New Orleans Native on Katrina 10 Years Later

A city known to many tourists as “The Big Easy” hasn’t quite lived up to its name over the past 10 years for many New Orleanians. For some, it has been everything but an “easy” time to say the least.

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina changed the lives of many citizens in neighboring gulf coasts regions including New Orleans. Days prior to what now has been deemed, the worst and most costly national disaster on American soil, local citizens were told to vacate their city as a Category 5 hurricane was bearing down on the gulf coast.

The devastation of this storm would test the strength of a region and its people. It would test the resilience and hope of New Orleanians to believe in what the Crescent City stood for. More importantly, it would also test our ability to rise against all the scrutiny, disrespect and negative perceptions that people had of us around the world. While there was talk of locals being looters, uneducated and crazy for living below sea level – we were literally trying to keep our heads above water!

As a native New Orleanian let me lay to rest a few myths! The images depicted of my city were far from how we lived on a daily basis. Media coverage monopolized on our vulnerability and ceased an opportunity to report stories their way, and not from the perspective of the people who endured hard times.

From my perspective, 10 years later, the city is still on life support. We’re still trying to understand where all the resources and aid went that was allocated to help rebuild what was “suppose” to be the “New” New Orleans! We’re still trying to understand how many neighborhoods are still dealing with the same pre-Katrina infrastructure. Ten-years later, many locals are still dealing with “boil water” advisories frequently, high crime rates, a slow responding and reduced police force, along with an overpriced housing market.

To some, the educational system has improved, largely due to the opening of many new charter schools. While others may disagree, because so many experienced New Orleans Public school teachers were fired in the process. Actions like these played an integral part in reducing some of the black middle-class in New Orleans. So much so, communities that were once thriving with many black homeowners in Eastern New Orleans and the lower ninth ward have become less occupied.

In spite of the identified areas that need major improvement, the city may be on its way to getting off life support with a breath of fresh air from the new downtown development projects. There is the new 1500 acres Bio-Medical District, a restored Mercedes Benz Superdome and Smoothie King Center. Also, the city rebuilt all of the housing developments throughout New Orleans. In addition, a strong port and tourism industry continues to lead the way economically.

What can never be contested, New Orleanians are resilient and a force to be reckoned with! And like with anything else, you can compare the people of New Orleans to a pot of gumbo, rich in culture and seasoned in spirit. It takes a lot of ingredients to make this dish come to life. But, no gumbo is good without the roux being the foundation. And that’s exactly what defines the roux of New Orleans, its people!

We know how to rebuild what’s been torn down despite the headaches from unfair claims from insurance companies. We know how to find a reason to smile, to have a carefree and relaxed demeanor in the midst of calamity, and above all else, we know how to come together as family. That’s what we are, family! Bloodlines have never limited the love and respect that we share for one another.

Ten-years later, things still are not always easy for us, but in our hearts and souls we combat every obstacle that comes our way with perseverance and determination. The city continues to rise above tragedy to musicians playing soft jazz throughout the corners of the French Quarters. Many local second line organizations and Mardi Gras Indians tribes, second-lining through New Orleans celebrating the life of recently lost loved ones and those who still remain unclaimed from Katrina 10 years later.

We can’t forget about the 2009 Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints. Football is a great race relations builder every Sunday in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. No matter race, sex preference, religion, age, or gender “Who Dat Nation” stands as ONE.

Ten-years later, we are getting back breathing again and putting the past behind us. Many are looking towards an even brighter future for the city in the years to come.

New Orleianians are survivors not because our city was submerged in water, but because we as a local community, come hell or high water, refuse to allow the slow government bureaucracy at all levels Federal, state and local to impede the rebirth of New Orleans.

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Katrina 10: The Anniversary In Pictures