August 29th is the 17-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Stand in solidarity with the Gulf Coast communities who were impacted by Hurricane Katrina and experience the joy and beauty of this annual commemoration and Second Line organized by the Hip Hop Caucus and New Orleans Katrina Commemoration Foundation.

Each and every year since Hurricane Katrina, Hip Hop Caucus and New Orleans Katrina Commemoration Foundation have marked the anniversary by organizing a community led commemoration.

START the morning in the Lower 9th Ward where the levees broke, with a healing ceremony and a reading of the names of those who died. They then march through the streets until a brass band joins at the half-way point to lead the rest of the way in the New Orleans’ Second Line tradition.

END at Hunter’s Field for a rally with speakers and performers.

For more information, see katrina17.com. 

Hear the interview with organizer Sess 4-5 as he discusses his background and the 17th anniversary event: