Colette Dright | + Follow Poet |
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Hurricane Katrina - 20 years later

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina stormed through New Orleans and Louisiana. The only difference was, in New Orleans (intentional or not), the levees broke. The flood waters flooded the 9th ward and most of the city causing tremendous flooding, devastation, destruction, damages, desertion, depression, dislocation, death and more. It was a world wide wake up call to see the suffering and feelings of loss, loneliness, abandonment, uncertainty, survival, sadness and cruelty.

Just last month in July, I saw a documentary on Surviving Katrina. It was a 5 part series that showed the complete devastation and destruction as to what was actually happening in and around the city. It showed the Convention Center, the Super Dome, people stranded on rooftops, death, city officials, confusion, hurt, tears, cries for help, etc. This was my first time in 20 years actually getting to see what the world was seeing and all that was happening in real time. It was truly heartbreaking to watch.

As I write on today, August 22, 2025, now 20 years later, I can reflect each day on how blessed, grateful and thankful I am.

My 20 years ago looked like this. I stayed during the hurricane (as always). I lived in the housing projects. The projects were strong, sturdy brick buildings that could weather any storm. As normal, the electricity went out during the storm and the next day or so, we experienced the flooding, still not knowing about the levees broke. The water got as high as waist deep. The next day, many neighbors were playing and walking through the waters. There was laughter and silliness and even looting from the local stores, however we still didn’t know the devastation of how bad the rest of the city was and what they were dealing with.

Probably by the 3rd or 4th day, we all had to leave. My children and I all packed a book bag with a toothbrush and a few days of clothes. I remember packing my Bible, phone charger, food stamp card, id, along with my clothes. A boat was picking everyone up and bringing us to the interstate close by where there was a helicopter transporting people to a safer location.

There were busses being filled bringing people to Houston. My oldest son and his wife evacuated before the storm to Dallas, so they were safe. My other children and I all ended up in the Astro Dome in Houston where they were housing New Orleans residents. 
THANK YOU Houston! Still to this day, my heart is forever grateful.

While staying in the Astro Dome, I had a rental car, so my children and I went back to New Orleans about 3 weeks after Katrina. The water had subsided. I don’t know how life was in the downtown area, but the streets around my area were deserted. Driving through City Park it looked like a ghost town. There was no greenery. The trees were gray and the grass was gray. It was dreary, total isolation, no movement, no cars, no people, no life, no birds, no animals. The air smelled like soot.

When I got to the project, it looked a hot mess, just tore up. The buildings stood the test of time, of course, but the cars that were once parked on the street were now sideways up against the buildings.
My apartment was safe because I lived on the 3rd floor, so I had no damage from the water. In my apartment I was able to get more clothes, important documents and essential items I wanted for me and my children. 

Ok, after about a month in Houston, we went back to the city I love, New Orleans, however, my area was not open and not livable, so I went to another parish and lived in my oldest son’s house for a month. By November, I moved back into Orleans parish, but in a different neighborhood and in a newer, bigger apartment on the West Bank, a different side of town.
I got me a new car, enrolled my children in school and got a job.
So yeah, things were looking up, people were rebuilding and life was slowly, and I mean slowly getting itself together.

Being a single mother of 5 children (3 sons and twin daughters) and being from the “projects,” the struggle was real, but I taught my children whatever you want in life you work for it. You don’t have to rob, steal or kill. I set the bar and I lead by example. I thank God we were never hungry or homeless. There were times I worked two jobs, just to take care of them and make sure they had. What I loved about my children was, they were homely children. They NEVER caused me no trouble and they listened. If I told them don’t go outside and don’t open that door for nobody, they didn’t open that door. They had everything they needed and wanted, right inside. They had games, Nintendo, Play Station, computer, tv, books, baby dolls, toys, music, food, cable… and definitely love. They didn’t care to go outside or by nobody to play because they had each other to play with. 

I also, most importantly, taught them about God and the importance of education. They were all smart and in gifted classes and I am proud to say, all of my children have finished high school and have graduated from college. I set them up for success, I taught them everything they needed to know about life and how we all have choices in life. I taught them how to survive and stay out of trouble.
I taught them to be independent, so when they left at 18 for college, they have been on their own ever since, working, paying their bills and being responsible adults.
 
I taught them that there’s more to life besides New Orleans. Explore, travel, go see the world.
Since these 20 years, me nor my children live in the city of New Orleans. We have all relocated. One still lives in Louisiana, but hours from New Orleans and the rest of us live in different states.
God took us out the project and exposed us to greater.

By being in Houston after Hurricane Katrina, it was an eye opener. It showed me that not every city is like New Orleans, and not everybody’s food is like ours. New Orleans, its food, culture, accent and vibe is top tier and unmatched.

The state I live in now, I have been here almost 8 years, but don’t get it twisted, New Orleans will ALWAYS be home to me. I spent 54 years in New Orleans, so it’s rooted and etched deep down in my soul. You can’t brush it off or wash it off. People ask me all the time, “You from New Orleans? I can tell by your accent.” 
But just remember, when it comes to me, “No matter where I go, I’m from that 504.”

I must say, 20 years later, with this old as dirt, worn out, out dated, careless, heartless and clueless present dent, the way this country is going right now, it’s like we’re experiencing a devastating, total disaster all over again, except the only difference is, it’s not just one state, it’s a ripple affect. The whole un united states are being affected by this wild, untamed dent.

As for me, 20 years later, I myself have grown in so many ways. I have embraced and experienced a newness, by stepping out on faith and moving into a new city with new beginnings. I am a shining light fulfilling God’s will and purpose for my life.

Although some of my loved ones have transitioned into Heaven over these last 20 years, they will forever live through me.

My life is calm and peaceful. My children are AMAZING and God is AWESOME! I have always been a Believer, do you Believe?
Thank You Father for ALL the answered prayers. There is POWER in PRAYER, you best believe!
Thank You God for always keeping a wedge of protection over us, for loving us and blessing us, for the opened doors and closed doors, for all the people I have met and are still meeting along my journey. I am forever grateful.

Thank you once again to Houston, thank you Texas, and thank you to everyone around the world for your heartfelt love, kindness, prayers and support during our time of devastation and uncertainty.

And THANK YOU GOD 20 years later, I’m STILL -
Still Here, Still Blessed, Still Grateful, Still Strong, Still Loved, Still Favored, Still Standing, Still Believing, Still Trusting and Still Praying!

Copyright © Colette Dright | Year Posted 2025

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