20 Years After Hurricane Katrina
Does it feel like it's been 20 years? For some, maybe. For most, probably not. So much has happened in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina, yet, sometimes, it feels like the scar hasn't even begun to fade. It'll always be there, but what we as a city have accomplished in the mean time is nothing short of remarkable.
This 20th anniversary, in addition to these events going on in New Orleans, take time to remember, cry if you need to, hold hands with loved ones and strangers, and give yourself a pat on the back. Because we're still here.
1. Dapper Bruce Lafitte's "A Time Before Katrina" at NOMA
noma.org
At the New Orleans Museum of Art, Dapper Bruce Lafitte's exhibition, entitled "A Time Before Katrina," is a time capsule that captures the city as it was and as it has been shaped by tragedy. Focusing especially on New Orleans' historically Black neighborhoods, Lafitte instills these drawings with joy, as well as sorrow, a simultaneous innocence and loss of it as all who look at his art know the disastrous impact Katrina has had. Subjects of the exhibition include NOLA landmarks, high school marching bands, and former public housing endeavors. The exhibition is on display now until September 21.
2. K20 Week of Action
katrina20.org
From August 24 to 31, the Katrina 20 Local Planning Committee is hosting a Week of Action to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the storm that shaped the identity of New Orleans as we know it. There will be a host of events throughout the week focused on community engagement and enrichment. The activities include screenings, art exhibits, a bike ride, a forum, and much more! Registration is available on the K20 online form.
3. Women of the Storm Screening at Prytania Theatre
louisianaactac.org
At 6 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, Prytania Theatre will screen professor and filmmaker Wesley Shrum's 2015 documentary Women of the Storm, as well as host a panel reflection on the last 20 years in New Orleans. Shrum's documentary sheds light on influential women who helped the city get back on its feet post-Katrina. The panelists will be Anne Milling, Wesley Shrum, Drew Hawkins, James Carville, and Mary Matalin. Attendance is free, but registration is required.
4. The State of New Orleans Culture: 20 Years After Katrina
ellanola.org
The Ella Project is holding a panel on Thursday, August 28 to discuss how the city has changed since Hurricane Katrina, for better and for worse. The panel will be moderated by Lolis Eric Elie, a journalist and documentarian. Panelists will include Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes, Edward Jackson, Tamara Jackson, Fred Johnson, Jordan Hirsch, Delfeayo Marsalis, and Big Chief Howard Miller. The panel will focus on topics such as gentrification, housing, insurance, COVID-19, and beyond. This event will take place at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. There will be a reception from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the panel will occur from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. RSVP is required.
5. Hurricane Katrina March & Second Line
katrina20.com
The New Orleans Katrina Commemoration Inc. and the Hip Hop Caucus are hosting their annual second line and march to honor 20 years since the storm. At 10 a.m. on Friday, August 29, participants will meet at the site of the Lower 9th Ward levee breach for a healing ceremony, moment of silence, and reading of names. Afterward, all will march to Hunter's Field for a rally, guest speakers, and a second line. In true New Orleans fashion, the event will be both reverent for the tragedy that affected and took the lives of so many and joyful for how far we have come.
6. K20: Broadmoor Rises
broadmoorimprovement.com
The Broadmoor Arts & Wellness Center is holding a commemorative event full of community, learning, and engagement on August 29. The ceremony will kick off with healing and yoga and then move into an art exhibition, storytelling, a gallery reception with refreshments, panels, and a Keynote Address by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. The day will conclude with a tree mulching project by SOUL NOLA. RSVP is required for the Keynote Address and K20 panel. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
7. Swimming Upstream: The Katrina Monologues
mahaliajacksontheater.com
First performed on the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Swimming Upstream: The Katrina Monologues is a stage production produced by Carol Bebelle and V (Eve Ensler). The narrative follows the true stories of women as they struggle to recuperate in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. Included in the cast are local leaders Troi Bechet, Sekyiwa Shakur, Joanna Hale, Jennifer Pagan, Monique Domingue, Simone Immanuel, Australia James, and Karel Sloane. The show, which will be at the Mahalia Jackson Theater, will take place at 7 p.m. on August 29 and at 5 p.m. on August 30. Tickets start at $36.60.
8. A Reason to Stay Film at Broad Theater
thebroadtheater.com
On Friday, August 29, the Broad Theater will screen A Reason to Stay, a 2015 documentary by Janene Knox and Harry Peter Becnel III. Following Becnel, his wife, and another young couple, the film consists mostly of camcorder footage that the four of them took as they weathered the storm. The Becnels' two-story house became a shelter of sorts for all those whose one-story houses proved unsafe during the flooding. Moving and heartfelt, A Reason to Stay is a film worth watching as we reflect 20 years later. Tickets are $12, and the screening will start at 7 p.m.
9. Spirit of Louisiana Katrina 20th Commemoration
kreweofblackandgold.com
In collaboration with the city of Slidell and the Northshore Cultural Economy Coalition, the Krewe of Black & Gold is putting on a commemorative event for Hurricane Katrina's 20th anniversary. The event will begin at 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 30 in the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. Guest speakers will include Slidell Mayor Bill Borchert, former Mayor Ben O. Morris, Parish President Michael Cooper, former Parish President Kevin David, and more. There will then be a second line and a concert headlined by the Bucktown All-Stars. This is a free and public event.
10. Deeply Rooted Block Party
facebook.com/CulturalInnovationDistrict
The Claiborne Corridor Cultural Innovation District is throwing its annual "Deeply Rooted" block party to celebrate 20 years since Katrina. Attendees are invited to wear white as a symbol of light, life, and the spirit that keeps NOLA going. Music will be provided by DJ Two Scoops, and there will also be local food vendors, as well as a ribbon cutting for the Deeply Rooted mural. The party will take place on August 31 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. "under the bridge" (North Claiborne Avenue between Orleans Avenue and St. Louis Street).
10 Ways to Celebrate 20 Years
However you choose to commemorate Katrina, there's a New Orleans event for you. We are most known for our love of parties, but our resilience is what helps us keep the good times rolling. We pick ourselves up again and again. Now, it's time to take a breather and cherish all that we've accomplished in the last 20 years.
