11. Central City, New Orleans
Central City has been a cornerstone of Black culture and music in New Orleans, nurturing generations of jazz musicians and civil rights leaders. After World War II, the neighborhood faced population loss, economic decline, and intensifying segregation. The devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 brought renewed hardships, displacing residents and deepening existing inequalities. For more on Central City’s rich past and ongoing recovery, see NOLA.com and local archives.
