Shivangi Sinha
Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast in 2005, displacing hundreds of thousands and disproportionately impacting minority communities, particularly in New Orleans. The disaster exposed deep social and racial inequalities, as many residents lacked the resources to evacuate or rebuild their lives. Netflix’s ‘Katrina: Come Hell and High Water’ offers a comprehensive look at the tragedy, featuring firsthand accounts from those who endured it. Among them is Shelton “Shakespear” Alexander, a local poet whose powerful words captured the pain, resilience, and spirit of the community in the aftermath, providing a voice for those whose struggles were too often overlooked.
Shelton Alexander Sought Refuge in the Superdome When Hurricane Katrina Hit New Orleans
Shelton “Shakespear” Alexander grew up in the Saint Bernard Parish of New Orleans and knew its streets, levees, and neighborhoods intimately. When Hurricane Katrina approached, he didn’t expect much, as previous hurricane warnings had rarely brought serious damage. He often played near the levees, but when he noticed the water steadily rising, unease began to set in. As the situation worsened, he started following the news closely, only to watch fear turn into chaos. When the state issued mandatory evacuation orders, Shelton felt trapped as he had no means to leave and nowhere to go.
With his sick mother by his side, he sought refuge in the Superdome, which quickly became overcrowded and unsanitary. He began documenting the sweltering heat, lack of food and clean water, and the desperation of families clinging to hope through his cameras. He also documented alleged mistreatment from authorities and felt that many residents, particularly from minority communities, were abandoned and dehumanized. For Shelton, the experience changed everything. He lost his house and everything he had and had to begin from scratch. Finally, he was able to get to California, where he was evacuated from.
Shelton Alexander’s Poem Found a Place in Spike Lee’s Award-Winning Documentary
Shelton “Shakespeare” Alexander, fondly known as “Shak,” has grown into one of the most influential voices to emerge in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the widespread disenfranchisement that followed. After the storm, he relocated to California to live with his father, who was a carpenter. He sought stability as his community struggled to rebuild. Since 2001, he had been involved in the spoken-word poetry circuit, but it was Katrina that truly defined his voice. His work became a powerful outlet for expressing the pain and displacement experienced by countless residents of New Orleans. Through his poems, he spoke of his community’s neighborhoods reduced to rubble, the heartbreak of relocation, and the dwindling government assistance that left many minority families adrift.
Later, he returned to Louisiana and moved into a government-issued trailer with his mother and young son, Shelton Alexander Jr., as most of their neighborhood lay in ruins. In 2006, his poetry and testimony gained national recognition when he was featured in Spike Lee’s documentary ‘When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts,’ where he recited a deeply personal piece about his losses and the loved ones he would never see again. His archival footage from the Superdome also became pivotal in National Geographic’s ‘Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time,’ which was released in 2010 and became an important part of firsthand accounts.
In 2008, when he lost his mother, his world seemed to topple again, and he stopped writing altogether. He described this period as one of profound silence and grief. It wasn’t until a few years later that he found his way back to poetry, drawing inspiration from the New Orleans Saints football team. Their improbable comeback seasons mirrored his own struggle to rise from loss and their resilience on the field reminded him of his community’s spirit.
Shelton is a Beloved Poet Today Who Enjoys Sharing the Stage With His Son
Shelton Alexander is now based in Violet, Louisiana, where he lives with his son, Shelton Alexander Jr. Together, they have become beloved figures in their community. They often perform side by side and have charmed many audiences with their artistry. Shelton hosts a weekly open-mic poetry night at Sweet Lorraine’s, a well-known jazz club in St. Bernard Parish and always creates a space where voices from all walks of life can be heard. His passion for storytelling and preserving cultural memory continues to shine, as he remains active in other clubs and events across the region.
Over the years, Shelton has made notable appearances in various productions, including the 2016 documentary ‘One Note at a Time’ and National Geographic’s ‘Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time.’ His latest project, ‘Premonition, A Poetic Storm,’ which he has written and co-produced, is set to be released soon and promises to reflect his journey and the enduring spirit of New Orleans. For Shelton, poetry is not just performance, but it’s a legacy he shares with his son. Their presence in the arts community serves as an inspiring reminder of the burden and beauty of carrying stories forward.
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