ColorOfChange.org changing the color of democracy

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf Coast in August and September of 2005, upending the lives of 1.5 million people and putting Black folks' lack of political and social power front and center for all the world to see.

The storms magnified racial disparities in the U.S., and no place demonstrated this more clearly than New Orleans, where 80% of the city was submerged after Katrina. Out of this devastation, ColorOfChange was born.

This month the ColorofChange blog will feature some key events in contemporary Black history, almost all of which coincide with campaigns the organization has taken on. We'll be offering you a catalogue of 21st century Black American history and showcasing the stories at the center of our work.

Each event we'll highlight lifts up the power that you -- our members -- have flexed while shaping history for all Black Americans and our allies. This Black History Month we're celebrating what our community has done to create a powerful online lobby that didn't exist prior to the devastating hurricane that hit the Gulf Coast just over six years ago.