StoryCorps committed many of the Houston interview slots to people who fled New Orleans because of Hurricane Katrina. Gathering first-person accounts from those who sought shelter in Houston was the idea. The first “Katrina Evacuees” to share their stories were Robert and Rita Hunter and they didn’t disappoint. Their interview was one of the rawest and most powerful performances of the bunch.
Rob recounts specific tragedies he’s survived…..including youthful days on the streets of the “Crescent City” selling crack cocaine, being shot three times, once in the face and almost dying, being arrested twice and spending time in jail and finally watching Hurricane Katrina destroy their home. Rob says “tragedies are designed to shape you, not terminate you”. He refers to Hurricane Katrina as a “blessing” because it led to the new life he, his wife Rita and their children have in Houston. His account is moving and a graphic tale of redemption. One KUHF listener described the Hunter’s story as a “movie script”.
For more information or if you would like to tell your story to KUHF, contact Paul Pendergraft at PPendergraft@KUHF.org.