NEW ORLEANS — Nearly two decades after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, Grammy-winning artist and activist John Legend returned to the city Monday to spotlight a new effort focused on long-term recovery and resilience in communities hardest hit by the storm.
Legend was seen in the 7th Ward ahead of a panel event hosted by the Brookings Institution, The Data Center of Southeast Louisiana, and his own nonprofit, HUMANLEVEL. The event marks 20 years since Katrina reshaped New Orleans — and seeks to examine how far the city has come, and how much work remains.
The virtual event, titled “Twenty Years After Hurricane Katrina: Building a More Resilient New Orleans,” brought together policymakers, researchers, and community leaders from across the region. Panel discussions focused on equitable policy, infrastructure investment and how grassroots leadership continues to drive change from neighborhoods like the 7th Ward to Central City and beyond…