Katrina at 20: A City Remembers, A Nation Reflects
On August 29, New Orleans and the nation came together to mark the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina—an event that devastated communities, claimed thousands of lives, and reshaped the city forever. Two decades later, Katrina Commemoration, Inc. and Hip Hop Caucus led a powerful remembrance that blended solemn reflection with vibrant cultural expression, reminding us that the storm’s legacy is written not only in tragedy but also in survival, organizing, and hope.
The day began with a National Moment of Silence at 11:20 a.m. CT, when people across the country paused to honor the lives lost and the families forever changed by Katrina. In New Orleans, the streets filled with the sound of music, prayer, and testimony during the 20th Anniversary Second Line Rally and March. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the city became a stage for remembrance, as community leaders, activists, and artists joined together to affirm resilience in the very place where tragedy once reigned.
The Levees Program opened with words and blessings from Brittany Bell Surratt, Apostle Troy Lawrence, Mama Nana, and Pastor Fred Luter Jr., setting a tone of reverence and unity. Former Vice President Al Gore delivered a powerful call to action on climate justice, joined by voices like Antonique Smith, Dr. Tracie Washington, Mia X, Congressman Troy Carter, Councilman Oliver Thomas, and many others. Performances from Congo Kids, Queen Cherise Harrison, Luther Grey, Baba Kamal, Spyboy Ricky, and Antonique Smith transformed grief into celebration, grounding the day in culture.
At Hunter’s Field, MCs Wild Wayne, DJ Rabbit, and DJ Captain Charles guided the crowd through hours of remembrance and performance. From the fiery words of Gary Chambers and Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. to the artistry of Dawn Richard, Sunni Patterson, Partners N Crime, Mia X & The Pinettes, and Irvin Mayfield’s finale, the program became a living testament to the spirit of New Orleans.
The remembrance stretched beyond the city. WPFW 89.3 FM aired From the 9th Ward to the Airwaves: Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a 12-hour broadcast produced in partnership with Hip Hop Caucus. Survivor testimonies, community voices, and cultural memory filled the airwaves, ensuring the lessons and stories of Katrina reached audiences far beyond Louisiana.
Complementing the live events, the six-part video series Weathering the Storm continued to trace the storm’s legacy through survivor stories like those of Everest Robinson, Endya Carter, and Terri Coleman. From reflections on climate to poetry and radical hope, the series captured both the scars and the strength Katrina left behind.
What emerged from the 20th Anniversary was not only a remembrance of devastation but also a reaffirmation of identity. New Orleans reminded the world that Katrina did not define the city—it revealed its resilience, its art, its organizing power, and its refusal to be forgotten.
For more on the commemoration and its ongoing impact, visit www.katrina20.com.
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