Uncovering the Truth After Katrina

Sandy Rosenthal’s journey illuminates the importance of activism in the fight for justice and disaster accountability in New Orleans

Sandy Rosenthal, founder of Levees.org, details her investigation into Hurricane Katrina’s levee failures, overcoming challenges, and inspiring others to demand accountability and truth for affected communities through her advocacy.

Amid the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent levee failures in New Orleans, one woman’s determination to uncover the truth sparked a movement that would reshape disaster accountability. Sandy Rosenthal, founder of the non-profit Levees.org, has become a beacon of resilience and advocacy, challenging powerful institutions and demanding transparency. Her book, Words Whispered in Water, chronicles her relentless pursuit to expose the Army Corps of Engineers’ role in the catastrophe and their attempts to conceal their mistakes.

In an enlightening interview, Rosenthal shares her journey from suspicion to revelation, detailing the challenges she faced in establishing Levees.org and the strategies that proved effective in her fight for justice. She reflects on the personal impact of her work, the accolades she has received, and the importance of maintaining balance through her diverse interests.

Sandy Rosenthal is a remarkable advocate whose relentless pursuit of truth and justice inspires countless individuals to stand up for their communities.

Rosenthal’s initial suspicion regarding the official explanations for the levee failures arose when she read testimonies presented at early congressional hearings after Katrina. These testimonies aligned with her own theories, igniting her investigation into the true causes of the disaster. “I started by asking hard questions,” she recalls. “When I was harassed or ridiculed for asking these questions, I perceived that as further evidence that my theory was accurate.”

Founding Levees.org during the chaos of the 2005 storm was a remarkable feat. Among the numerous challenges she faced, Rosenthal highlights the barrage of vicious anonymous comments targeting her and her teenage son that persisted for years. “I prevailed by viewing the abusive comments as free advice,” she explains. “Information is often lurking in the words of people with a hidden agenda, especially when they speak in shrill tones.”

Despite the adversity, Rosenthal and her team managed to rally 25,000 supporters and establish chapters in five states. This growth was propelled by their efforts to draft federal legislation that would call for an independent investigation into the levee failures. Though the investigation was ultimately not realized, the movement garnered significant attention and support, particularly from those living outside Louisiana.

Her advocacy has not gone unnoticed. Rosenthal has received numerous accolades, including Outstanding Social Entrepreneur of the Year from Tulane University and Most Influential Woman from Mount Holyoke College. “The awards serve as proof to my supporters that their help is generating results and that their time has been well invested,” she states. “They also help garner more support because media attention to the awards extends the reach of my organization’s message.”

In Words Whispered in Water, Rosenthal emphasizes the necessity of exposing misconduct by large organizations and bureaucracies. Her most effective tools in compelling the media and government to acknowledge the truth have been Public Record Requests (PRRs) and requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). “I feel that these tools are underutilized,” she notes. “Responses to PRRs and FOIAs often provide surprising and important information not widely known.”

To fellow citizen activists, she advises, “Ask a reasonable question, make a valid point, and back it up with data.” This formula, she asserts, is key to capturing media attention and holding large organizations accountable.

Rosenthal’s connection to New Orleans profoundly influences her activism. “If I ever questioned my decision and passion to find the truth, all I had to do was look around me,” she reflects. “I was surrounded by people who had suffered losses—homes, jobs, loved ones. I feel closer to the people of New Orleans because we experienced and survived a catastrophe together.”

Beyond her activism, Rosenthal engages in various activities, from playing tennis and practicing yoga to dancing to zydeco music. “Hardly a day has passed since August 29, 2005, when I haven’t exercised,” she shares. “I believe physical exercise keeps the mind healthy and prevents burnout. It makes big problems seem smaller; they don’t go away completely, but they become solvable.”

Sandy Rosenthal’s unwavering commitment to truth and justice serves as an inspiration to many. Her journey demonstrates how one individual’s advocacy can ignite change and motivate others to stand up for their communities. Through her work, she continues to illuminate the path toward accountability and resilience in the face of adversity.