Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

School bus comandeered by renegade refugees first to arrive at Astrodome
Houston Chronicle ^ | SALATHEIA BRYANT and CYNTHIA LEONOR GARZA

Posted on 09/02/2005 9:15:38 AM PDT by Jalapeno


Jabbar Gibson's first time behind the wheel of a school bus was spent transporting dozens of people from New Orleans to the Reliant Astrodome.

School bus comandeered by renegade refugees first to arrive at Astrodome


By SALATHEIA BRYANT and CYNTHIA LEONOR GARZA
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

The first busload of New Orleans refugees to reach the Reliant Astrodome overnight was a group of people who commandeered a school bus in the city ravaged by Hurricane Katrina and drove to Houston looking for shelter.

Jabbar Gibson, 20, said police in New Orleans told him and others to take the school bus and try to get out of the flooded city.

Gibson drove the bus from the flooded Crescent City, picking up stranded people, some of them infants, along the way. Some of those on board had been in the Superdome, among those who were supposed to be evacuated to Houston on more than 400 buses Wednesday and today. They couldn't wait.

The group of mostly teenagers and young adults pooled what little money they had to buy diapers for the babies and fuel for the bus.

After arriving at the Astrodome at about 10:30 p.m., however, they initially were refused entry by Reliant officials who said the aging landmark was reserved for the 23,000 people being evacuated from the Louisiana Superdome.

"Now, we don't have nowhere to go," Gibson said. "We heard the Astrodome was open for people from New Orleans. We ain't ate right, we ain't slept right. They don't want to give us no help. They don't want to let us in."

Milling about the Reliant entrance, Sheila Nathan, 38, told her teary-eyed toddler that she was too tired to hold him.

"I'm trying to make it a fairy tale so they won't panic," said Nathan, who had four grandchildren in tow. "I have to be strong for them."

After about 20 minutes of confusion and consternation, Red Cross officials announced that the group of about 50 to 70 evacuees would be allowed into the Astrodome.

All were grateful to be out of the devastation and misery that had overtaken their hometown.

"I feel good to get out of New Orleans," said Demetrius Henderson, who got off the bus with his wife and three children. Many of those around him alternated between excited, cranky and nervous, clutching suitcases or plastic garbage bags of clothes.

They looked as bedraggled as their grueling ride would suggest: 13 hours on the commandeered bus driven by a 20-year-old man. Watching bodies float by as they tried to escape the drowning city. Picking up people along the way. Three stops for fuel. Chugging into Reliant Park, only to be told initially that they could not spend the night.

Every bit worth it.

"We took the bus and got out of the city. We were trying to get out of the city," James Hickerson said.

Several passengers on the bus said they took the matter into their own hands earlier Wednesday because they felt rescuers and New Orleans authorities were too slow in offering help.

"They are not worried about us," said Makivia Horton, 22, who is five months pregnant.


TOPICS: News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: astrodome; buses; frracistinded; jabbargibson; katrina
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 221-240241-260261-280 ... 301-306 next last
To: Victoria Delsoul
Sorry -- I should have finished my last post.

I've had no patience for this nonsense the last couple of days. They should pin a medal on this kid and name him Mayor of New Orleans for seizing the initiative and driving those folks to safety.

241 posted on 09/02/2005 7:24:34 PM PDT by Alberta's Child (I ain't got a dime, but what I got is mine. I ain't rich, but Lord I'm free.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 239 | View Replies]

To: Alberta's Child; All

Greta just interviewed the kid that took the school bus right off the lot, found the keys that matched the bus and took off. I didn't catch his age but he looks to be about 18 years old. He says they are very happy to be in Houston and that they need clothing, housing, everything.

The kid was very collected. He is so brave. It's just very inspiring how that young guy took the initiative to save himself and 80 others.


242 posted on 09/02/2005 7:27:03 PM PDT by uncitizen
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 240 | View Replies]

To: Alberta's Child

It's amazing to see so many people unwilling to do something for themselves, like this guy did. It must be liberalism the cause of the problem. It's easier to do nothing and blame Bush.


243 posted on 09/02/2005 7:33:10 PM PDT by Victoria Delsoul
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 241 | View Replies]

To: uncitizen

And the best part is......

All those buses In the Flooded lot are still usable.

Jabbar Gibson proved that.

Someone tell the mayor.


244 posted on 09/02/2005 7:37:14 PM PDT by usmcobra
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 242 | View Replies]

To: usmcobra

And guess what? The kid made 3 stops for gas at which time i bet his passengers used the restrooms. So a toilet on a Greyhound was not necessary after all. Unbelievable isn't it?


245 posted on 09/02/2005 7:39:57 PM PDT by uncitizen
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 244 | View Replies]

To: uncitizen

They didn't just stop for gas. They pooled their limited cash and bought food and diapers along the way, too.


