The Moth Podcast: Mack McClendon – "What Can You Do?"

Release Date: January 31, 2011

Introduction: Mack McClendon's Background

In this poignant episode of The Moth, Mack McClendon shares his deeply personal journey of loss, resilience, and community rebuilding in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. A lifelong resident of New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward, Mack paints a vivid picture of his life before the devastating storm struck.

Life Before Katrina: Passion for Antique Cars

Mack begins by detailing his passion for antique cars, a hobby he embraced after sustaining a back injury while working for a phone company. "I was always fascinated about antique cars," Mack recounts (02:50). This interest not only provided him solace during his disability years but also connected him with a community of like-minded enthusiasts. By the time Katrina approached, Mack had amassed a collection of 14 antique convertibles, with his prized possession being a 1962 Tempest Pontiac: "It was candy apple red, and I rubbed all the paint off of it" (03:15).

The Devastation of Katrina: Loss and Numbness

The arrival of Hurricane Katrina marked a turning point in Mack's life. The storm wreaked havoc on his beloved Lower Ninth Ward, destroying his home and automobile collection. "When Katrina hit, it took all of them. It took my cars, it took. It damaged my house," Mack shares with palpable emotion (04:10). The immediate aftermath left him in a state of numbness, grappling with the reality of losing everything overnight. "I was numb for five months. I was hoping it was a bad dream," he admits (05:00).

The Turning Point: Deciding to Act

After months of stagnation, Mack reaches a breaking point. Determined to reclaim a sense of purpose, he turns his attention to a local mechanic shop building he had long admired but never could afford. Katrina had left the structure battered yet intact. Seizing the opportunity, Mack negotiates to acquire the building but faces delays. Undeterred, he takes matters into his own hands: "I got my lawnmower and got my friends, and I just started cutting the grass" (06:45). This act of initiative prompts the building's owner to reconsider, ultimately handing over the keys to Mack.

Transforming Loss into Community Rebirth

With the keys in hand, Mack enters the building at daybreak, sparking a profound realization about what truly matters. Standing amidst the vast space, he reflects, "I thought it was my things and my cars and my house. What's important in life is people" (09:30). Inspired, Mack proposes transforming the building into a community center, initially expecting minimal support. Contrary to his expectations, the community rallies behind his vision. "After all of them filled out a card," Mack notes, indicating overwhelming community interest (11:00).

Lessons Learned: The Power of Community and Resilience

Mack's experience teaches him invaluable lessons about the importance of community and mutual support. He emphasizes that while material possessions were lost, relationships and human connections endured. "If you allow people to know what your problems are, they could really help," he reflects (12:15). Mack's initiative not only provides a space for community rebuilding but also fosters a renewed sense of hope and collaboration among residents.

Conclusion: From "Me" to "We"

In his heartfelt conclusion, Mack underscores the transformation from individual loss to collective healing. "Now it's not about me. It's about we," he declares (12:55). His story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of coming together in the face of adversity.

Notable Quotes

• Mack McClendon at 02:50: "I was always fascinated about antique cars."
• Mack McClendon at 03:15: "It was candy apple red, and I rubbed all the paint off of it."
• Mack McClendon at 04:10: "When Katrina hit, it took all of them. It took my cars, it took. It damaged my house."
• Mack McClendon at 05:00: "I was numb for five months. I was hoping it was a bad dream."
• Mack McClendon at 06:45: "I got my lawnmower and got my friends, and I just started cutting the grass."
• Mack McClendon at 09:30: "I thought it was my things and my cars and my house. What's important in life is people."
• Mack McClendon at 11:00: "After all of them filled out a card."
• Mack McClendon at 12:15: "If you allow people to know what your problems are, they could really help."
• Mack McClendon at 12:55: "Now it's not about me. It's about we."

Reflections and Impact

Mack McClendon's narrative is not just a recounting of personal loss but a beacon of hope and community spirit. His journey from despair to proactive community building exemplifies the profound impact one individual's determination can have on an entire neighborhood. By turning his back on self-pity and embracing collective effort, Mack plays a pivotal role in the Lower Ninth Ward's ongoing recovery and revitalization.

For those unfamiliar with The Moth, this episode is a compelling example of the power of storytelling to inspire and bring about meaningful change. Mack's story resonates universally, reminding listeners of the enduring strength found in unity and the human capacity to rebuild and thrive despite overwhelming challenges.