Summary Erika Doss [ED], age 30, is a Katrina survivor from New Orleans, LA. Erika is now living in Houston as a result of Katrina. Erika is the second child of four and she was raised by her grandmother until her death, after which she and her sisters moved to New Orleans East and lived with their mother until she graduated from High School. Erika attended Warren Easton Senior High School in New Orleans and served as a dance team member on the Eaglette’s Dance Team. Erika recalls growing up in New...

Summary Ivy Fulton, age 56, is a Katrina survivor from New Orleans, Louisiana. Ivy was born and raised in New Orleans. Ivy grew up in the Desire Housing Project and was living in New Orleans East when Katrina struck. Ivy was an ordinary hard worker, that chose not to evacuate the city. Ivy and her family face serious dangers as they are waiting the storm out in LaQuinta Hotel in New Orleans East. Ivy is rescued by Police Officers, but soon finds herself mistreated and struggling to survive along...

Summary

Otice Morgan [OM], age 24, is a Katrina survivor from New Orleans, Louisiana. Otice was born and raised in New Orleans and had lived there her entire life. Otice’s entire apartment was ruined, as well as, the community she comes from in New Orleans East [NOE]. Otice evacuated early with her family to Pine Grove, Louisiana. Eventually, she moved to Houston where she is now rebuilding her life and family network.

Summary LynnCoya Naquin [LN], age 29, is a Katrina survivor from New Orleans, Louisiana. LN has three children and she currently lives on the Southside of Houston. Prior to the storm, LN lived in Kenner, LA. After Katrina, her apartment became uninhabitable and LN was forced to move away. LN moved to several different cities before deciding to make Houston her home. LN now lives in a bad neighborhood and she believes that her children attend the worst schools in Houston. LN is rebuilding her life...

Summary Phyllis Naquin [PN], age 43, is a Katrina Survivor from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her interview begins with a description of her job in personal care and her duties before the storm. PN took care of her mother up until the time of her death. Her mother died two weeks before Katrina hit. Phyllis then gives a long description of her decision not to evacuate and the aftermath of waking up to rushing waters in her bedroom. She stayed in her New Orleans home for two days, witnessed conditions...

Summary Natasha Parker [NP], age 29, is a Katrina Survivor from New Orleans, Louisiana. Natasha describes herself as a Katrina Survivor who loved New Orleans. NP was born and raised in New Orleans, with the exception of living in Minnesota for 5 years while attending college. NP gives a good description of the New Orleans 7th Ward history and New Orleans East. NP lived in Pine Grove, LA briefly after the storm and then moved to Houston. NP is rebuilding her life in Houston and plans to one day...

Summary James Richard [JR], age 66, is a Katrina survivor from New Orleans, Louisiana. JR is originally from St. Bernard Parish. However, James settled on living in New Orleans East were he had been living for 23 years until Katrina. James enjoyed upgraded living in New Orleans East. JR decided to evacuate to Greensburg, Louisiana. Eventually, he moved to Houston. Interestingly, he believes that Katrina was a work of God. After attempting to live with several relatives, JR contemplated suicide. In...

Summary Elizabeth Thomas [ET], age 62, is a Katrina survivor from New Orleans, Louisiana. Elizabeth was born and raised in New Orleans. She grew up in Uptown New Orleans and was living in New Orleans East when Katrina hit. Elizabeth has a rich family history, unique to New Orleans. Her story highlights the history of debutante balls in New Orleans—in particular, The Original Illinois Club. In addition, she shares stories about the Catholic Religion and traditions unique to the Crescent City. ...

Summary Stephanie Thomas [ST], age 52, is a Katrina survivor from New Orleans, LA [NOLA]. Her interview begins with some brief details of her life in New Orleans before Katrina. Stephanie gives a long description of her experiences during and after the storm as flood waters begin to fill downtown New Orleans. Stephanie and her family had evacuated to a hotel in downtown New Orleans. They were on the fourth floor of the hotel when water began to rise and fill the hotel. Stephanie, her husband, her...

Summary Michael Wingate Jr. [MW], age 34, is a Katrina survivor from New Orleans, LA. A graduate of Xavier University, MW was serving as a Minister and Finance Manager at The Upperroom Bible Church. MW chose not to evacuate because he thought he would be safe in New Orleans. MW experienced a week long evacuation process after Katrina hit. In particular, he swam through lots of contaminated water looking for food and met several people on his way to the Superdome. His life was threatened by the...

Summary Courtney Wright [CM], age 33, is a Katrina survivor from New Orleans, Louisiana. Courtney and her husband [Adrian], along with their 6 month old son [Adrian David Wright Jr. (AJ)], evacuated to Baton Rouge just hours before Katrina hit. A former employee, of the New Orleans Civil District Clerk’s Office, CM is now unemployed and living in Houston with her husband and son. Courtney’s immediate family—mother, father and sisters, are all still living in Louisiana. CM discusses the struggles of...