As we approached the ten-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the requests for commemorative articles and reflections began to fill my inbox. Despite my experience as a grant-maker and fundraiser who has been working on Katrina relief, recovery, and rebuilding since the storm hit on August 29, 2005, I struggled to find words to best commemorate this day. Today, on the ten-year anniversary since Hurricane Katrina struck and devastated the Gulf Coast, there is little that has not been said already. We at the Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation want to thank those who have risen in times of crisis, from individuals to organizations with whom we've partnered to help New Orleans and the entire coast begin to recover. As we have learned, the greatest of investments creates a "return on humanity," and this wonderful video - sent to me by a dear friend with Katrina in mind - embodies the purest spirit of the term resilience.
Credit: Michael Franti and Spearhead, Once A Day ft. Sonna Rele
Written on behalf of the Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation by CEO and noted disaster expert Lori J. Bertman (@LoriBertman) and Program Officer Rachel A. Pickens (@MsRachelAyn)