Hello Comrades —

This week, we’re reflecting on 17 years since Hurricane Katrina. It’s hard to put into words the loss from that storm, the trauma that was left in its wake, and the harms that have come from the ongoing disaster that is neoliberalism. We remember those who we’ve lost, and the people who were never allowed to return to this city.

We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again — Katrina wasn’t the disaster, the response was. And those real-time policy failures from 17 years ago continue to plague our city. From dismantled public housing that has exacerbated our current housing crisis, to our gutted public schools that ushered in a failing, union-busting charter system, those who led the response then have left us where we are today.

To say it once more — the disaster is capitalism. And the disaster repeats itself unless we intervene together. As an organization, we’re taking aim and fighting back against those who feed off the labor and time of the working class. We hope you can join us as we continue the struggle.

Solidarity forever,

New Orleans DSA Local Council

Here’s how we’re fighting this week:

• Wednesday at 7pm our Municipal Action / Voter Guide Team will hold its second meeting to discuss the current state of electoral politics, and the upcoming November elections. Join that discussion as we dive deeper into the current state of city politics here.
  
  

• This week, we’re also marking one year since our city and region was left without power for weeks following Hurricane Ida. On Thursday at 7pm, our Entergy Municipalization campaign will be taking on some big questions on how to organize people power against our for-profit utility company that failed us during the storm, and continues to plague the working class. How will we move forward? Join that call here.
  
  

• Also on Thursday at 6:30pm, Our Political Education Working Group will be meeting at Parish Hall (2533 Columbus Street), with a hybrid zoom option here as well.
  
  

• Finally, we’ll be joining our comrades in the park for our First Annual Cookout on Saturday, September 3rd! We’ve rescheduled from last week, so don’t miss out! We’ll be gathering near the Owen/Butler Fountain in City Park from 2pm onward. All are welcome, bring a friend (or two)!