"I have insomnia from the hurricane. I take a pill to sleep at night. I can't talk about the hurricane."
This is the personal story that an older black woman shared with me about her life four years after Katrina. And hers is but one voice. Black Voices went to New Orleans to get the inside story on the aftermath from the black community's perspective, because the general news media has portrayed the citizens of this city as alternately violent during the heat of the tragedy and passive during its rebuilding. But the New Orleans residents I met are survivors who acted with dignity during the crisis and are now eager to participate in the rebuilding.
New Orleans Four Years Later
A memorial in the traumatized 9th ward commemorates Katrina and Rita survivors and victims.
Alexis Garrett Stodghill/AOL
A blighted and abandoned home in the 9th ward. Many of these home owners have gone on to better lives.
Alexis Garrett Stodghill/AOL
A blighted and abandoned home in the 9th ward. Many of these home owners have gone on to better lives.
Alexis Garrett Stodghill/AOL
A blighted and abandoned home in the 9th ward. Many of these home owners have gone on to better lives.
Alexis Garrett Stodghill/AOL
A blighted and abandoned home in the 9th ward next to occupied homes. This situation is terrible for residents who chose to stay there.
Alexis Garrett Stodghill/AOL
A rebuilt home.
Alexis Garrett Stodghill/AOL
A totally new 9th ward home built to flood insurance standards for height.
Alexis Garrett Stodghill/AOL
A totally new 9th ward home built to flood insurance standards for height.
Alexis Garrett Stodghill/AOL
A new home and a home in progress that are part of Brad Pitt's Make It Right initiative.
Alexis Garrett Stodghill/AOL
A brand new Make It Right home.
Alexis Garrett Stodghill/AOL
Don't take my word for it. Click below to meet the real people of New Orleans. The responses to Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath are as varied as the New Orleans residents themselves, but the one thing that they share is a passionate love for their hometown.
More Katrina Anniversary Coverage
+See Brad Pitt's Make It Right Homes
+Habitat for Humanity Dedicates Musicians' Village
+Travel to New Orleans: Visit Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse
+Mayor Nagin Commemorates Katrina Anniversary
+The Ladies of Louisiana Spirit Minister to Katrina Sufferers
+Katrina Anniversary: New Orleans Residents Play Mayor on the Radio
Comments: (5)
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By: ADMR on 9/01/2009 5:27PM
Best Wishes NOLA!!!!
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By: JoJo on 9/07/2009 7:49AM
Enough with Katrina - it was 4 years ago. You don't hear Californians whining about the terrible fires, or any other state that has faced Mother Natures wrath. Move on and next time try to be more prepared. When you are told to evacuate - leave.
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By: shaquila on 9/07/2009 7:55AM
Is this the best group of people they could find to interview? OMG no wonder it's taking so long.
They still think the government blew up the levees, wow - stupid is as stupid does.
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By: mslalagirl on 9/29/2009 10:20PM
I had to listen the videos before I can make a comment regarding your comment, so wtf are talking about when you say these people still think the government blew up the levees. I only heard one person say that. You are stupid and it was stupid of you to say "they still think the government blew of the levees." Shut the f-up.
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By: mslalagirl on 9/29/2009 10:22PM
Yes they are whining listen yourself! Go read the news!
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