Honoring 20 years of people-powered progress
Rooted in Us is a storytelling series honoring the people who have led transformation across the Gulf South since Hurricane Katrina. Through personal reflections from W.K. Kellogg Foundation grantees, community leaders and cultural elders, these stories celebrate hard-won progress — while holding space for remembrance and the ongoing work to build a just future.
Stories of impact: Where change takes root
Hear from the advocates, artists, policy experts, educators, entrepreneurs and community leaders who have shaped recovery and reimagined systems across New Orleans and Mississippi. These firsthand reflections capture two decades of local leadership — and the ongoing work to expand equity and opportunity so that every child can thrive.
New Documentary: Hope in High Water
We are proud to support “Hope in High Water: A People’s Recovery Twenty Years After Hurricane Katrina,” a new documentary from Pulitzer Prize- and Emmy Award-winning journalist Trymaine Lee.
Through intimate, on-the-ground storytelling in New Orleans and coastal Mississippi, the documentary explores the people and grassroots organizations that have spent the last 20 years rebuilding and reimagining what’s possible.
How to watch
WKKF Grantee Events Calendar
Across New Orleans and Mississippi, WKKF grantees are hosting powerful gatherings to reflect, connect and inspire action around the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. From community forums and cultural celebrations to policy roundtables and youth-led events, these moments honor local leadership and spotlight the ongoing work to advance equity, opportunity and healing.
Check back regularly for more event information
Community Premiere Screenings
Hundreds of people gathered in New Orleans and Biloxi, Miss., for special screenings of the documentary. The communities came together to reflect, honor and share stories of perseverance and progress over the past two decades.
Born After the Storm
Born After the Storm is a youth-produced podcast by 15 New Orleans high school students who are too young to remember Hurricane Katrina, yet live every day with its lasting impact on their families, schools and neighborhoods. Produced in partnership with Be Loud Studios, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and WWNO public radio, the series shares their perspectives and stories to spark meaningful conversations in classrooms and communities across the city.
New Documentary: Hope in High Water
We are proud to support “Hope in High Water: A People’s Recovery Twenty Years After Hurricane Katrina,” a new documentary from Pulitzer Prize- and Emmy Award-winning journalist Trymaine Lee.
Through intimate, on-the-ground storytelling in New Orleans and coastal Mississippi, the documentary explores the people and grassroots organizations that have spent the last 20 years rebuilding and reimagining what’s possible.
We invite you to join us in New Orleans and Mississippi for two special screening events the week of the anniversary.
Streaming
Available for streaming on Peacock TV
Louisiana
Ashé Powerhouse Theater
1731 Baronne St.
New Orleans, La.
Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Mississippi
Biloxi High School
Performing Arts Center
845 Tribe Dr., Biloxi, Miss.
Monday, Aug. 25, 2025
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Get stories, resources and updates from WKKF
Surrounding the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we’re sharing powerful stories through our Rooted in Us series — plus events, tools and equity-driven news rooted in New Orleans, Mississippi and beyond that helps all children and families thrive.