[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 30 (Friday, February 13, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S2319]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          ZULUS 100TH BIRTHDAY

 Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, this month America reflects on a 
series of notable birthdays and anniversaries, including President 
Abraham Lincoln turning 200, and the NAACP celebrating its centennial.
  In Louisiana, we are honoring a special birthday that is unique to 
our State. The famous Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club will enjoy its 
100th year.
  The Zulus have a special place in Louisiana's history, which is as 
colorful as the signature Zulu decorative coconuts. For 100 years they 
have been an integral part of our Mardi Gras festivities and New 
Orleans culture. Dubbing themselves ``the everyman club,'' the Zulu 
Social Aid & Pleasure club is composed of African-American men from all 
walks of life.
  While there are several stories about how the Zulus first came about, 
we know they made their first appearance in the Mardi Gras parade in 
1909 when William Story led the Zulus as King.
  That year the group wore raggedy pants and had a Jubilee-singing 
quartet in front of and behind King Story.
  Just 6 years later, the Zulus used their first float. It was rather 
modestly decorated with palmetto leaves and moss. Of course, this first 
float gave rise to the more lavishly decorated Zulu floats that we are 
accustomed to seeing today.
  Since 1916, the Zulus have given the first official Mardi Gras toast 
to King and Queen Zulu at the Geddes and Moss Funeral Home on 
Washington Avenue.
  Since 1910, the Zulus have been famous for the Zulu Coconut, often 
called the ``Golden Nugget,'' which they throw from floats during Mardi 
Gras parades. The tradition developed, and they began scraping and 
painting the coconuts--now an indelible part of New Orleans Mardi Gras 
culture.
  In January, I was honored to receive from Zulu president Charles 
Hamilton, Jr., a special Zulu coconut as gift for President Obama. Mr. 
Hamilton traveled to Washington by train to hand deliver the gift, 
which I hope to present to the President very soon. It was hand-painted 
by Gretna artist Keith Eccles and incorporates Mardi Gras colors and 
themes with the distinctive red, white and blue of Washington, DC. Mr. 
Hamilton has said that he wanted to give President Obama a piece of New 
Orleans and Zulu history. I can't think of a better representation.
  In addition to the Zulu coconut, the Zulus' contribution to New 
Orleans is well-documented. The group proudly participates in the 
Adopt-A-School program and contributes to Southern University's 
scholarship fund. The Zulus also give Christmas baskets to needy 
families each holiday season.
  Over the years, many famous Louisianians have taken part in the Zulu 
tradition. In 1949, Louis Armstrong was King Zulu. And in 1988, New 
Orleans native Desiree Rogers--now the White House social secretary for 
President Obama--served as Zulu Queen.
  This year, that proud tradition will be carried on by Zulu King 
Tyrone Mathieu, Sr., and Zulu Queen Sheila Barnes Mathieu.
  I congratulate the many generations of Zulus who have left their mark 
on Mardi Gras and our great city of New Orleans. I ask the Senate to 
join me in wishing the Zulus a happy 100th birthday--and all the best 
in the next 100 years.

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