Dear Family & Friends:

Over the course of almost 4 years it has been an honor to serve the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region as Founder and CEO of Blanket New Orleans, Inc. As a Hurricane Katrina first responder, rebuilding volunteer, social entrepreneur and national advocate for our recovery - I have gained a tremendous amount of perspective from our small organization’s myriad successes.

However, the time is ripe to move onto new endeavors. Ostensibly, endeavors that continue to strengthen our rebuilding efforts and provide steadfast leadership for our city’s recovery.

Our organization has a lot to be proud: To date, a large scale of High School and University volunteer groups from around the country have partnered with BNO to contribute more than 1,250 hours of community service, completely gutting 15 homes, and adopting the home of Ms. Paulette - remodeling her kitchen and two bathrooms. At Georgetown University, the BNO campus chapter organizes annual relief missions to the city. And our team has also provided #620 new blankets to families displaced by hurricane damage, as well as spearheaded GustavRelief.Org, an immediate emergency response initiative which harnessed the power of technology, transforming the way in which humanitarian supplies directly impacted those with the greatest need.

Most notably, Bike Katrina presented a remarkable opportunity to re-trace the storm route throughout the Gulf Coast. This initiative enabled us to engage government officials, business leaders, clergymen, educators and the heads of non-profit relief agencies on the status of capital projects in the region. And perhaps due to its ingenuity, we have expanded the communication of our e-newsletters/e-updates to about 1,400 subscribers.

In closing, my passion and commitment to the recovery of our city has not waned - instead I recognize that now is best for me to take time, reflect and grow from the meaningful insight I have gained wearing this particular hat.

I am still a firm believer in the power of ideas and the tenacity of the human spirit.

Thus, I look forward to serving as the Graduation Speaker for the 2009 Class of Medard H. Nelson Elementary School on Friday. This special event presents a unique opportunity where I will shed some light on what my journey with Blanket New Orleans has been about, how it has contributed to my introspection and why these experiences have grounded me to help confront societal challenges today and beyond.

Thank you for your support, prayers and time.

Gratefully Yours,
- Happy
E-mail: Happy@HappyJohnson.org
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NEW ORLEANS TOMORROW: THE POWER OF POSSIBILITY
JANUARY 15, 2010: MLK DAY SPEECH

Dear Friends & Family:
On Friday, January 15, 2010 I delivered keynote remarks on my vision for The Future of New Orleans.

It was an honor. I was empowered by the opportunity to be apart of our city’s King Week celebrations, sponsored by the City of New Orleans MLK Holiday Planning Commission. To view photos from the speech & week of events, visit: MLKweek.com

Speech Excerpt:
“As we gather during the aftermath of the devastation in Haiti and on the eve of the most important election season in the rich history of New Orleans, it is fitting for us to delve into one of Dr. King’s most seminal themes: the Power of Possibility.

Overstanding the triumphant success of Brown V. Board of education, the end of Jim Crow and the passage of voting rights act, Dr. King said “There are those all over who are telling us that we must slow up, that we must slow down. But we cannot afford to slow up because we have a moral obligation to press on. We must keep moving; we must keep going.”

When we reflect on the relevance of King’s quote about the power of possibility within the context of the current condition of our own recovery, we too know there were some who told us to “slow down, don’t rebuild.” Some told us we would never rebuild, shouldn’t rebuild and couldn’t rebuild. But the power of possibility and your spirit defied the odds. In the face of your darkest moment, you showed the world (perharps our brothers and sisters in Haiti) how to suffer, how to find grace and desire, humility and the strength of determination.

Friends, we face serious challenges that require serious sacrifice and serious leadership. Let us seize this moment where we stand at the crossroads of where a dream might be and renew our committment, sending a clear signal to our neighbors throughout the Gulf Coast and our supporters around the world we are ready to rebuild New Orleans, The American city.”

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FRIENDS OF HAPPY 2009 THANKSGIVING COMMUNITY GIVEAWAY PHOTOS
Sponsored by:
The Salvation Army
Target
Wal*Mart
Levi Strauss
Former Friends/Board Members of BNO

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It was an honor for BNO Founder to deliver a speech in Chicago at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Mikva Challenge Program. Mr. Johnson was humbled by the opportunity to recognize Abner and Zoe Mikva and the great work they have done throughout their lifetime.

