New Orleans' Rich and Unique Culture Will Survive, Experts Say

Community is key to preserving cultures as rich and diverse as New Orleans' after a disaster like Hurricane Katrina, said panelists at the Equal Opportunity/ Cultural Diversity Forum held during the Realtors Conference & Expo in New Orleans.

James Elliott, associate professor of sociology, jointly appointed at the University of Oregon and Tulane University, said that New Orleans was built on localized, tight knit neighborhoods and residents of those neighborhoods were deeply rooted in their community. Elliott pointed out that neighborhoods bring people together, and as people return to their neighborhoods to rebuild their lives and their homes, they will preserve, alter and create the cultural uniqueness of New Orleans.

"Culture is community, and the culture of New Orleans is inevitable, and it will come back," said Elliott. "People are here, rebuilding and living in New Orleans, and when people come together they create culture. It's just going to depend on what pieces come together to form that culture."

Panelist Preston Jay Waite, associate director for decennial census, U.S. Census Bureau, told Realtors that a new nationwide bureau survey, the American Community Survey, can serve as an excellent research tool for them and provide them with a fresh look at how communities are changing. Waite said the survey provides demographic, socio-economic and housing information about America's communities every year -- information that previously was only available once a decade. He said the survey attempts to keep pace with the nation's changing population and ever-increasing demands for timely and relevant data about the population and housing characteristics.

"This new information is going to help Realtors, local governments and organizations make better business and community decisions," said Waite. "Having current, up-to-date information on our communities and populations can help determine which neighborhoods have the greatest need or would benefit the most from new businesses, schools or senior centers."