Mardi Gras Noir
For journalist Chandra R. Thomas, this annual N'awlins party is definitely a PG affair. As the Zulu krewe celebrates its 100th anniversary, Thomas takes a look back at her family's Fat Tuesday memories.
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Catch of the DayPhotos courtesy of Chandra ThomasAs I wrote in my essay on The Root, Mardi Gras is definitely "More Than Beads, Booze and Breasts." Here in this photo, I've collected beads, doubloons (fake coins) and toys thrown from massive decorated floats. I did not have to flash any body parts to earn these trinkets – just a smile.
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All in the FamilyHere I am, with my uncle Kevin Williams, cousin Lorna Williams and friend Huenita Pierce as we leave the Bacchus parade typically held on the last weekend before Fat Tuesday.
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Centarian ZuluMy family has been partying with the Zulu krewe for as long as I can remember. This year, the Zulu "Social Aid and Pleasure Club" is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Here member Alfred Washington greets ball guests with a traditional second line dance with a decorated umbrella.
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Her HighnessThe royal court wears elaborate costumes to the Carnival ball, a formal event hosted by the Zulu club on the last Friday before Mardi Gras.
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The "Indians"Ornate handmade regalia made to look like traditional Native-American dress is an important fixture of Mardi Gras. Legend has it that this tradition was started by slaves who dressed up as Native Americans because blacks were banned from participating in the annual festivities.
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Crazy SignsIt is not uncommon to come across an array of signs during Mardi Gras, like this one that my friends and I found in the French Quarter in 2003.
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Crowning GloryOrnate headdresses that reflect our African roots, worn here by a member of the royal Zulu court, are an integral part of the carnival.
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Music MenOf course, it isn't a party in New Orleans unless there's music. Here a brass band serenades the crowd with second line music following the presentation of the royal court at a Zulu ball.
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Zulu BlingHere a male member of the Zulu court presents his ornate scepter to the crowd.
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10 of 10 The Next Generation of Mardi Gras NoirMy cousins Lacie, Amber and Isaiah Williams proudly show off their beads on the sidelines of a parade. Here's to making the Zulu tradition live on another 100 years!
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