Like most of us, Steve Harvey watched the devastation of hurricane Katrina unfold and couldn't believe his eyes. And like the rest of America, the socially conscious comedian stepped in to do what he does best -- make us laugh while raising funds for those affected. Harvey and his Hollywood friends, including Mo' Nique, Tyrese and others, will hold a comedy benefit in L.A. on Sept. 26, the day after the BET Comedy Awards.

Here, Harvey shares his perspectives on the devastation, the government, and why he can't wait to return to the airwaves thanks to a national syndication deal with Clear Channel Communications.

Did you have any family affected by the hurricane?

No. But my wife is from Louisiana, though her family wasn't affected.

What do you think about the government's response to hurricane Katrina?

The President didn't do his job. He was too busy assessing everything. There wasn't enough [help] soon enough. I was appalled and ashamed. No one could have stopped the levees from breaking. But if they got room for Harry Connick to stand on dry land and do an interview, then there's room enough to drop bread and formula for the babies and folks who were dying in the Superdome.

Do you agree with Kanye West's statement that George Bush doesn't care about Black people?

I agree with Kanye's right to freedom of speech. I disagree with the media chopping up his comments. Kanye acted out of frustration and disappointment because those were predominately our people. We're all disappointed and hurt. So, I support Kanye's right to say what he said.

How did you come up with the idea to do a comedy benefit?

I visited Baton Rouge the Saturday after the hurricane. I couldn't get into New Orleans because the President was in Biloxi and the air space was restricted. After talking to people in shelters, I knew I had to do something. No one person has enough money to fix this problem but collectively we can make a difference. Though I made a significant donation, it's just a drop in the bucket. We've got to find a way to raise millions for these people.

Switching gears, are you excited about returning to radio at WBLS in New York?

Yes. I hate that I wasn't on-air during the Katrina tragedy, or when Luther [Vandross] died. Nobody could have sent him away like me. I missed having a relevant voice on a variety of topics. With radio, I get to be funny and socially conscious. And it means a lot to me when people approach me and say they appreciate what I said. Because early on, my goal was just to be a top standup comedian. Now I see my real life's calling. I'll always do standup but being socially relevant and talking about God from a real dude standpoint is fulfilling.

What happened at KKBT in Los Angeles?

I think for myself. You can't tell me what to say. I know how to win and have won at a lot of things. I have a relationship with people on the radio. I'm honest and frank. Whether you agree with my opinion or not, you're gonna get it. I understand everybody ain't gonna like me and I'm okay with that. The powers-that-be couldn't handle that.

Do you think you'll be back on the air in LA?

I have no idea where I'll land. Right now the show will be syndicated in Columbia South Carolina, Jackson Mississippi, Detroit and Chicago. But I'd definitely like to return to the LA market. That's a dream gig.

Everyone is doing tours or concerts, do you really think your effort will be helpful?

Sure. I think some people will have opportunities for a better life. For some, they are seeing another part of the country. This tragedy may spark them to a level of greatness they may not have known; maybe they'll get better jobs, or have opportunities for better lives.

I read reports that [Vice President] Dick Cheney already plans for his company, Halliburton, to be awarded government contracts to rebuild the city and that big Las Vegas casinos are already lining up to build in New Orleans.

Just watch. They're going to declare the property condemned, a national health risk, and shut it down. City records will mysteriously disappear. Brothers and sisters in public housing won't have anything. New Orleans will rise again, but it's about to be Disneyland in New Orleans.

How can we ensure that we get what's rightfully ours though?

The mayor is African-American. We have to ensure that we get our fair share and demand that the government awards contracts to minority businesses because like it or not [the rebuild] is gonna go down.