner and assisted by community partners procured several pallets of water which were distributed to families across the city.

That same evening, Brother Terrance Course made contact with EKK on behalf of the American Red Cross to gauge the situation in Canton and see what can be done to lessen the burden on weary residents. This conversation led to a collaboration in which nearly 700 meals would be provided and delivered to citizens of Canton less than 12 hours later. The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

The EKK Chapter and American Red Cross hit the streets of Canton early Sunday morning on August 28 th and began canvassing block after block providing nourishing rations to the citizens of the Southside between Trolio and Hickory, citizens all along Martin Luther King Drive and the Camden Park and Lula B. Covington residences; that morning alone saw Brothers distribute nearly 500 breakfast and lunch kits. Additional kits were transported to our Uplift Incorporated Center where another 200-300 meals will be distributed August 31st specifically for students and families that were affected by the recent flooding.

All in all it was a great opportunity for Epsilon Kappa Kappa to strengthen our bond with the Canton community by standing at the ready to serve and assist for the betterment of our city. Additionally, a great partnership was formed with the American Red Cross; though we hope to avoid any future catastrophic flooding in the city, we know that we have secured an excellent resource to help us help others in the time of need. Thanks to all parties involved for pulling together such a spectacular feat in a very short time, with special acknowledgement to Lola Gillard-Mayes, Felicia Tripp and Mr. John Brown of the Alabama-Mississippi Red Cross. It was truly a beautiful thing to see it all come together so seamlessly.