Zulu
The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial was Carnival-abuzz when the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club held its annual ball there and hailed Dr. Ronald Tassin and Sharell Monique Chatman as the monarchs. They succeeded the married royal brace of 2025: King Zulu Rodney P. Mason Jr. and Queen Zulu Kristen Bonds Mason.
Their stunning symbolic costumes for 2026 represented “Two Paths of Legacy — King and Queen,” as an uncle and niece reigned together. Through mentorship, family bonds, and a shared purpose, the royal pair merged their “journeys” to celebrate African royalty, service and generational support during the Carnival season. His majesty’s choice colors and their significance were purple, for royalty and authority; turquoise, serenity, wisdom and balance; and orange, boldness and masculine energy. Her majesty also chose purple and turquoise, but added her special significance to those colors. For feminine strength, she focused on dusty rose pink.
“Zulu’s Word of Entertainment” themed the gala annual ball that spotlighted Mr. Don E. Washington as ball chairman; Chaplain Travis D. Taylor Sr. for the invocation; Mr. Darren Mire as the master of ceremonies; and club president Oscar J. Rainey for the welcome and introductions.
As Zulu maids, 31 young women stepped forward. They were Misses Angelle Monai Barrow, Lauryn Marie Batiste, Raina Cheyenne Benjamin, Shane Taylor Berry, Makayla Rose Borne, Emalee Nevaeh Denson, Laila Alexandra Dunn, Camryn Denise Dupard, and Payton Rene Jordan-Duplessis. Also, Ilyssa Rae Fields, Kennedy Cecilia Gibson, Kirsten Symari Givens, Al’layah Shannon Jones, Cre’Shaun Lynn Jones, Zairi Muriel King, Garri Milan Lawson, Se’Riah Charm Marquez, Ja’Layiah Manae McSwain, Kamryn Chesney Melancon, and Camille Marie Mitchell.
And, Misses Madison Bella Nunnery, Trinity Renee Peeples, Nylah Monique Quinn, Chandler-Elizabeth Nicole Robinson, Camryn Elise Smith, Kayleigh Gabrielle Smith, Brielle Lynn Stephens, Madison Kei Taylor, Gabrielle Delilah Vance, Mykyra Dami Walker, and Matison Kimberly Williams.
Dozens more figured in significant roles during the revelry as the king’s chargé d’affaires and advisers, along with chief tribesmen, king’s tribesmen, and dukes. As for monarch Sharell, there were the queen’s chargé d’affaires, assistants, attendants, imperial attendants, attendant modistes, royal coordinators, and advisers. Further titles were princes, princesses, and pages. Particularly meaningful was the recognition of the king’s mother, Patricia Hamilton, and the parents of the queen, Tyrell Chatman Sr. and Cynthia Chatman.
Among the thousands in the audience were Mayor Helena Moreno, U.S. Rep. Troy Carter, city council member Eugene Green, and countless others, who delighted in the ball’s music. One of the top numbers was “Isn’t She Lovely,” which Stevie Wonder made famous and which paid tribute to all the court’s feminine presence. As for his majesty, as well as his radiant queen at their Zulu Ball Coronation, the homage of approximately 20,000 guests was music to their ears.
The Townsmen
As it has for years, the Townsmen participated in the Carnival season at their annual Dansant in the Omni Royal Orleans hotel. Members and guests fraternized during the festive occasion as they savored the hotel’s tasty cuisine. A salad bar, pasta, beef round and roasted turkey filled the plates.
A highlight is the callout, when club members and their spouses or dates are presented. Chief among them was club president Albert Edwards II with his wife, Dantrelle. The following were vice president Ronald Stevens and Terri, secretary Howard L. Rodgers III and Belinda, treasurer Walter Wright with Angelique Roché, keeper of the seal and Dansant chairman Jonathan Wilson and Erica, and chaplain Anthony Decuir and Saraphine. Notable members were Justin Augustine, Earl Brown and Michele, Dr. Emmett Chapital and Jovita, Marc J. Delpit, Michael Dukes and Sylvia, Bryan Fulton and Conchetta, Richard Jackson and Andrea, Ronald Johnson and Vonyotta, Ernest Legier and Kelley, Chadrick Kennedy, Charles Kennedy and Laura, Darrell Saizan and Shaun, Charles Rice Jr. and Vonda, Ron Sholes and Valerie, and Jeffery Thomas and Zolee. The call out concluded with the traditional club waltz that was followed by a second line with the guests joining in.
Among the guests in attendance were Dr. and Mrs. Henry Evans, Judge Kern and Dottie Reese, Judge Omar Mason and spouse Carla Bringier-Mason, David Daniels and Gilaine Nettles, and Howard L. Rodgers IV and Dr. Lovie Rodgers. Also, the Keith Dawsons, the Clarence Wilsons, the Cornelius Lewises, the David Bocages, the Marlin Gusmans, the Joseph Shorters, the Jessie Adroins, the Wilbur Thomases, the Troy Henrys, the Roy Glapions, and the Charles Teamers.
The attendees — members and guests alike — made this 75th anniversary ever so special. A cake celebrated the evening and music by the Clark Knighten Band ran a gamut that pleased several ages. The general noteworthiness heightened the joy of the occasion and people flocked to the floor for dancing delights.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.nola.com ’
