Hurricane Katrina was a devastating natural disaster that struck the Gulf Coast of the United States in August 2005. The impact of the hurricane was particularly severe on the city of New Orleans, leading to widespread flooding and the breaching of levees that resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of residents.

In Black history, Hurricane Katrina highlighted underlying social and racial inequalities that disproportionately affected Black communities. Many Black residents in New Orleans and other affected areas were left stranded without access to transportation or resources to evacuate before the storm hit. The slow and inadequate response from local, state, and federal authorities exacerbated the crisis, leaving many Black residents stranded on rooftops or in overcrowded shelters for days without food, water, or medical assistance.

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina also exposed deep-rooted systemic issues such as poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and racial segregation that left Black communities more vulnerable to the impacts of natural disasters. The slow and unequal recovery efforts further underscored the disparities in resources and support available to Black residents compared to their white counterparts.

Hurricane Katrina remains a tragic chapter in Black history, a stark reminder of the urgent need to address systemic racism and inequality to ensure that all communities are equipped to withstand and recover from disasters.