New Orleanians mark time by pre-Katrina and post-Katrina. This devastating 2005 hurricane changed our lives, giving the Crescent City an unprecedented opportunity to re-create itself. In fact, some say we should consider ourselves 17 years old rather than 300.
New Orleans was given a blank slate – a mandate to start anew. Our resilience spurred us to take bold steps at hurricane protection, schools, healthcare, hospitality, crime, business and social justice. Voluntourism brought new residents with fresh ideas, contributing to a climate of entrepreneurship. Now we measure time as pre- and post-pandemic.
Whatever the cause, there is no doubt: life’s about change.
– Betsie Gambel, Gambel Communications