As the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, various voices from New Orleans reflect on the lasting impact of the storm, which remains a pivotal event in American history. Despite significant improvements in disaster preparedness, many lessons from Katrina have yet to be fully implemented. Survivors share their experiences of loss and resilience, while discussions about the future of New Orleans highlight the importance of its culture and community strength. Issues concerning the aging levees and the need for further upgrades remind us that the lessons learned must not be forgotten. The effects of climate change and the ongoing challenges in disaster response policy bring into focus the urgency of addressing vulnerabilities as New Orleans continues to evolve in a changing world.