Lois E. Smith [09/27/2008]

To the editor:My beloved step-father was the late great K. D. (King Drummer) Bell. He played the blues from Alabama to Miami then up the East Coast. You may have seen him play locally (i.e. GoodFellas in Laconia), at Newport Blues Club in RI, at numerous Blues festivals around New England, or even Foxwoods Casino. He had a great respect for New Orleans and its musical history.I have chosen to honor K.D.s memory by helping Make It Right NOLA rebuild the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, a virtual storehouse of civil rights history and musical achievement. It sustained some of the worst flooding after Hurricane Katrina; thousands of lives were disrupted but not defeated. Homeowners face many obstacles to rebuilding, including dramatically increased construction, utility, and insurance costs and property taxes.When I toured the area last winter, I was stunned. Sadly, this community has been historically underrepresented as a vital part of New Orleans. The site was chosen to make a clear statement: all people and all communities are equally deserving of care and representation.I cant think of a better way to honor K.D. We need to help bring the music and the heritage back to life. Your donation of even $5 will help rebuild. Please go to MakeItRightNOLA.org and click Donate Now choose Team Sponsored Home, then The K. D. Bell Memorial Home. Or mail to Make It Right, P O Box 58009, New Orleans LA 70158 and write The K. D. Bell Memorial Home. Thank you.