
K16 & L9WHA 15
August 23, 2021 - August 29, 2021
The L9WHA presented a series of programs to commemorate the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the 15th anniversary of the founding of L9WHA.
We used this time to reflect at one of the memorial services, pay tribute to those who helped to rebuild the community, and celebrate our triumphs over this catastrophic event. These programs took place via the L9WHA Facebook page and in the community.

L9WHA Presents Linda Jackson Good Neighbor Awards Ceremony
Monday, August 23, 2021, 6 p.m. (CST)
Linda Jackson was the founder of L9WHA and a community activist. The nine honorees will be presented with an award from L9WHA and a proclamation from Councilwoman Cyndi Nyguen’s office.
The purpose of the L9WHA Linda Jackson Good Neighbor Award is to embrace and reward the qualities of being a good neighbor.
This award recognizes individuals who possess the qualities of dependability, service, and leadership in their homes and communities. This award also recognizes individuals who exercise neighborly qualities of volunteerism, leadership, and care in their communities. These neighbors are nominated by their community and selected by L9WHA staff because they demonstrate these characteristics. Read more about the award.
The 2021 Linda Jackson Good Neighbor Award Recipients are:
Darren McKinney
Hattie Craft
Jill Robinson
Kermit Gary
Darrel Lawrence
Hazzert Gillette
Doris Wyman
Aaron Mercadel
Rev Richard Bell
Watch the ceremony here
Presentation by Metropolitan Human Services District
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
5:30 p.m. (CST)
Virtual via L9WHA Facebook Live
Metropolitan Human Services District (MHSD) is one of ten Local Governing Entities (LGE) serving persons with Mental Health Disorders, Addictive Disorders and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities in Louisiana. Their mission is to ensure person-centered support and services are available and provided to eligible individuals with mental illness, addictive disorders and intellectual/developmental disabilities in Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Bernard parishes. This program will be presented by a member of their Behavioral Health Emergency Response Team (Crisis Counselor) and facilitated L9WHA staff.
Watch the recording here
L9 Homecoming: A Conversation with Community Members
Thursday, August 26, 2021
6 p.m. (CST)
Virtual via L9WHA Facebook Live
A moderated conversation with New Orleans residents to discuss why they continue to call the L9 home and/or why they haven’t returned home.
Some of the topics we will explore include: “Why do people continue to call the Lower 9th Ward home after Hurricane Katrina? Why haven’t some folks returned home?
The program facilitator and panelist will be announced.

Yoga with
Swan River Yoga
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
7:00 a.m. (CST)
Deslonde Street at the Mississippi River
Join Swan River Yoga Arabi and the Lower 9th Ward Homeowner's Association for a commemorative yoga class on Wednesday, August 25, from 7-8 am.
We will move and breathe together in the support of community and the power of collective healing. This class will be beginner-friendly and accessible for all levels of practitioner! Come as you are.
Participants must bring their own yoga mat & refillable water bottle.
Learn more about Swan River Yoga
https://www.swanriveryogaarabi.com/
Cost: Free, donation suggested

L9 Community Resource Fair
Saturday, August 28, 2021 (Canceled Hurricane Ida)
12 - 4 p.m. (CST)
Oliver Bush Park
2500 Caffin Ave, New Orleans
The purpose of the community resource fair is to share information with residents and other businesses in the L9 community by offering resources--materials, activities, and giveaways in one location. A full list of participating organizations and businesses can be downloaded here.
The L9 Community Resource Fair is hosted by the L9WHA, Holy Cross Neighborhood Association, Lower 9 Neighborhood Association, and Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen's Office.

16th Anniversary Katrina – March & Second Line
Sunday, August 29, 2021 (Canceled Hurricane Ida)
Noon
Jourdan Avenue at the Levee Breech
A healing march and second line held right against the backdrop of where the levees broke in the Lower Ninth Ward. Community members gather for a multi-faith prayer and a reading of the names of those who died during Hurricane Katrina.
This program is coordinated by Sess 4-5 & Robert Green.
L9WHA staff will issue face masks and water while supplies.
