Donate

21 Years of Impact

The Legacy

A Movement Rooted in Memory and Action

This commemoration is more than an anniversary. It is a living record of what survivors endured, what communities rebuilt, and what advocates continue to fight for across New Orleans. Each year has carried forward the call for environmental justice, racial equity, and investment in the people most impacted.

New Orleans skyline across the Mississippi River from Algiers Point

21

years of annual commemoration

New Orleans

at the center of every gathering

Ongoing

advocacy for justice and change

Milestones Across 21 Years

The work has evolved over two decades, but the purpose has remained clear: remember the truth of Katrina, honor survivors, and push for policies that protect Black communities, Gulf Coast families, and future generations.

Downtown New Orleans skyline at sunset
Years 1-7

Remembering and Rebuilding

In the earliest years, commemoration centered on grief, survival, and the urgent need to keep public attention on displaced families and unfinished recovery.

Honored survivor experiences

Kept Katrina in public memory

Called for equitable rebuilding

Years 8-14

Organizing for Accountability

As headlines faded, advocacy deepened. Community leaders, partners, and supporters continued pressing for accountability, investment, and justice in New Orleans neighborhoods.

Strengthened community partnerships

Elevated environmental justice

Connected remembrance to policy

New Orleans skyline from across the Mississippi River
Aerial skyline of New Orleans at sunset
Years 15-21

Building Forward With Purpose

Today, the commemoration stands as both reflection and action, linking the lessons of Katrina to present-day fights for climate resilience, racial justice, and community power.

Centered long-term resilience

Amplified local voices

Inspired the next generation

Voices That Carry the Legacy

The impact of this work is measured in memory kept alive, communities seen, and a continuing commitment to justice.

★★★★★

For survivors, remembrance matters because it says our lives, our losses, and our strength will not be forgotten.

New Orleans skyline representing survivor stories and remembrance

Community Voice

Survivor advocate

★★★★★

Each year of commemoration has helped connect history to action and keep New Orleans at the center of the conversation.

New Orleans skyline representing community partnership and advocacy

Partner Reflection

Community partner

★★★★★

Twenty-one years later, the call is still clear: honor the past, support survivors, and fight for a more just future.

New Orleans skyline representing justice and resilience

Advocacy Perspective

Justice organizer