New Orleans Five Years Later: Pioneers Reveal a City of Hope, Leadership and Innovation
August 26, 2010As the city of New Orleans approaches its five-year mark since Hurricane Katrina’s war-path, three Keppler Speakers – Soledad O’Brien, former mayor Ray Nagin, and “Katrina General” Russel Honoré – reflect on the crescent city’s progress and the major changes that have led to the city’s remarkable recovery. Sharing stories and insight from the frontlines, the acclaimed journalist, retired general, and former mayor tackle the tough issues and give hope for the future.
CNN’s special investigations correspondent Soledad O’Brien brings attention to the story of post-Katrina New Orleans by revisiting the neglected people and neighborhoods in the aftermath of the disaster in yet another CNN special report. An acclaimed journalist and host of CNN’s In America documentaries, O’Brien emphasizes the importance of recognizing diversity among the Latino, African American and even Creole Americans, whether it's in the media, educational opportunities, in the workplace or mentoring. With a never-give-up-attitude and strong work ethic, she wholly believes education - and a diverse outlook - is a means to achieve
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Dubbed by the media as the "Category 5 General" who led Task Force Katrina, Lt. General Russel Honoré has been instrumental in raising awareness about the need to create a culture of preparedness. The city was ill-equipped and unprepared to deal with such a terrible disaster, yet the no-nonsense leader and Commander of Joint Task Force Katrina restored order amidst chaos. He emphasizes the tools and measures we can take to respond to the unexpected and uncontrollable, and advises on the differences between “leadership” and “management.” Honoré joined CNN as the emergency preparedness contributor to CNN Worldwide in 2008. Watch this exclusive video now.
In the midst of New Orleans’s progress, former Mayor Ray Nagin helped transform the city's education system. Promoting the importance of cooperation and civic engagement at all levels, especially young people, the lyrical, compelling speaker demonstrates that working together, investing in people, and moving forward can lead to overcoming obstacles, even in the worst of disasters.
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