Zulu Queen Select receives Royal Welcome in Dallas

By Anthony Council
Correspondent
Texas Metro News

The pride of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras made its way to Dallas recently as Kristian B. Mason, the Zulu Queen Select, was introduced to the city with a grand reception fit for royalty.

She and her court were welcomed at Dallas Love Field with a live Second Line Jazz Band (Big Easy Brass Band) and the unmistakable spirit of New Orleans.

Hosted by Louis and Tracee Rainey at The Pelican House Restaurants, the event was a warm and joyous celebration leading up to her official coronation at the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club Coronation Ball on February 28.

Mason, the Zulu Queen Select, shared her excitement:

“I feel excited! I love Dallas. I’ve visited for vacations before, but never for anything related to Mardi Gras,” she said. “This experience is just extraordinary, and you all have made it so special. Dallas Love Field Airport, Louis, and all of our family and friends have made this an unbelievably amazing experience. I’m truly appreciative.”

The title of Zulu Queen is one of the most prestigious honors in the New Orleans Mardi Gras tradition.

Every year, the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club selects one woman to reign as Queen alongside King Zulu, a title that has been a cornerstone of the city’s historic African American Mardi Gras celebrations since the early 20th century.

The role is not just ceremonial; it represents leadership, community, and a deep connection to Zulu’s cultural roots.

For Mason, this honor is more than just a crown—it’s an opportunity to carry forward a tradition that has been deeply ingrained in New Orleans culture for over a century.

“As a New Orleans girl, you grow up watching Mardi Gras parades, dreaming about what your future might hold,” she reflected. “But you never think you’ll be the Queen of a Mardi Gras parade. “Zulu only chooses one woman each year to take on this role, and this year, they selected me. It’s something I never imagined, and I’m beyond grateful.”

Mason’s arrival was met with an outpouring of love, respect, and celebration from Dallas dignitaries and community leaders.

Among those present were Gerald Finney, President of the FAMU DFW Alumni Chapter; Sidney Richmond, a Morehouse graduate and respected community leader; Mark Jones, Chairman of Bonton Farms; and Texas State Representatives Aicha Davis and Rafael Anchía.

Also in attendance were Jesse Moreno, Dallas Councilman for District 2; Casey Thomas, Texas State NAACP Vice President, and former Dallas Council Member; and LaQuitta Thomas, National President Emerita of the Southern University Alumni Federation.

Each presented a gift to the Queen Select in honor of this distinguished occasion.

Additionally, Councilwomen Karen Cherry from Duncanville delivered a proclamation from the Mayor and the City Council, officially welcoming Queen Zulu Select and her entourage.

Further recognizing the significance of this moment, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett honored Mason’s achievement by sending a proclamation, acknowledging the cultural impact of her title and celebrating her representation on such a prestigious platform.

After the reception at Dallas Love Field, the group made their way to Dr. L.G. Pinkston High School, where the Zulu Queen and her entourage met with students in an assembly, sharing the significance of Mardi Gras and the honor of her title.

That evening, they attended a private dinner and dance event at Pure Social’s “First Class Friday,” where they enjoyed an upscale atmosphere with R&B, Neo-Soul, and Hip-Hop music. On Saturday, the festivities continued with a lively brunch at Local Tap & Table, themed “Sneakers, Pearls, and Bling.”

Guests indulged in a specially curated menu, enjoyed music by DJ Smooth, and took part in a professional photoshoot to capture the moment.

After brunch, they explored and shopped in West Village before concluding the weekend with a grand private dinner at The Pelican House Restaurants, hosted by Louis and Tracee Rainey. The evening was filled with fine dining, live music, Dallas Royalty (Krewe of Orleans) and celebration, marking a memorable tribute to the Zulu Queen’s journey.

For Louis Rainey, this event was especially meaningful for him and his family. Raised in New Orleans, he shares a close connection to the Zulu tradition because his dad was King Zulu in 1996.

“It’s such an honor for my wife, Tracee Rainey, and I to host Mardi Gras Royalty here in Dallas, Texas, as I am a proud member of the club,” he said. As the weekend came to a close, the Zulu Queen Select’s time in Dallas left an unforgettable mark on the city. Yet, the excitement of the Zulu Queen Select’s coronation is only just beginning.

As Mason continues her journey toward the Coronation Ball in February, it’s clear that the legacy of Mardi Gras and the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club will continue to thrive, bridging communities and honoring traditions that have stood the test of time.

Anthony Council is a 2024 graduate of the University of North Texas.