NEW ORLEANS, LA (AUGUST 27, 2025) – Katrina Commemoration, Inc. and Hip Hop Caucus have expanded the lineup for the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina events, unveiling new speakers including Former US Vice President Al Gore, Founder and Chairman of the Climate Reality Project, performances by Antonique Smith and Irvin Mayfield, and programming highlights that build on the previously announced schedule.

Key Anniversary Highlights

• August 29 – National Moment of Silence: At 11:20 a.m. CT, people nationwide will pause for 60 seconds to honor lives lost and forever changed by Katrina.

• August 29 – 20th Anniversary Second Line Rally and March, 11 a.m.– 6 p.m. CT: A full day of remembrance, art, and organizing with performances, speeches, and cultural expressions across New Orleans.

WPFW 12-Hour Katrina Programming

On Friday, August 29, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. CT, WPFW 89.3 FM will air From the 9th Ward to the Airwaves: Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, produced in partnership with Hip Hop Caucus. The programming will center survivor voices, community organizing efforts, and cultural memory while honoring lives lost.

Levees Program – Speakers & Performers

• Welcome: Brittany Bell Surratt

• Opening Prayer: Apostle Troy Lawrence

• Libation: Mama Nana

• Moment of Silence: Pastor Fred Luter Jr.

• Speakers: Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, Antonique Smith, Liz Havstad, Dr. Tracie Washington, Young Sino, Geneva Seals, Dawn Richard, Robert Greene, Congressman Troy Carter, Councilman Oliver Thomas, Mia X, Dr. Leona Tate, Sunni Patterson, Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., Sess 4-5

• Performances: Congo Kids & Queen Cherise Harrisson; Drummers Luther Grey, Baba Kamal, Spyboy Ricky, Antonique Smith

Hunter’s Field Program – Speakers & Performers

• MC & DJs: Wild Wayne, DJ Rabbit, DJ Captain Charles

• Speakers: Young Sino, Sam Pollard (Netflix), Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., Councilman Eugene Green, Gary Chambers, Jamar McNeely, Sess 4-5

• Performers: Spy Boy J & Thee Storm, Pastor Andy Rebirth, Casme, Allay Earhart, Assata Renay, Game Ovation Skip, Shamar Allen, Tonya Boyd-Cannon, Dawn Richard, Sunni Patterson, Roi Chip Anthony, Hot Boy Ronald, Flagboy Giz, Partners N Crime, Mia X & The Pinettes, Irvin Mayfield (Finale)

Weathering the Storm Video Series

The six-part video series continues to trace the legacy of Katrina through survivor stories and cultural memory. Chapters include:

• A Returning Citizen’s Lens – Everest Robinson, Emmitt Charles (poem), Rev. Yearwood

• Climate Rules Everything Around Me – Anna Nguyen, Megan Braden-Perry, Fairetha Warren, Rev. Yearwood

• Endya’s Story – Endya Carter

• Terri’s Story – Terri Coleman

• The Heart and History of New Orleans & Severe Weather – Fairetha Warren, Tyesha Harris, Michael Bruce, Robert Green, Sr.

• Radically Hopeful: Turning Trial to Testimony – Rev. Yearwood, Everest Robinson, Fairetha Warren, Tyesha Harris, Anna Nguyen

For more information about the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina events, including how to participate in the National Moment of Silence, visit www.katrina20.com

 

About Hip Hop Caucus 

Formed in 2004, the Hip Hop Caucus is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that leverages Hip Hop culture to encourage young people to participate in the democratic process. Through a collaborative leadership network, Hip Hop Caucus addresses core issues affecting underserved communities. Hip Hop Caucus programs and campaigns support solution-driven community organizing led by today’s young leaders.