NEW ORLEANS, LA (AUGUST 22, 2025) – Katrina Commemoration, Inc. and Hip Hop Caucus today announced the full lineup of performers, speakers, and dedicated radio programming for the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina events. Months-long  commemorations will culminate in a press conference on August 25 calling for a statewide Katrina remembrance holiday, a national 60-second moment of silence at 11:20 a.m. CT on August 29, and the city’s annual Second Line Rally and March. The program continues years of advocacy, cultural preservation, and storytelling to ensure Katrina’s legacy remains a call to action for a just and equitable future.

Key Anniversary Highlights

• August 25 – Press Conference at 10 a.m. CT: Local community leaders and elected officials will demand a statewide Katrina remembrance holiday and announce call for National Moment of Silence in front of New Orleans City Hall. 
• 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 Jamilia

• Moment of Silence: Pastor Fred Luter Jr.

• Speakers: 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

Hunter’s Field Program – Speakers & Performers

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

• Speakers: Young Sino, Sam Pollard (Netflix), Dr. Umar, 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 (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:

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

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

3. Endya’s Story – Endya Carter

4. Terri’s Story – Terri Coleman

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

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

The final chapter released this week, closing the series with a message of remembrance and hope for the future.

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 Katrina Commemoration, Inc.
The Katrina Commemoration, Inc. was established to honor the victims and survivors of Hurricane Katrina and to advocate for policies that protect and uplift New Orleans and Gulf South communities. Through annual commemorations, educational programs, and community organizing, the foundation ensures that the lessons of Katrina are never forgotten.

 

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, HHC addresses core issues affecting underserved communities. Hip Hop Caucus programs and campaigns support solution-driven community organizing led by today’s young leaders.