Dyan French, "Mama D" is a local community activist and neighborhood matriarch, who led the grassroots group, Soul Patrol made up of volunteers from all over the country. Mama D and the Soul Patrol stayed behind to help their neighborhood, their neighbors and themselves during and after the flooding. Mama D’s home became a revolving door for people in need of community, food and medical attention. Mama D claims that the police and U.S. marshals harassed them, accusing them of looting and telling them to get out of the city when all they were doing was helping people survive. “Why would you not want me here?” Mamma D questions.
Soul Patrol member

In the weeks following the storm “Rescue, return, restore” was Mama D’s mission; “We want the young, able-bodied men who are still here to stay to help those in need. And the ones that have been evacuated; we want them to come home. This is about neighbors helping neighbors; that’s all it is.” Follow her as she contributes to the hopeful restoration of the 7th Ward.