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“10 years in the making. Congratulations to the Mikva Challenge program - this is truly a remarkable accomplishment.

For me, The Mikva Challenge program was a phenomenal experience and it completely enhanced my time in high school by shaping it squarely around the notion that I - as a 15 year old could not only hold politicians accountable but that I could actually transform an election.

As I remember, those years were an exciting time to be involved in politics. In 1999 I was a freshman in high school, but because of Mikva I was spending my winter evenings volunteering on a presidential campaign downtown, interviewing the CEO of the Public School system, and hosting a youth advocacy television show.

The Mikva Challenge forced me to think critically about the problems facing society. But most importantly, Mikva was the glue that connected me to the political arena, because all of a sudden I cared about election results and getting others registered even if i couldn’t vote!… at 15 you were gonna listen to what I had to say because I had the confidence of my experiences to say you know what: “im not gonna wait until I’m 50 to make a stand. I am gonna get involved right now and make a difference in my community.”

I have carried that notion with me ever since. And today I use those experiences from Mikva as the bedrock for the actual bricks-and-mortar rebuilding work i do in New Orleans, which also mobilizes and motivates people to care about the Gulf Coast through meaningful community service. After Hurricane Katrina I joined the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Team and for 6wks I drove an Emergency Response Vehicle in the 9th Ward, providing food to returning families. Later on, a cohort and I founded an organization called Blanket New Orleans where we raised funds to provide warmth and comfort to returning residents in the form of large blankets. We replicated that initiative in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav, but this time expanding it throughout Louisiana and Mississippi.

I am sure I got my gumption for resisting timidity amid governmental inefficiency from my those high school days engaging the hard knocks of Chicago politics.

And so friends, on this anniversary, the Mikva Challenge organization has a lot to be proud of:: for what is has already done to transform politics and the lives of so many young leaders, but really for what is yet to come!

And Know this - that amid the challenges we face in our cities, country and around the world… with callous violence, global terrorism, an economic depression, and a devastated New Orleans… know this, that this generation, my generation… THE MIKVA GENERATION is ready to lead.”

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It was an honor for BNO Founder to deliver the Keynote Address at the High Voltage Youth Camp (HVYC) Destiny Luncheon, which took place last month. Parents, teachers and students engaged in the community enrichment programs at the UNO/Nelson Charter School are committed to improving the lives of our disadvantaged youth. HVYC is an exemplary program led by a dedicated educator and community leader, Katherine S. Johnson. Special Thanks to Peyton Manning’s PeyBack Foundation, Maple Street Bookstore, N.O. Jazz & Heritage Foundation and The New Orleans Musician’s Clinic.

Speech Abstract::

“Our monumental accomplishments of the past have set the stage for how we can excel in the future. An engaged and responsible citizenry will transform the tragedy of this storm into a triumph in the great American narrative - because the vibrancy of the world can be seen in the resilient people of New Orleans.”

New Orleans Renaissance from BlanketNewOrleans.Org on Vimeo.

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In today’s edition of our hometown newspaper, The Times-Picayune, BNO Founder has provided a plan on how steadfast leadership and innovation are needed to improve our preparation and response to disasters.

Click Here to read the full article.

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“Every year, Gambit Weekly calls for nominations for “40 Under 40,” our annual look at some of the young people who are making remarkable contributions to the New Orleans metropolitan region.”

We were please to be selected. CLICK HERE to read our extensive “40 Under 40″ profile.

CLICK HERE to read what Gambit Editor thought about BNO Founder after their interview.

The outstanding civic participation in Tuesday’s presidential election re-energized our committment to make the recovery of New Orleans a top priority within the new administration’s agenda.

As an ‘07 Center For the Study of The Presidency Fellow, BNO Founder has always been keenly interested in history and encouraging others to play an active roll in our democracy.

Here are some of his personal thoughts about the important nature of this election.

1. NewsHerald

2. NewsHerald

3. ABC News Article & Video

We were recently in the Florida Gulf Coast - an area we’ve become familiar with over the course of the past 2 years because of Bike Katrina- encouraging people to become more engaged in the electoral process.

