BATON ROUGE, LA (May 1, 2025) — The Katrina Commemoration Foundation and Hip Hop Caucus  hosted a press conference at the Louisiana State Capitol to celebrate the passage of a concurrent resolution officially designating August 29 as “Katrina Day.” The resolution, which passed both the Louisiana House and Senate on April 22, recognizes the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina as a day of remembrance for lives lost and communities displaced.

The press conference, held in the Governor’s Press Room at noon, featured remarks from State Representative Alonzo L. Knox, State Representative Matthew Willard, recording artist and organizer Sess 4-5, and recording artist and activist Dawn Richard. More than a dozen New Orleans community members joined the event by charter bus and were recognized from the floor of the Louisiana House of Representatives following the press conference.

“Next steps are we’re going to the city council and they’re going to also present us with a resolution to make August 29 Katrina Day, and after that, we will continue to advocate for a state holiday,” said Sess 4-5.
“Part of it is figuring out where we get the funding to fund a state holiday. You have to earmark it, find the money that’ll pay for everybody to be able to take the day off — all the state and federal employees. Once we find that funding, I believe we can get everybody to agree that August 29 should be a state and local holiday.”

As the push for broader recognition continues, artist Dawn Richard emphasized the importance of participation and collective remembrance:

 “I encourage everyone to really participate in Katrina Day,” she said. “It’s important that we not just celebrate this in New Orleans but everywhere. This is not just a local thing but a national and global thing. They come to celebrate with us when it’s fun — but this is when it matters.”

The concurrent resolution, categorized as an expression of legislative intent, does not require the governor’s signature to take effect. It will be filed with the Secretary of State and stands as an official statement of recognition from the Louisiana Legislature.

The Hip Hop Caucus and Katrina Commemoration Foundation now turn their attention to the next phase of their advocacy: urging the New Orleans City Council to follow suit with a city resolution and beginning efforts to designate August 29 as an official local and state holiday.

“Katrina Day is about more than remembrance — it’s about honoring those we lost, recognizing what was taken, and holding systems accountable,” said Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., President & CEO of Hip Hop Caucus. “We’ll keep pushing until August 29 is officially honored — not just symbolically, but through action.

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About Katrina Commemoration Foundation

The Katrina Commemoration Foundation was formed to remember the victims of Hurricane Katrina and uplift the legacy and ongoing demands for justice in communities most affected by the storm. Through public events, advocacy, and education, the foundation ensures the truth of Katrina is never forgotten. New Orleans Katrina Commemoration Foundation annually organizes the largest community-led remembrance event on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, August 29th.

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.