Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘Katrina: Come Hell and High Water’ marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and brings together the voices of survivors, first responders, and community leaders who lived through one of America’s most devastating natural disasters. The documentary reflects on the storm’s lasting impact, systemic failures, and stories of resilience. Among those interviewed is Gralen Banks, who lost his home in the catastrophic flooding but chose to stay and rebuild in New Orleans. His story embodies determination and the enduring spirit of those who refused to abandon their city.
Gralen Banks Lost His Home and All of His Belongings in the Hurricane
Gralen Bryant Banks was born on August 17, 1961, and had lived his entire life in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana. His roots in the neighborhood ran deep as he was the fourth generation of his family to call the area home. Over the decades, the Banks family had weathered economic hardships, neighborhood changes, and storms that swept through the Gulf Coast, but nothing could prepare them for what Hurricane Katrina would bring. In late August 2005, Gralen, his wife, and their young daughter took precautions as they always had by boarding up windows, gathering supplies, and bracing for the storm.
But Katrina was different. When the levees broke, a torrent of water swallowed their home and everything in it. He recalled the moment as surreal as she watched decades of family memories, photographs, and hard work disappear beneath filthy floodwaters. Displaced and devastated, the family faced not only the loss of their home but also the chaos that followed. Aid was slow to arrive, and Gralen spoke of the confusion, mismanagement, and feeling abandoned by authorities. Yet, through heartbreak, he chose to stay in New Orleans, determined to rebuild.
Gralen Banks is an Active and Politically Prominent Voice of His Community
After Hurricane Katrina, Gralen and his family moved into a FEMA trailer that was stationed close enough for him to see the roof of his home. Years passed in that cramped space, but he remained optimistic about staying, rebuilding, and holding onto the essence of the place he had always called home. During this period, he welcomed a granddaughter into the world and it became another reason to keep moving forward despite the difficulties. In 2008, still waiting for his house to be rebuilt, he temporarily moved into a friend’s home. He continued to share his story of resilience on NPR’s ‘Tell Me More,’ where he was featured from 2007 to 2009 and became a voice for those determined to restore New Orleans. Then came Hurricane Gustav, which forced him to evacuate once again.
Eventually, Gralen relocated to Baton Rouge before finally returning to New Orleans, where he has since rebuilt not only his life but also his community. Today, he stands as a symbol of pride and is actively involved in cultural and social organizations that celebrate and preserve the city’s spirit. He is a proud member of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club and the Black Men of Labor. These groups are committed to uplifting their community, preserving African American traditions, and promoting social solidarity. Gralen’s journey reflects more than survival as it embodies the strength of a man who refused to abandon his roots and now serves as an example for future generations.
Gralen Banks is Thriving in His Career as an Actor Today
Today, Gralen Banks is regarded as one of New Orleans’ most dynamic and enduring talents. He is an actor whose journey from the Ninth Ward to the big screen is nothing short of remarkable. His breakout came in 2008 with a small but memorable role in ‘Who Do You Love’, setting the stage for a career defined by versatility. Over the years, he has delivered standout performances in projects that have earned him critical praise, including playing Deacon Jackson in ‘The Banker’ in 2020, Walter Bell in ‘The Burial’ in 2023 alongside Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones, and Sergeant Hank in ‘Hit Man’ in 2023, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to significant acclaim.
In recent years, Gralen has embraced a wave of exciting roles and has shown his range as both a character actor and a leading presence. He portrayed Blakeley in ‘Nickel Boys’ in 2024, a performance hailed for its quiet intensity, and Dr. Jacobson in ‘Brothers’ in 2024 alongside Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage. His role as Patterson in ‘Sinners’ in 2025 opposite Michael B. Jordan has further cemented his place in the industry. Earlier appearances in ‘Queen & Slim’ in 2019 and as Choo Choo Broussard in ‘Cloak & Dagger’ in 2018 helped cement his reputation as a versatile actor who is unafraid of complex roles. Outside of acting, Gralen remains deeply tied to his New Orleans roots. He is active in the NOLA resistance, advocating for cultural preservation and social justice within the city. He is friends with artists like Snoop Dogg, Janelle Monáe, and Daniel Kaluuya, and he frequently uses his platform to elevate the voices of his community.
Read More: Valerie Jeanmarie: Where is Katrina Survivor Now?
