Charlie Johnson, David Aft, Mayor Tommy Longo and Norris Little met in 2005 and discussed how best the Community Foundation and Northwest Georgia companies could help Waveland, Mississippi in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Like so many others, I watched Hurricane Ian deliver its fury to the coastal communities of Florida. News coverage of its aftermath reminded me of how small we are. It also reminded me of our resilience.
We mobilize, we respond, we rebuild, we believe – it’s what we do.
For most of my life I have watched communities deal with a host of natural and man-made disasters, often with varying degrees of success. In every case, leadership and philanthropy go hand in hand, as we put the pieces back together.
As I tracked the storm on my phone’s weather app, I remembered a project I was involved with several years ago when a group of local leaders from the Dalton area visited the Mississippi Gulf Coast two weeks after hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. The devastation was spectacular. The human toll was similarly severe. Our team’s goal was simple: We wanted to better understand how we could help. Representing the Community Foundation was our Board Chairman, Norris Little; Chamber of Commerce President, George Woodward; Wachovia Bank President, Richard Fairy; and myself.
We met with over 25 community and regional leaders. I felt proud to represent Dalton and prouder of our team members who brought a genuine interest in serving.
Members of our Foundation were shocked to see this sailboat docked so far inland—a testament to the power of Katrina. The saltwater had killed an entire forest of pines.
Ultimately, we were able to help in the coast’s recovery in a couple of ways including some direct financial support and a partnership with the region’s community college network to establish a flooring installation program. These activities remain one of the Foundation’s proudest moments, and I am grateful for those intrepid souls who took the trip. I am sure the experience changed all of us.
On Monday morning, I heard about Norris Little’s passing, and the sad news seemed to impart a deeper resonance to the Waveland memories. I recalled an early morning walk on the beach with him, as we waited for the other members of our delegation to wake up. (He and I both failed to adjust our alarm clocks to Central Time and woke up an hour earlier than necessary.) He and I both struggled to put words around what we had seen. The weight of the disaster forced us to look, not just at what we lost, but what we had to do. We had to believe that even against the backdrop of such a devastating event, we had a job to do – we had a role to play.
George Woodward, Richard Fairey and Norris Little talk with Mayor Tommy Longo about how best to help the Waveland, Mississippi area recover from Hurricane Katrina.
I guess it’s that moment in time I most directly associate with Norris, as it illustrated his humanity, his passion, and his commitment to making a difference.
My heart goes out to his family and closest friends, as I know they are grieving the loss of a truly great friend, husband, father, and mentor. His obituary list so many organizations that were blessed with his involvement and leadership. I count myself and the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia among those who will always feel his loss.
My grandfather once told me that life is the currency of history. In its journey we witness tragedy and triumph, sadness and smiles, life and death – the things that shape us and leave their impressions on our souls.
It’s tough to lose someone who has contributed so much, but despite the sadness, Norris Little’s many gifts continue to inspire those individuals and organizations who were honored by his service and leadership.
Rest in Peace, Norris, and thank you.
David Aft is the president of the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia. He has worked in the nonprofit field for thirty years and is a recognized resource and noted speaker on charitable enterprise, civics, fundraising strategy and community development.