MONDAY
E-mail a friendJuly 19, 2007
Right to Return: New Home Movies from the Lower 9th Ward: in Part 4, "I'm Back," Jonathan Demme and Tavis visit with New Orleans ministers Mel Jones and James Gibson, who are leading the city's spiritual rebirth.
Mel Jones
Mel Jones
Pastor Mel Jones was born and raised in New Orleans and spent much of his childhood in one of the city's first middle-class African American developments. Losing his way as an addict, he was at one time homeless. Jones now runs Bethel Colony South, a drug and alcohol treatment program for men, which offers housing, counseling and job training. When Hurricane Katrina approached, Jones and men in his program stayed behind to help and rescued more than 70 people.
James Gibson
James Gibson
"Some people say they're not coming back. They just don't trust the levee system anymore. But I'm back" ( 1:42)
Born and raised in the Lower 9th ward, James Gibson is a recovering addict and minister. Even though his brother was murdered, he is dedicated to the spiritual rebirth of New Orleans.