A Love Letter To The Resilience Of New Orleans
BET Media Group is honoring the heart and soul of the Crescent City with “20 Summers: Rebuilding the Rhythm of New Orleans,” a powerful 15-minute digital special commemorating the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
Through music, poetry, and deeply personal stories, this stirring short film shines a spotlight on how New Orleans’ artists have turned tragedy into art, keeping the city’s cultural heartbeat alive for generations to come.
Executive produced and directed by Yesha Callahan, Head of Content for BET Media Group, “20 Summers” was made in close collaboration with New Orleans natives to ensure the story was told from an insider’s perspective.
Produced by Blair and Brandon Dottin-Haley of The Blairisms and captured by local videographer Khalif Breaux, the film is as authentic as it is moving.
The Voices Keeping The Beat Alive
The documentary features an incredible lineup of talent who embody the spirit and rhythm of New Orleans:
- Tarriona “Tank” Ball – The Grammy-winning, Emmy-nominated frontwoman of Tank and the Bangas shares her memories of navigating post-Katrina chaos as a young girl and finding healing through music.
- PJ Morton – Multi-Grammy-winning musician and songwriter who returned home to weave gospel and soul into the city’s path to recovery.
- Sunni Patterson – The celebrated poet, activist, and cultural worker whose words preserve legacy, survival, and spiritual rebirth.
- Hassan “Ha Sizzle” Matthews – The King of Bounce reflects on how New Orleans’ nightlife and dance floors kept joy alive in the aftermath.
- Jared “Pell” Pellerin – Acclaimed rapper who channels his own story of displacement and resilience into the city’s evolving soundtrack.
A Story Told From Within
“It was important to work with people who live and breathe New Orleans,” says Callahan. “This film is a love letter to the city’s resilience, told through the artists who embody it every day.”
The special blends candid new interviews, rare archival Katrina footage, and dynamic visual design to paint a picture that’s both unflinching and celebratory.
It’s proof that two decades later, the beat of New Orleans still pulses strong.
Where To Watch
“20 Summers: Rebuilding the Rhythm of New Orleans” premiered on BET.com, BET’s YouTube channel, and across BET’s social platforms.
The debut is also paired with a companion editorial series featuring extended interviews with each featured artist.
🔥 If you’ve ever been moved by the music, magic, and spirit of New Orleans, this is a must-watch.
Drop down in the comments and let me know your thoughts after you see it!
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I had no idea PJ Morton was from New Orleans