Reflecting on her emotional breakdown during a live broadcast on “Good Morning America” while reporting on the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in her hometown of Pass Christian, Mississippi, Robin Roberts revealed her fears of losing her job immediately after being named a host of the show alongside industry veterans Charles Gibson and Diane Sawyer.
Three months into her role, Roberts faced the realities of reporting on the Gulf Coast as she maintained her professional composure. However, her emotions surfaced when Gibson asked her if she had confirmed the safety of her mother and other family members during a live segment. This moment marked a shift in Roberts’ approach, as she openly confessed, “It’s one thing if you shed a tear, but I was boo-hooing.” She expressed surprise at how viewers connected with her authenticity in that moment, realizing that they appreciated her vulnerability.
At 64, Roberts revisits these poignant memories in a special airing on ABC News to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The program, which is also available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, features a clip of a younger Roberts during the coverage years ago. Throughout the years, she has returned to the region numerous times, both for reporting and family visits, especially after her mother, Lucimarian, passed away in 2012 at age 88. Her sister, Sally-Ann, a former news anchor in New Orleans, has since retired.
“I still can’t believe it’s been 20 years,” Roberts remarked, reflecting on the passage of time. As she reviewed old footage of the devastation, she experienced waves of PTSD, noting that some memories had been intentionally blocked out. In the special, she retraces her journey from New Orleans to Pass Christian, highlighting changes and evidence of recovery, while also acknowledging that remnants of the storm still persist.
During her visit, Roberts tours Pass Christian with former mayor Chipper McDermott, who shows her around the rebuilt high school, with a photo of Roberts displayed prominently. They also revisit a family restaurant that was washed away but has since been rebuilt. McDermott points out new constructions elevated to protect against future storms. Roberts addressed a common question about the decision to live in such a vulnerable area, stating, “It’s home. Pick anywhere in the world where Mother Nature can’t have the upper hand at some point. But home is home.”
Roberts aimed to honor both the resilience of those who remained and rebuilt their lives and the countless individuals who arrived to aid in recovery after the storm. She emphasized the strength required for Southern people to ask for assistance and expressed gratitude for the support received during the challenging times. “It took a lot of strength to raise our hands and say we need help,” she said, recognizing the community’s penchant for self-reliance.
The special does not shy away from addressing significant challenges such as economic inequality in the rebuilding efforts, noting the transition of affordable housing into hotels and casinos. One poignant segment includes visits with New Orleans photographer Jeremy Tauriac and musician Jasmine Batiste, who were children rescued from Katrina and spoke candidly about their life struggles post-disaster.
Music plays a vital role in the narrative, capturing the spirit of New Orleans. Roberts converses with notable artists such as Harry Connick Jr., Trombone Shorty, and Branford Marsalis, celebrating the cultural resilience of the city. Roberts observes, “It is different, in some ways, of course. Nothing stays the same, especially after something like that. But the heart and soul of what New Orleans is? It didn’t touch that.”
Through this retrospective, Robin Roberts not only pays homage to her roots but also sheds light on the profound impacts of Hurricane Katrina on her hometown and the broader community, marking a significant moment in American history. The special serves as both a tribute to the past and a homage to the enduring spirit of the people of New Orleans and Pass Christian.
