Remembering Hurricane Katrina

The world will never forget the devastation and loss of life caused by Hurricane Katrina. This is the 20th Anniversary of this devastating storm. It was the deadliest Hurricane in U.S. history since the 1928 Okeechobee hurricane. It caused $108 billion dollars in damage, and it was estimated between 1,245 to 1,836 lives were lost. Katrina originated over the Bahamas on August 23, 2005, over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It became a category 5 Hurricane.

The highest winds of the storm were recorded at 175 miles per hour. It affected the Bahamas, South Florida, Cuba, Louisiana, especially New Orleans, Mississippi, Alabama, and most of Eastern North America. Hurricane Katrina was the 11th named storm and the 5th hurricane of the 2005 season. I have visited New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina. The devastation in the ninth ward was overwhelming. Although many people left the city, I was impressed with their resilience. Many have relocated to other cities. Some families moved to Buffalo in the Grider-Ferry street area.

Thousands of people relocated as a result of the hurricane to start a new life. This columnist met several people who moved to Buffalo as a result of the storm. I initiated a fundraiser for some of the families and raised money to help them. In addition, I was able to provide school supplies and book bags for the children of the families involved. A few of my films were used in this fundraising effort. People from the community came and dropped off checks to assist these families.

One of the people missing in the storm was the popular 1950s rock and roll singer, Fats Domino. In the begin ning, it was thought that he had died and the letters R.I.P— Rest In Peace Fats was painted in large red letters on the front of his home in New Orleans. Later he was found alive. The storm waters had reached the top of his home. Antoine Domino, Sr. Was born on February 26, 1928. He is still living, and in his 90s. He was one of the original rock and roll singers and his music influenced such groups as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. When the Beatles performed in New Orleans years before the hurricane, the first person they wanted to see was Fats Domino. They had a lot of respect for him and his great music.

Two years after the harrowing escape from the storm, Fats Domino returned to the stage to do a benefit concert for the Tipitina Foundation. He sang his greatest hits. The mis sion of the Tipitina Foundation was to support Louisiana, especially New Orleans and its great music communi ty. The concert was attended by hun dreds of people in the New Orleans area. One of the great songs that Fats Domino performed at the concert was: “Walkin Back To New Orleans.”