Summary James Martin Craig [JC], age 53, who survived Hurricane Katrina, is from New Orleans, Louisiana [NOLA]. He begins his interview with details of the schools he attended, his military career and his employment background. JC remembers the crisis he and his wife faced prior to the hurricane and having to make a decision of whether to evacuate or stay based on this crisis. Devastated at the thought of leaving his wife behind in her present state, JC began his more than fifteen hour journey...

Summary

Brenda H. Fournette, a native New Orleanian, wife and mother of two children shares her experience of growing up in a Christian environment in New Orleans. She remembers many of her family’s traditions and opportunities for family gatherings. She reflects on how close she and her family are and how God has brought them through this time of separation since Katrina.

Summary

Patricia L. Hatcher [PH] is thankful for the opportunity to share in the project. She grew up in the uptown area of New Orleans with her parents and eight siblings. PH has many memories of her child in New Orleans and describes some of her family’s traditions. She gives insight of her travel from New Orleans to Katy, Texas where she now calls home.

Summary

Ms. Thomas talks about her life growing up in New Orleans and her many struggles to survive everyday life trying to make ends meet. She recalls how the younger generation in the family kept everyone in contact with one another though their knowledge and use of their cell phones. She believes her family is highly favored by God, and it is that faith that has kept her family together and strong.

Summary

Ms. Whittington grew up in the city of New Orleans and remembers many opportunities she and her family shared during family gatherings. She was unable to leave the city because of transportation issues and had to be rescued after being submerged in rising waters for fifteen to seventeen hours. She is thankful to God for her two sons who because of their level-headedness and calming spirituals saved her life.