PR in the Philippines

New Orleans, Louisiana Apr 20, 2025 – With Earth Day approaching on April 22nd, stakeholders in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward are reflecting on their progress in developing the community with a focus on environmental and economic sustainability.

As August 29, 2025, nears, the city will mark twenty years since Hurricane Katrina’s devastating impact on New Orleans. A key question remains: How have coastal communities strategically tackled interconnected issues such as flooding, environmental concerns, community preservation, economic development, and sustainability?

In the Lower Ninth Ward, residents and stakeholders united to prioritize the community’s recovery. Sankofa CDC’s resilience is a driving force behind the area’s resurgence. The community is now home to approximately 7,500 residents, compared to the 14,000 before Hurricane Katrina.

According to Rashida Ferdinand, founder and executive director of Sankofa CDC: “Sankofa Community Development Corporation is dedicated to building healthier communities for future generations. Since 2008, we’ve concentrated on delivering flood protection, food access, and economic opportunities to the Lower Ninth Ward. We achieve this by valuing community input and collaborating with stakeholders and experts to transform neglected land into community-focused establishments.”

Sankofa CDC’s work is setting a precedent in the community, where:

• homeowners comprise 48% of the population;
• fewer than 25 businesses operate on main streets (mostly convenience stores);
• the median household income is $40,960; and
• Black residents make up 84% of the population.*

Recreation & Relief at the Wetland Park & Nature Trail
The Sankofa Wetland Park & Nature Trail project is developing 40 acres of a previously degraded natural area on Florida Ave., adjacent to the Bayou Bienvenue Wetland Triangle. The project aims to convert the land into a restored ecosystem and natural wildlife habitat for recreation, environmental education, and flood defense. In 2017, Sankofa secured the rights to transform the site through a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the City of New Orleans. To date, 20 acres have been developed and are open to the public for recreational activities, supporting the return of native wildlife, plants, and animals.

Food Access in the Ninth Ward
The Sankofa Fresh Start Market, the Lower Ninth Ward’s only green grocery store, offers 1,600 sq. ft. of space with a variety of healthy, whole foods to address the community’s nutritional needs.

A “Main Street” Corridor
Sankofa CDC is actively working to revitalize the St. Claude Avenue commercial corridor in the Lower Ninth Ward. The aim is to promote health-focused revitalization and address long-standing disinvestment in the area. As a result, the organization has earned a Main Street America designation, recognizing its commitment to “strengthening older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts nationwide.”

The Future for Sankofa CDC & the Lower Ninth Ward
In the coming 5-10 years, Sankofa CDC will work with the City of New Orleans, planners, and partners to develop the remaining 20 acres at the Wetland Park & Nature Trail, including an outdoor amphitheater, stormwater management infrastructure, water quality systems, and expanded programming. Sankofa CDC anticipates completing all 40 acres of the Wetland Park by 2026.

Additionally, there are plans to build a Lower Ninth Ward Main Street headquarters with community space and retail areas along the St. Claude corridor.

To find out more, volunteer, or donate, visit [website address] and follow @sankofanola504 on Facebook and Instagram.

*5-year American Community Survey 2019-2023 for Census data; Sankofa CDC and Google research for business data