Milvirtha Hendricks facts for kids

Milvirtha Knight Hendricks (born February 27, 1920 – died July 20, 2009) was an African American woman whose photograph became a powerful symbol of survival after Hurricane Katrina. On September 1, 2005, she was photographed by Eric Gay of the Associated Press outside the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. In the picture, she was wrapped in an American flag blanket, trying to stay dry in the rain. This was just two days after Hurricane Katrina caused massive damage in New Orleans. Her image showed the strength and struggles of many people who lived through the storm.

Early Life and Family

Milvirtha Hendricks was born in 1920 in Louisiana. She was a widow and, with her husband, raised ten children. Her husband worked hard as a laborer to support their large family.

Facing Hurricane Katrina

Milvirtha Hendricks lived with her daughter in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, on Tennessee Avenue. Their home was very close to the Industrial Canal levee. Like many people in New Orleans, she did not own a car. This made it harder to leave when a big storm approached.

As Hurricane Katrina moved closer to the Gulf Coast, Milvirtha packed a suitcase. She left the house she had known for many years, the one she and her husband bought in 1970. This was the only home she had ever lived in.

Evacuation and New Beginnings

The rising floodwaters from the hurricane forced Milvirtha to leave her home. She went to her son's house in New Orleans East. During the rescue efforts, she had to board a boat to safety. Sadly, during this time, she lost all her belongings.

After the hurricane, Milvirtha Hendricks was reunited with her daughter. She moved to an apartment in Houston, Texas. Before that, she had been temporarily evacuated to Arkansas. According to a news article from August 28, 2006, Milvirtha remembered very little about her difficult experience after losing her belongings.

Later Years and Legacy

Milvirtha Hendricks spent her final years living peacefully. She passed away in Houston, Texas, on July 20, 2009, at the age of 89. Her body was brought back to New Orleans for her funeral services, and she was buried there. She is survived by seven of her ten children. Her photograph remains a lasting reminder of the human impact of Hurricane Katrina.