246 posted on 09/02/2005 7:43:46 PM PDT by Alberta's Child (I ain't got a dime, but what I got is mine. I ain't rich, but Lord I'm free.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 245 | View Replies]

To: Victoria Delsoul

It's good to see that at least some of those people had heads on their shoulders and kept their wits about them.


247 posted on 09/02/2005 7:45:01 PM PDT by Alberta's Child (I ain't got a dime, but what I got is mine. I ain't rich, but Lord I'm free.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 243 | View Replies]

To: Alberta's Child

This kid has got the brains and leadership skills that N.O. needed. But he'll probably find a job in Houston within a week and stay there.


248 posted on 09/02/2005 7:48:03 PM PDT by uncitizen
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 246 | View Replies]

To: Alberta's Child

Indeed. I wish there were more of them.


249 posted on 09/02/2005 7:51:30 PM PDT by Victoria Delsoul
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 247 | View Replies]

To: F.J. Mitchell
I have no different source, but the mindset of the looters and the bus thief look to be identical.

Better check your prescription then. Honestly, you don't see a difference between the "mindset" of looters stealing jewelry, DVD's and Jabbar removing an unused bus and picking up people along the way out of the death trap of New Orleans? Did Jabbar try to pawn the bus - No. Did the riders destroy the bus - No, it's sitting in a parking lot outside of the 'Dome. Available to transport more evacuees.

250 posted on 09/02/2005 7:56:25 PM PDT by berkeleybeej (http://www.cattletoday.com/)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 206 | View Replies]

To: todd1

Um,

I may be taking this wrong but ...

SHUT UP before I slap your face, God bless ya.


251 posted on 09/02/2005 7:58:11 PM PDT by girlangler (I'd rather be fishing)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 207 | View Replies]

To: berkeleybeej
Better check your prescription then. Honestly, you don't see a difference between the "mindset" of looters stealing jewelry, DVD's and Jabbar removing an unused bus and picking up people along the way out of the death trap of New Orleans? Did Jabbar try to pawn the bus - No. Did the riders destroy the bus - No, it's sitting in a parking lot outside of the 'Dome. Available to transport more evacuees.

Amen. God bless that young man.
252 posted on 09/02/2005 8:01:00 PM PDT by itsamelman (“Announcing your plans is a good way to hear God laugh.” -- Al Swearengen)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 250 | View Replies]

To: Jalapeno

253 posted on 09/02/2005 8:05:03 PM PDT by TheForceOfOne (The alternative media is our Enigma machine.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: uncitizen

I saw the interview too and I would like nothing more than to set up a fund to send this kid to college or grad school. He's only 20 and has more common sense than the mayor of New Orleans.

Anyway, I've set up a blog for the purposes of documenting my personal efforts. Does anyone have any idea how to set up a college fund for someone. I'm guessing I'll need an attorney and a bank, but have no idea after that.

jabbarformayor.blogspot.com


254 posted on 09/02/2005 8:12:49 PM PDT by rwilson99 (South Park (R)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 242 | View Replies]

To: RushCrush

You have revealed what you are.


255 posted on 09/02/2005 8:35:23 PM PDT by paulat
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 227 | View Replies]

To: paulat

Yes I suppose you are right, it happens that way, doesn't it.


256 posted on 09/02/2005 9:04:56 PM PDT by RushCrush (Are you ready for your closeup Ms. Sheehan?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 255 | View Replies]

To: Jalapeno

This kid deserves a medal.


257 posted on 09/02/2005 9:06:27 PM PDT by The Old Hoosier (Right makes might.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: RushCrush

Hey, they didn't stay behind to steal flat screen TVs...in this case, their grammar doesn't bother me.


258 posted on 09/02/2005 9:09:27 PM PDT by utahagen
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: paulat
Ahhh it's vaguely coming back to me now... I think we exchanged words about something stupid at one time or another?

Well obviously it's still bothering you....and all I can say is, wow. You're good at holding a grudge.

I'd forgotton you long ago. I pity you that you haven't forgotten me.

259 posted on 09/02/2005 9:11:36 PM PDT by RushCrush (Are you ready for your closeup Ms. Sheehan?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 255 | View Replies]

To: Lion Den Dan
These folks looted a bus.

Nonsense. They commandeered a bus to get women and children out of harm's way. I'm sure they are more than happy to return the bus now that it is no longer needed in order to save lives.

260 posted on 09/02/2005 9:28:44 PM PDT by Hetty_Fauxvert (Kelo must GO!! ..... http://sonoma-moderate.blogspot.com/)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 35 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 221-240241-260261-280 ... 301-306 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson