September 1st 2025.
As the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina is marked by the nation's news outlets, the residents who experienced and continue to feel its lasting impact are expressing their anger and frustration over what they see as an ethnic cleansing of New Orleans' wards. In a recent gathering in the Lower Ninth Ward, former Vice President Al Gore and local rapper and educator Mia X joined the community in voicing their outrage at the aftermath of Katrina. However, in true New Orleans fashion, the initial anger and sorrow gave way to a second-line procession and street festival.
Gore, who has become a vocal advocate for climate change since his narrow loss in the 2000 presidential election, spoke about the connections between the systemic failures of Hurricane Katrina and the current climate crisis. He called attention to the fact that little has been done to address the issues that led to the devastating effects of the hurricane, and criticized the dismantling of FEMA, which had made significant improvements since the disaster 20 years ago.
In regards to the delicate subject of the fossil fuel industry in Louisiana, Gore acknowledged that it can be tricky to discuss, but emphasized the urgency of addressing the root causes of the climate crisis. He also shared his disappointment in a canceled meeting with insurance commissioners in Louisiana 20 years ago, which has never been rescheduled.
City Council member J.P. Morell pushed back against the term "resilience" that is often used to describe the survivors of Hurricane Katrina, stating that it implies a passive endurance of what happened. Instead, he declared that the people of New Orleans are indomitable, overcoming any obstacle that comes their way.
According to author Andy Horowitz, the local government's response to the hurricane was disastrous, despite ample warning of its severity. He described how people were left to drown in their own homes and even those who sought refuge in designated shelters were left without aid. Horowitz believes that this failure has caused many to question the promise of American citizenship.
The Guardian reported that in addition to local policies, the failure during Hurricane Katrina was compounded by FEMA's inadequate funding under the direction of former President George W. Bush. This mirrors the criticism of current President Donald Trump's handling of natural disasters.
The Lower Ninth Ward, where Gore and Mia X gathered, is one of the areas still marked by the devastation of Katrina. Resident Burnell Cotlon described the area as forgotten and struggling to rebuild. However, despite the challenges, the residents honor those they lost and look forward to the future with a sense of commemoration and celebration.
Robert Green, a survivor of Hurricane Katrina and featured in recent documentaries about the disaster, believes that this is the way of the Lower Ninth Ward community - to remember and honor those who were lost while looking towards a brighter future. As the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, it serves as a reminder to transform or discard inhumane systems and hearts that discriminate and disregard human life.
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