NEW ORLEANS (AP) – On the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is preparing to honor those affected by the devastating storm with a series of memorials, performances, and a parade scheduled for Friday, August 29, 2025.
Hurricane Katrina, which made landfall in southeast Louisiana as a Category 3 hurricane, remains the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history. The damage caused by the storm is estimated to exceed $200 billion when adjusted for inflation, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Approximately 1,400 people lost their lives across five states as a result of the hurricane, which led to catastrophic flooding, especially in New Orleans.
As a consequence of the federal levee system's failure, roughly 80% of New Orleans was inundated with floodwaters that persisted for weeks. Many residents were left clinging to rooftops for safety or took refuge in the Superdome stadium, where conditions were dire and supplies were scarce. The Lower Ninth Ward, a predominantly Black community, experienced particularly devastating flooding due to a levee breach, highlighting systemic inequalities in disaster response.
This year's commemorative events are being organized by Katrina Commemoration Inc. and the Hip Hop Caucus. The gathering will take place in the Lower Ninth Ward and feature prayers and performances by prominent local artists, including Dawn Richard and Mia X. Organizers emphasize that these events aim to raise awareness about the city's declining infrastructure, ongoing gentrification, and the threats posed by climate change.
Thousands of attendees are expected to participate in the second line parade, an essential New Orleans tradition rooted in African American jazz funerals. This vibrant parade allows community members to come together and celebrate resilience, as noted by Rev. Lennox Yearwood, president of the Hip Hop Caucus. "We're still here, and despite the storm, people have been strong and very powerful and have come together each and every year to continue to be there for one another," he stated.
In addition to the parade, commemorations will include a wreath-laying ceremony to honor unidentified storm victims and a moment of silence scheduled for 11:20 a.m. Other activities over the weekend will encompass museum exhibitions, screenings of documentaries, and discussions focused on the future of New Orleans' culture, infrastructure, and recovery efforts.
The long-lasting impacts of Hurricane Katrina are evident in New Orleans’ current demographics, with the city's population dropping from nearly 500,000 before the storm to approximately 384,000 today. Many displaced residents found new homes in cities like Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston. In the wake of the disaster, significant changes were made, including the reconstruction of the levee system, privatization of public schools, and the demolition of numerous public housing projects. A staggering 134,000 housing units were reported as damaged in the storm.
The effects of Katrina were especially harsh on the city's Black community. While New Orleans maintains a majority Black population, tens of thousands of Black residents were unable to return due to various obstacles, such as a problematic federal loan program for home reconstruction and a lack of affordable housing options. Rev. Yearwood summarized the broader implications of Katrina by stating, "(Katrina) wasn't just a New Orleans moment; it was a national moment." He asserted the need for reflection and a renewed commitment to address systemic issues effectively.
City officials are advocating for the anniversary's recognition as a state holiday, aiming to solidify the event's significance in the collective memory of the community.
