Katrina 20 Week of Action
August 29, 2005, is a day that lives in infamy in New Orleans. It is the date that Hurricane Katrina first made landfall on the Gulf Coast, leaving mass destruction and damage in its wake. 20 years later, the Crescent City is still rebuilding and recovering from the devastating Category 5 storm.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the Katrina 20 Local Planning Committee plans to host a week of action. Lasting from August 24 to 31, the Katrina 20 Week of Action aims to reshape the narrative surrounding the hurricane. The week of action comprises more than 40 events, each portraying the residents of the Gulf Coast as survivors of the unimaginable.
Schedule of Events
Each day of the eight-day week of action revolves around a specific theme, with correlating events scheduled at various locations throughout New Orleans. Notable events include the Monarch forum at the Mahalia Jackson Theater, a community fortify clinic in Tremé, and a solidarity bike ride through the Big Easy.
The Global Monarch Forum promotes discussions on climate migration, the phenomenon of people relocating due to climate-related factors. The forum aims to explore approaches to addressing climate migration issues following natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina. The two-day forum takes place between August 25 and 26 at the Mahalia Jackson Theater.
The Community Fortify Clinic provides legal and financial advice to organizations and residents. Through the clinic, the committee hopes to improve the Gulf Coast's infrastructure and preparedness. The clinic begins on August 27 at the Treme Center.
The Katrina 20 Impact Ride provides participants with new insight into the far-reaching impact of Hurricane Katrina. Participants can either run, walk, bike, or row a portion of the width of Hurricane Katrina. Although you can participate in the ride during any day of the week of action, the committee is organizing a solidarity bike ride on August 31.
Along with the main events, each day features an art depiction of Hurricane Katrina's impact. The Katrina 20 Week of Action opens with an exhibit, followed by film screenings, performances, stage plays, and book readings.
The Katrina 20 Week of Action also focuses on fostering healing among recovering communities in New Orleans. The committee has staged community and women healing spaces that prioritize health and wellness. A full schedule of events can be found in the Katrina 20 Week of Action Calendar.
Register for any of the Katrina 20 Week of Action events through the K20 online form. Join the Katrina 20 Local Committee to not only to remember the past, but to look forward to the future.
