Ep 1. If God is Willing and Da Creek Pt 1

If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise is a four-part documentary series by Spike Lee, depicting the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the efforts of the people of New Orleans to rebuild their city. The series explores the various social, political and economic factors that contributed to the disaster and how they continue to shape the city's future.

In the first episode of the series, titled "If God is Willing and Da Creek Pt 1", we are introduced to several residents of New Orleans, each with their own unique story to tell. From the flood victims who lost everything to the politicians and activists who fought for change, the episode highlights the diverse perspectives that make up the city's rich cultural fabric.

We first meet Gilda, a resident of the Lower 9th Ward who lost her home in the flood and is now living in a FEMA trailer that leaks whenever it rains. She recounts the horrors of being trapped in her attic for four days with her two dogs and the trauma of losing her possessions and memories in the flood.

Next, we encounter Phyllis Montana-Leblanc, an actress and resident of the Algiers neighborhood, who shares her experiences of being trapped in her home with her husband and young son during the storm. She describes the chaos and confusion as the levees broke and the water steadily rose higher and higher.

We are then introduced to the political landscape of New Orleans, with interviews from Ray Nagin, the city's mayor at the time of Hurricane Katrina, and Barack Obama, then a senator from Illinois. Nagin defends his controversial decision to order a mandatory evacuation of the city, while Obama discusses the government's failures in responding to the disaster.

The episode also features interviews with activists like Tracie Washington, a civil rights attorney who fought for environmental justice for the residents of New Orleans, particularly those in low-income and minority communities who were disproportionately affected by the storm.

Throughout the episode, footage of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina is interspersed with scenes of the city's residents starting to rebuild their homes and communities. Whether it's Gilda struggling to fix her leaky trailer or Phyllis working with a church group to clean up her neighborhood, the resilience and determination of the people of New Orleans shine through.

Overall, "If God is Willing and Da Creek Pt 1" sets the tone for the rest of the series, introducing us to the people and issues that will be explored in more depth in subsequent episodes. Through powerful storytelling and personal accounts, the episode provides a glimpse into the lives of those affected by Hurricane Katrina and the ongoing efforts to rebuild New Orleans.