Hurricane Katrina: One Year Later
The date August 29, 2005 will forever be synonymous with arguably the worst natural disaster to ever happen on US soil, Hurricane Katrina. Being a Louisiana native and resident, Katrina has affected my life both directly and indirectly. Although my house didn’t sustain too much damage, it was evident when I returned home that it was not the type of storm to stick around for. Several roads and neighborhoods looked as if it were a scene out of a movie. Living out of a duffle bag with a family for 3 weeks until you get the ok to return back home wasn’t the most gratifying feeling either. As the damage was assessed and the body toll kept climbing, you began to appreciate just having somewhere to lay your head at night.
Today marks the one year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Streets that used to be filled with kids are bare and neighborhoods that were considered nice and well kept are filled with temporary housing and uncut lawns. It’s been a full year since the storm and my hometown of Slidell (30 miles outside of New Orleans) still isn’t all the way back to normal. My brother has moved to Dallas, TX and my sister is now living in Georgia as a result of Katrina. 24-hour stores now close at 8:00 and schools have been forced to merge together. The mere thought of another hurricane landing in Louisiana any time soon is depressing in itself. With all of the negative attention New Orleans was receiving from Hurricane Katrina, who would have thought the ray of sunlight would come in the form of an EX middleweight champion trying to make history in the light heavyweight division.
Bernard Hopkins’ story is well documented. He grew up in the tough streets of Philadelphia, Pa. and found himself doing time in Graterford State Penitentiary at the age of 17. He overcame many setbacks to become the undisputed middleweight champion of the world. After a record 20 straight title defenses, Hopkins lost 2 back-to-back controversial decisions to Jermain Taylor. Shortly after, Bernard, who was looking to close out his boxing career, set his sights on becoming the light heavyweight champion of the world. Being a career middleweight, Hopkins would have to bulk up. He called on New Orleans native and legendary trainer, Mackie Shilstone. The date was set for June 10, 2006. Bernard Hopkins, a ring legend, against the self proclaimed “Legend Killer” Antonio Tarver. Aware of the situation in New Orleans, Hopkins chose to have camp for the biggest fight of his career in New Orleans. He couldn’t have chosen a better place. Hopkins was coming off of a setback similar to the situation in New Orleans. Hopkins was also the underdog in this fight, much like New Orleans. Bernard worked diligently in a city that needed a boost. Often he would let citizens come and watch his preparation for his showdown with Tarver. I guess it was his way of showing the city that it was ok to be the underdog. On the night of June 10th, 2006, Bernard Hopkins became the first middleweight ever to go straight from the middleweight division to the light heavyweight division and become champion with a unanimous decision win over Tarver. He did it through hard work and determination - the two ingredients New Orleans will need to rebuild.
As we honor the one year anniversary of the legendary storm Katrina today, let’s not forget to honor August 18th for the legendary fighter, Bernard Hopkins. Mayor Ray Nagin of New Orleans has named this day “Bernard Hopkins” day in the city of New Orleans. While many fighters would have probably chosen to stay away from New Orleans during these times, Bernard did it the way he always had in the past…his way! Thanks to Team Hopkins for letting New Orleans share a part of your victory. We will rebuild New Orleans!
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