Hurricane Katrina @ 20

Climate Justice for Black Communities

August 29, 2025 marks the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which changed the trajectory regarding how people viewed disaster relief, resilience, and equity within communities. It was one of the worst natural disasters in history with an estimate of $170 billion in losses and at least 1,700 deaths. Nearly 1.2 million people from the affected area were displaced in a region stretching from Florida to Ohio. 

Climate justice is an extension of environmental justice that emerged in the early 2000's. It recognizes that the impact of climate change – increased floods, hurricanes, tornados, sea level rising, drought, etc. – impacts people who already experience inequity more than those who experience inequity less in our society. As climate justice advocates, we work to uphold human and civil rights to change climate policies, principles, and practices.

Program At a Glance

Wednesday, August 27 – A NAACP Community Training for "Ready People, Resilient Future" | 10 am – 3 pm
Screening of Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time with Malik Rahim | 2 pm
Xavier University at Admin Auditorium, New Orleans, LA

Thursday, August 28 – Convening and Reception | 6-10pm
The Almanett Bistro, Gulfport, MS

Friday, August 29 – Power in the Storm – A Policy Framework for Climate-Related Disasters Panel– Report Release | 10-11:30am
Tent 1 at Armstrong Park, New Orleans, LA