I had the opportunity to visit New Orleans recently during the Essence Festival. This is the place that provided me with one of my fondest memories when Mayor Sidney Barthelemy presented me with the key to the city on November 10th, 1990 and made me an honorary citizen. Since It was my first time returning to NOLA after hurricane Katrina, I was anxious to tour the place I once called my surrogate home to see first hand how this beautiful city was damaged.
It was a hot and humid day, and to top it off it all we were in the middle heavy rain downpour. Even though the conditions were bad, it was perfect for the type of experience I wanted to encounter. What's amazing to me is that even during a passing storm that particular area was flooded. I can't even imagine what it must have been like the day the Katrina hit.
BELOW: Swizz Beats.
BELOW: Looking through the window.
BELOW: After the storm, all that remained of a place someone once called home was the foundation.
BELOW: Someone thought that we were looters and alerted the military.
BELOW: After realizing who we were, they allowed us to continue photographing the area.
BELOW: Don't stop the music.
BELOW: Magnolia Housing Project.
BELOW: The Magnolia Gated Community.
BELOW: Photographer Jonathan Mannion
