Ironton, a small incorporated community in Louisiana, was devastated by Hurricane Ida. But the destruction was not inevitable. Founded by freed people who were previously enslaved, Ironton residents had to fight for running water, sewage – and levees. Federally funded levees built after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 stopped short of Ironton, leaving homes to flood during Hurricane Ida. Now, this historic Black community is left to rebuild yet again.

Additional reporting and production by Jocelyn Tabancay Duffy.


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