HypheNationAn Interdisciplinary Journal for the Study of Critical Moments Discourse

ListenHear
LoudTalking
TalkingLoud

Tracy Blandon Allen

Martha Carey

Futaba Fujikawa

Natasha McPherson

Table of Contents

garbage to buy groceries at the corner store—the only store open in the area for blocks and blocks,- I asked myself, “Is this really happening in America?”

However, in the midst of Katrina’s wake, I found beauty. I witnessed residents reconnecting with old friends who they had not seen since before the hurricane; I saw fathers, sons, brothers, and neighbors helping one another rebuild homes and rebuild lives; As I drove respectfully through the streets of the lower ninth ward, many residents who were cleaning up the remnants of their homes stopped, smiled and waved at me. The tenacity of the human spirit is amazing—it is a testament to our resilience. The people of New Orleans have lost so much yet they are coming back and they are building “something from nothing.” There is truly beauty within the sadness.

On Sunday March 26, 2006, I had an opportunity to participate in one of the city’s famed second line parades sponsored by The Revolution Social Aid and Pleasure Club. The theme for this year’s parade, “Keeping our culture alive while rebuilding our city,” is not only distinctly appropriate, considering all this city has been through, but it also captures the essence and feel of the “new” New Orleans. New Orleanians love their city and they want to keep their culture and traditions alive as they settle into the post-Katrina city. After my trip to New Orleans, I am hopeful that the city will once againregain its vibrancy and joie de vivre that always made it the most exceptional southern cities. My heart and soul lies with the people

of New Orleans and having witnessed people’s desire to rebuild, renew, and preserve their heritage I know the Crescent City will show her tenacity of spirit. Vive La Nouvelle Orleans!