Protestors gather at FEMA headquarters on Katrina anniversary

Protesters in front of FEMA headquarters, Washington, D.C., Aug. 29

A spirited crowd of about 80 protesters demonstrated in the rain at the Federal Emergency Management Agency in downtown Washington, D.C., on Aug. 29—the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

Speakers from a wide range of groups stressed the need for solidarity and drew connections between what has happened in New Orleans and gentrification efforts in cities across the United States. Placards brought by the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) called for the right of return for Katrina survivors and demanded, “Evict FEMA.”

The protest, one of several across the country, was sponsored by several organizations, including the Right to the City Alliance, ONE DC, Tenants and Workers United, Advancement Project, and Advocates for Environmental Human Rights.