‘I don’t like it’: Fed up with the lack of awareness about Gary, Keith Lee mobilizes relief efforts as city continues to go without power

The food critic and TikTok sensation is joining a chorus of people online wondering how the predominantly Black city can be without power weeks after a tornado.

Residents in Gary, Indiana, remain without power as they deal with the aftermath of heavy storms that battered the state’s northwest region. Ten days after the storm, those in Gary were informed that their power wouldn’t be restored until Tuesday, August 25, more than two weeks after the storm.

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While the national media has shifted its focus to the region, most of the initial news came from residents using social media to raise awareness. The various videos of those in need caught the attention of Keith Lee, who shared on his social media channels that he was personally driving up to Gary to assist with whatever recovery effort was necessary.

“We was talking about doing a food tour in the Midwest because we’re going to Chicago next year for our festival. How are we going to have a food tour in the Midwest and Gary ain’t got no power and ain’t nobody talkin’ about it?” he questioned. “I, for one, have not seen anyone else outside of Gary, Indiana, talk about what’s going on in Gary, Indiana. And I don’t like it.”

Lee mentioned that he had been in conversation with Mayor Eddie Melton’s office and the Salvation Army to determine how to help those in need.

“I think this should be national news,” he reiterated. “It’s crazy to me that it’s not being talked about. All the stuff y’all talk about on social media nowadays, everybody got a thinkpiece on everything. Why not a thinkpiece on the fact that communities that look like myself been without power for eight days?”

Lee concluded the video by mentioning that he will be in Gary on Monday, August 24. Not for a photo opportunity, but to give back to the community and showcase local businesses.

As Lee urges those to assist him in helping out whoever he can in Gary, residents are still wondering why they were left out of the power restoration process. On Thursday, NIPSCO released an initial statement regarding when service would be restored to customers across Northwest Indiana, leaving Gary off the list. The error was corrected, but the damage was done.

“That’s ridiculous. It’s unacceptable. They need to do better,” resident Bridget Sanders told CBS News. “We are being left behind every time something goes on. Gary is left behind. We are the last ones on the totem pole to get anything done.”

Others are contributing where they can to help. Former NBA player and Gary native Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson announced he was donating $100,000 to help distribute “critical items” directly to residents, including health and hygiene products, food and water.

“I hope this contribution inspires others to remember where they’re from and reach back whenever they can,” Robinson said.