In remembrance of one of the most devastating man-made disasters in U.S. history, the Hip Hop Caucus and the New Orleans Katrina Commemoration Foundation will hold the 19th Annual Hurricane Katrina March and Second Line. This year’s events not only serve to honor the lives lost and celebrate the resilience of the community but also call for a significant change: the recognition of August 29th as a state and local holiday.
The series of events will commence with a press conference on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 10 a.m., hosted at the office of Louisiana State Representative Alonzo Knox. Leaders from the Hip Hop Caucus, local politicians, and influential community figures will join forces to advocate for the official recognition of the Hurricane Katrina anniversary. The press conference will feature remarks from Dawn Richard, Hip Hop Caucus’ Artist Relations Director, and other prominent figures such as Rep. Alonzo Knox and New Orleans City Councilman Oliver E. Thomas. The call for the holiday aims to solidify the date as a day of reflection and education on the impacts of Hurricane Katrina and the ongoing struggles for climate justice.
The commemorative events continue on Saturday, August 31, 2024, with the 19th Annual Hurricane Katrina March and Second Line, starting at 12 p.m. in the Lower 9th Ward. This neighborhood, which suffered catastrophic damage during the levee breaches, remains a symbol of both tragedy and resilience. The march will begin with a healing ceremony at the site where the levees broke, followed by a vibrant Second Line that will weave through the streets of New Orleans, ending at Hunter’s Field with a rally featuring speeches and performances.
The march and second line will also mark the launch of the Hip Hop Caucus’ “Respect My Vote!” campaign, a crucial initiative aimed at mobilizing young voters ahead of the upcoming elections. The event will spotlight the intersection of environmental justice and voting rights, urging participants to recognize the power of their voices in advocating for change.
The lineup for the Saturday event includes a host of local and national artists who will lend their voices and music to the cause. Among them are Sess 4-5, CEO of Nuthin’ But Fire Records, Ghetto Twiinz, and DJ Rabbit, alongside many others.
The Hip Hop Caucus, founded in 2004, has long been a driving force in merging hip-hop culture with civic engagement, focusing on issues that disproportionately affect underserved communities. The New Orleans Katrina Commemoration Foundation continues to play a vital role in ensuring that the lessons of Hurricane Katrina are not forgotten, organizing the largest annual remembrance event in the city.
As New Orleans continues to rebuild and look towards the future, the 19th Annual Hurricane Katrina March and Second Line serves as a powerful reminder of the community’s strength and the ongoing fight for justice in the face of environmental and social challenges.
For more details on the event, visit katrina19.com.
