Skip to main content

I Was There: Hurricane Katrina Superdome Survivor

Author:
Video Rating:
TV-PG
Video Duration:
11:09

When Hurricane Katrina forced New Orleans poet Shelton Alexander to evacuate his home, he took his truck and video camera to the Superdome. He escaped the chaotic shelter a few days later with a truckload of people and video documentation of history.

FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.

RELATED CONTENT

When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Laurence “Noodles” Nettles’ training was put to the test as he and fellow Guard members were forced to adapt their ocean rescue tactics to save thousands of stranded victims from rooftops and rising floodwaters.

I Was There: Hurricane Katrina: Rescue Swimmer

Robert Green lost his mother and granddaughter when his Ninth Ward home was lifted off its foundation and floated down the street in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. After rebuilding several years later, Green has made it his life’s mission to bring the Ninth Ward residents back and rebuild their historic community.

I Was There: Hurricane Katrina: Rooftop Rider

When Angela Trahan and her family were trapped in their own kitchen by floodwaters from Hurricane Katrina, Brother Ronald Hingle, a member of their school community, braved the winds and rising waters to bring them to safety.

I Was There: Hurricane Katrina: Divine Intervention

Five days after Hurricane Katrina trapped nearly 300 residents in their apartment building, known as The American Can, former recon Marine John Keller fought off looters, swam through floodwaters, and hot-wired boats to help guide them to safety.

I Was There: Hurricane Katrina: Defender of The American Can

Charity Hospital was one of the last hospitals to be evacuated after Hurricane Katrina hit. After five days without power or assistance, the staff of Charity took matters into their own hands — including orchestrating a risky roof evacuation — to care for their patients.

I Was There: Hurricane Katrina: Heroes of Charity Hospital

New Orleans poet Shelton “Shakespear” Alexander performs an original poem about his experience taking shelter at the Superdome during Hurricane Katrina.

Hurricane Katrina: Superdome Poem