Ray Nagin Returns to Spotlight 20 Years After Katrina
*A few days ago, former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin made a dramatic return to the public eye. He delivered his first speech in over 10 years at Household of Faith Church in Harvey, Louisiana.
Nagin, who led the city through Hurricane Katrina in 2005, addressed a crowd during Sunday service, marking nearly two decades since the storm devastated New Orleans. (Scroll down to watch Nagin’s FULL speech)
Nagin Reflects on Evacuations and Federal Delays
Nagin described the chaos of Katrina’s last-minute shift in direction. “At first they said it was going to Alabama… then Mississippi… and finally, they said she’s heading for you,” he said.
He proudly noted that 96% of residents were evacuated before the storm hit. But he slammed the federal government’s response, saying it took seven days to evacuate the remaining 4% from the Convention Center. “They can send an aircraft carrier in days,” he said, “but took a week for buses.”
Scroll to continue reading
The “Chocolate City” Speech: Defended and Reframed
Nagin revisited his infamous 2006 “Chocolate City” speech, which sparked controversy nationwide. He claimed it was a reaction to local business leaders pushing to keep poor and Black residents from returning to the city.
“They said we don’t want the city the way it was. We don’t want poor people back. We want to start demolishing,” he recalled. Nagin said he spoke out because “it had been [a Chocolate City] from the beginning” and it was “the way God wants it to be.”
Billions Secured, But Scandal Followed
Despite controversies, Nagin highlighted his administration’s success in securing billions in federal funds. This included money for new levees, hospitals, public housing, and infrastructure improvements post-Katrina.
But his legacy was later tarnished by a 2014 federal conviction on corruption charges. He was found guilty of bribery, fraud, and money laundering, serving five and a half years in prison before relocating to Texas.
Nagin Says Corruption Case Was “Manufactured”
In his emotional 2025 speech, Nagin suggested his legal troubles were politically motivated. “The negative press started… they leak information, manipulate public opinion,” he said. “They manufactured charges against me.”
He implied parallels between his situation and that of current Mayor LaToya Cantrell, who is reportedly under legal scrutiny herself. The subtext: political games haven’t changed much.
Faith, Silence, and a Message of Resilience
Breaking a nearly decade-long silence, Nagin said, “God told me to be quiet and just wait.” He credited his faith for keeping him strong during his time away from the spotlight.
He opened his speech with, “I greet you all in the spirit of peace… I greet you all in the spirit of love.” It marked a softer, more reflective tone from the once-fiery politician.
Why Ray Nagin’s Comeback Speech Matters
Nagin’s reappearance is more than just a Katrina anniversary moment—it’s a public test of reputation, legacy, and accountability. His words reflect a man attempting to reclaim narrative and possibly forgiveness.
Whether the public will accept his redemption arc remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Ray Nagin is speaking again—and people are listening.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Katrina 20 Years Later: Race, Resilience and Recovery
Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE.
