Hurricane Katrina changed New Orleans, the Gulf Coast, and the face of its culture when it hit on August 29, 2005. About 25,000-30,000 New Orleans residents sought shelter in the Superdome just before the storm hit. On the morning of August 29th, when the levees broke in the Lower Ninth Ward, water began pouring into New Orleans. Thousands of people were trapped on rooftops and in attics.

In the days following the storm, we witnessed the lack of protection and security for Black New Orleanians. Police officers shot and killed unarmed residents, while others were left to starve and die in the richest country in the world. Then-president George W. Bush delayed in requesting federal aid for New Orleans until he was pressured to request $51.8 billion from Congress. Many residents lost their homes, and insurance refused to compensate them for their loss. And ultimately, while the death toll still remains unofficial and estimated, we know that nearly 2,000 people lost their lives and another 6,600 remain unaccounted for.

This makes Hurricane Katrina the worst natural disaster in American history. But we know our people deserve better. The Katrina March and Second Line reflects our commitment to justice for NOLA and the Gulf.

The first march was organized by Sess 4-5 and Mia X, marking the first community-led remembrance of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation. This event laid the foundation for an annual tradition of honoring those affected and demanding systemic change.

On the 5th anniversary, over 3,000 participants joined the march, co-organized with the National Wildlife Federation. The event emphasized environmental justice and called for comprehensive Gulf Coast recovery efforts.

Our healing ceremony continued to take place before speeches by community leaders and activists followed by a second line at N. Galvez St. & Jordan Ave to recognize the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2015.

The 2017 annual march included a healing ceremony at the breached levee site in the lower ninth ward, followed by a second line and rally at Hunter’s Field. Performers like Mia X and Sess 4-5 emphasized the need for equitable disaster recovery, especially in light of Hurricane Harvey’s impact.

In the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, many companies rushed to create diversity and equity initiatives. The 15th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina reminded us that for all our progress, real equality and equity remained a far-off goal. The pain that the entire world was feeling was nothing new for New Orleanians. Furthermore, climate disasters were intensifying and damaging areas like New Orleans across the country. It was clear that the country had still not learned its lesson around climate adaptation, prevention, and creating solutions for the climate crisis.

The commemorations continued the tradition with a healing ceremony in the Lower 9th Ward, a march, and a rally featuring local artists and activists. Marking the 19th anniversary, the 2024 commemoration included a press conference advocating for August 29th to be recognized as a state and local holiday. Louisiana currently recognizes 12 days as official holidays, including Mardi Gras and Good Friday. The idea of adding Katrina’s anniversary has been tossed around for years and is picking up steam ahead of the 20th anniversary.

The march and second line culminated in performances by artists like Ghetto Twinz, Hot Boy Ronald, and Iris P, Ms. Tee and other artists.

On April 22, the Louisiana House and Senate passed a resolution that recognizes the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina as a day of remembrance for lives lost and communities displaced. Next steps are we’re going to the city council and they’re going to also present us with a resolution to make August 29 Katrina Day, and after that, we will continue to advocate for a state holiday.

The Hip Hop Caucus and New Orleans Katrina Commemoration Inc. urge the New Orleans City Council to follow suit with a city resolution and begin efforts to designate August 29 as an official local and state holiday.