<P> Patterns of Jim Crow segregation against African Americans still ruled in Louisiana in the 1960s . Because of the Great Migration of blacks to the north and west, and growth of other groups in the state, by 1960 the proportion of African Americans in Louisiana had dropped to 32% . The 1,039,207 black citizens were adversely affected by segregation and efforts at disfranchisement . African Americans continued to suffer disproportionate discriminatory application of the state's voter registration rules . Because of better opportunities elsewhere, from 1965 to 1970, blacks continued to migrate from Louisiana, for a net loss of more than 37,000 people . During the latter period, some people began to migrate to cities of the New South for opportunities . </P> <P> The disfranchisement of African Americans did not end until their leadership and activism throughout the South during the Civil Rights Movement gained national attention and Congressional action . This led to securing passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965, with President Lyndon Johnson's leadership as well . By 1968 almost 59% of eligible - age African Americans had registered to vote in Louisiana . Contemporary rates for African - American voter registration and turnout in the state are above 70%, demonstrating the value they give it, a higher rate of participation than for African - American voters outside the South . </P> <P> In August 2005, New Orleans and many other low - lying parts of the state along the Gulf of Mexico were hit by the catastrophic Hurricane Katrina . It caused widespread damage due to breaching of levees and large - scale flooding of more than 80% of the city . Officials issued warnings to evacuate the city and nearby areas, but tens of thousands of people, mostly African Americans, had stayed behind, some stranded, and suffered through the damage of the widespread flood waters . </P> <P> Cut off in many cases from healthy food, medicine or water, or assembled in public spaces without functioning emergency services, more than 1500 people in New Orleans died in the aftermath . Government at all levels had failed to prepare adequately despite severe hurricane warnings, and emergency responses were slow . The state faced a humanitarian crisis stemming from conditions in many locations and the large tide of evacuating citizens, especially the city of New Orleans . Today, Louisiana is developing in several new industries including film and technology . New Orleans has recently gained the title of the fastest growing city in the United States and the Hollywood of the South . Louisiana has also been declared one of the happiest state's due to the many festivals and customs of her citizens . </P>

Between 1880 and 1930 which of the following was the 2nd largest city in louisiana