Hurricane Katrina was a devastating natural disaster that struck the Gulf Coast of the United States in August 2005. The hurricane particularly impacted the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, and its predominantly Black communities. The storm and subsequent flooding caused significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and businesses, displacing hundreds of thousands of residents.

The response to Hurricane Katrina highlighted systemic inequalities in the United States, with Black communities disproportionately affected by the disaster. Many residents did not have the means to evacuate before the storm hit, and inadequate government response and emergency preparedness worsened the crisis. The slow and ineffective response led to widespread suffering and loss of life, particularly among Black residents who were left stranded without access to food, water, or medical care.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the government's failure to respond adequately exposed deep-rooted racial and socioeconomic issues in the country. The disaster also sparked discussions about environmental racism, as Black communities were often located in areas more vulnerable to natural disasters and environmental hazards.

Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Black communities in the United States and the importance of addressing systemic inequalities to ensure all individuals are protected in times of crisis.