In particular, our message was structured around a dialogue on how residents could use the battleground status of Florida to amplify their voices as a powerful advocacy tool for coastal restoration, a green economy and the bricks-and-mortar rebuilding of the Gulf Coast.

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NOLA City Council Honors Blanket New Orleans, Inc from BlanketNewOrleans.Org on Vimeo.

10.02.08: It was a great honor for us to receive recognition from The City Council of New Orleans. You can click on the link above and watch the ceremony.

BNO on 1067 HomeTeam Morning Radio Show from BlanketNewOrleans.Org on Vimeo

10.07.08: We were guests on Old School 106.7 - The Home Team Morning Radio Show to talk about our residency fellowship program for young adults committed to public service. You can click on the link above and listen to us on the radio.

BNO “4WWL” Gustav TownHall News Clip from BlanketNewOrleans.Org on Vimeo

10.08.08: Provided some perspective about my experience as an Evacuation Support Team volunteer and as the co-founder of GustavRelief.Org at a Gustav Evacuation Town Hall meeting at City Hall. You can click on the link above and watch our 4WWL news clip.

BNO “WDSU6″ News Clip: Economic Impact For Non Profits from BlanketNewOrleans.Org on Vimeo

10.11.08: Provided some thoughts about the New Orleans economy relative to non-profit organizations. You can click on the link above and watch our WDSU6 news clip.

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Dear Family & Friends:

On Saturday September 27, 2008 - I had the opportuity to share the stage with two New Orleans City Council members, civic leaders and volunteers as we celebrated the National Day of Action for Green Jobs in New Orleans. “Green Day” forums and rallies took place across the country over the weekend. Click Here To View Our Photos From The Rally!

Below is an excerpt of my written speech, “Global Vision For Green New Orleans.”

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Help us solve the greatest need, please visit: GustavRelief.Org

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We made it! Rebecca and myself are extremely encouraged by the tremendous amount of support we have received throughout the course of our cycling journey through the Gulf Coast.

For BikeKatrina 2008 - the aim was to honor the victims of the storm during the 3rd anniversary of Katrina and empower our neighbors in the region to do their part in protecting the wetlands. I think that we tried to carry out our goal with passion, dedication and humility. Hopefully, some of our photos illustrate our rigorous effort. Click Here To View Photos From BK2008.

[Becky greeted by well wishers on the Ocean Spring Bridge to Biloxi]

This trip would not have been possible without the sacrifices made by Rebecca Reindel - who resumes her public health graduate studies at George Washington University on Monday. She gave up a lot to join our efforts one week before her classes start. A special thank you to the 7 nuns at the Monastery of the Visitation in Mobile, Alabama for their amazing hospitality, the Holiday Inn and the congregation of Saint Mary Margaret in Slidell for housing us.

Much appreciation to Whitney Fauntleroy, a graduate student at The Princeton Theological Seminary and her church Davie St. Presbyterian in Raleigh, North Carolina for all of their generous support. Much love to Nancy Nordtvedt & the Holy Family Church’s social justice committee in Chicago, looking forward to hosting their youth group next year. And lastly - our BikeKatrina Coordinator, Jamison Brewer a 2nd year at University of Michigan Law School. He was responsible for putting the pieces of our trip together and did a great job!

RESSURECTING PASCAGOULA MISSISSIPPI

Thanks to Mrs. Darnell Cuevas, Principal of Resurrection High School, for allowing us to engage her students on Wednesday morning about civic engagement and service-learning. I told the students that they could tell their parents to purchase compact florescent light bulbs as a tangible action that individuals can take to protect the wetlands. The less fossil fuels we burn, the less melting that takes place in the poles - the less our sea level rises. BNO friend Katie Del Guercio did the research for our coastal restoration awareness campaign!

It was great to meet with Ward 4 Councilman Frank Corder in City Hall Tuesday afternoon. We had an informative discussion about the status of recovery in Mississippi’s “Flagship City.”

NEW ORLEANS KATRINA COMMEMORATION

Yesterday, I spoke to grade school students, neighbors, and community organizers who gathered for the 3rd anniversary of the storm. As a member of the ARC’s Hurricane Gustav Evacuation Support Team I talked with them about emergency preparedness.

