Poverty in Fluker, Louisiana

Poverty Hurts Everyone!

Lack of resources and economics can have a lifelong affect on children in poor communities. Our focus should be to provide empowerment programs to the underprivileged thoughout America. Rural towns throughout America often times lack the resources to help needy families and children. For the past four years I have been traveling to Fluker, Louisiana to talk with families there. I have met children with some of the most brilliant minds and children who are very creative with what little they may have. A new analysis released on September 28, 2012 by the bipartisan children's advocacy organization First Focus finds that child poverty in several states grew at rates more than triple the national average from 2010 to 2011. Children are becoming more vulnerable due to the economic crisis and the recession.

Photo courtesy of Roy Curtis

I spent years conducting genealogical research on my maternal side of the family in Amite, Louisiana. Now it was time to start conducting genealogical research on my paternal side of the family. My paternal research took me to Fluker, Louisiana. I wanted to go and see the place where my paternal family lived. I took Hwy 51 traveling south from Kentwood, Louisiana. I learned that Fluker, Louisiana is not incorporated as a town, although there is a Post Office located there. I drove around just to site see, basically looking for the old family homestead, the family church, cemetery and people who could give me a little oral history of Fluker, Louisiana and the people who live there. I didn't find a library, doctor's office, community center, park or any other center that would help empower the people who live there. What I did find is lots of poverty and houses that are in need of repairs. Without a community center or recreation center where would the local people get public information, social support or any other educational empowerment activities? In other states and communities you can find community centers, Christian community centers, Islamic and Jewish community centers that service the people and communities.

Community center can play a major part in building a strong foundation in the community development. It also can address the peoples needs, desires and aspirations. The community center can have a specific purpose by serving the entire community. It can provide education in the arts, free seminars, support networks, community activities, performing arts and provide a community meeting place. 

Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr.

According to the Fluker, LA Demographic Information, the estimated population is 629. The Black population is 444, White population is 187, Hispanic population 8, Asian population 8, Indian population 2. The average household income is $12,188.00.

Resolve not to be poor: whatever you have, spend less. Poverty is a great enemy to human happiness; it certainly destroys liberty, and it make some virtues impracticable, and other extremely difficult. Samuel Johnson

According to the new poverty data by the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 830, 000 Louisianans lives below the poverty line. " In 2010, Louisiana had the seventh highest poverty rate in the country, compared to the ranking eighth in 2009. The Governor of Louisiana made deep cuts to health cares, education and other vital services that family who are struggling depends on.

Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr.

Photographs taken in Fluker, Louisiana. 

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