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BNO supporters attended several excellent workshops at the 50th Annual National Convention of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference [SCLC], which took place in New Orleans during the first week of August.

The premiere civil rights organization was founded here 51 years ago in a small Mid-City church. It was an honor to speak at the SCLC Neighborhood Event, held at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School; the first public school to reopen in the Lower 9th Ward after Katrina. The school is also the namesake of the SCLC’s founding president.

With a keen interest in history, I wanted to create imagery and take the audience back to the First Battle of New Orleans in 1815. The following 3 paragraphs represent a summation of what I talked about, you can also watch an ad libbed version of my speech by clicking on the preceding link:

“General Andrew Jackson led a brigade of American forces along the Mississippi River to defeat adversaries seeking to seize and conquer the Crescent City. American forces were successful in defending New Orleans then and we will be successful in defending New Orleans today. But we cannot do it by ourselves - the entire country must join together in the theater of our recovery campaign to win the 2nd Battle of New Orleans.

The storm almost knocked us out. Our infrastructure and capabilities have been weakened - compound that with governmental inefficiency and a lack of federal leadership. We are crippled by the mandate of an antiquated Stafford Act and without a comprehensive Category 5 levee system. And so we have a sea of problems, an ocean worth of challenges. The path to victory no longer seems navigational. Our ship anchored in our faith in progress seems to be drowning. But despite the bleak forecast, that grainy picture - we know from our history, our shared American experiences that “a rising tide can lift all ships.”

In order to win this 2nd Battle of New Orleans, we must redeploy, re-energize and re-mobilize the American forces. Or as I like to think of them as, the non-violent forces of good. Those tangible things, those values of determination, service, sacrifice, selflessness and a commitment to community. These are the forces of good that make us who we are as a people. Join the movement and get involved.”

The 2nd Battle of New Orleans from BlanketNewOrleans.Org on Vimeo.

Martin Luther King III is the gracious recipient of our inaugural Golden Blanket Award. It was a great pleasure to speak with him about the project we are working on. We created the award as a way to recognize a national figure for their continued commitment to the recovery of New Orleans, those displaced by Katrina throughout the Gulf South, and the advancement of civic engagement. Mr. King III is the CEO of Realizing The Dream, which implements “bold initiatives to empower people to take charge of their lives and the life of their communities.”

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BNO Founder & CEO has taken the year since our August 2007 BikeKatrina journey to serve full-time as a national service AmeriCorps volunteer rehabilitating flood-ravaged homes throughout the city. After completing more than 2,000 hours of community service - Team BNO is energized to share with you our vision to continue to move New Orleans Forward. Happy Johnson discusses the recovery effort on the preceding 4WWL local news clip.

TEAM Blanket New Orleans is gearing up for our 2nd annual cycling journey through the Gulf South, retracing the storm path of Hurricane Katrina which will take us from Pensacola to New Orleans [Aug. 25 - Aug. 29]. We will bike a total of 250 miles! making stops along the way to call attention to the 3rd Anniversary of the storm, survey the recovery in the region, and inform people about the need to address the critical issue of coastal restoration.

The purpose of the cycling journey is to raise $5,000 which will help build The Blanket New Orleans Green Service House - a property that will be rebuilt with (”Green”) environmentally sound construction material into a residency fellowship program for young adults committed to public service in New Orleans.

In the past 2 months, we have had over 100 volunteers gut and prep our site. CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS OF 100 VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION @ THE BNO HOUSE. A special thank you goes out to Neena Ajwani, Chris Boudy of CBX WebDesigns, Alex Rose, Mike Losco, Canita Brent, Jocelyn A. Sideco of the Jesuit Relief Services; Tara Chase of the Notre Dame Mission Volunteer Corps; Alive In You Gulf Coast Group; Volunteers from The Archdiocese of Camden, New Jersey & Pete Cote; St. Francis College Prep of Fresh Meadows, New York; and Junipero Serra High School of San Mateo, California.

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Click On The Links Below To Watch Our Latest Public Service Announcements!

1. Blanket New Orleans PSA - 4 Minutes

2. Blanket New Orleans PSA - 30 Seconds

Also, check out our previous posts - a link is located at the bottom of this page.

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