Rodney P. Mason Jr., an alumnus of Alabama A&M University, has been honored with the title of King Zulu for the 2025 Krewe of Zulu Mardi Gras Parade.
More than 700 Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club members, a historic organization founded in 1909, voted Mason for King Zulu. “The club was founded after its members attended a Vaudeville play called ‘There Never Was and Never Will Be a King Like Me,'” Mason shared. “Back then, Mardi Gras wasn’t inclusive of our community due to segregation, so our club created its own celebration, one that has thrived for over a century.”
A Historical Celebration
Known as the largest Black Mardi Gras parade, the Krewe of Zulu highlights a rich legacy, with iconic figures like Louis Armstrong serving as King Zulu in 1949. Mason, who has been involved with the Zulu organization for 18 years, expressed profound pride in continuing this tradition. His father was also a member, underscoring a familial bond to the celebration.
Mason first attended Alabama A&M on a band scholarship. He played trumpet for the Marching Maroon & White while pursuing degrees in telecommunications and political science. After graduating in 2008, he returned to New Orleans and has since dedicated his time to various committees within the Zulu organization. He has served as the recording secretary for the past nine years. In addition to his role in Zulu, Mason works in program support for capital projects administration with the City of New Orleans.
Committed to Service
While known for vibrant Mardi Gras festivities, Mason highlighted the club’s commitment to community service. “We’re not just a social club,” he stated. “We give back, visiting schools and providing meals, organizing holiday gift baskets for Thanksgiving, and hosting Toys for Tots events for Christmas, among many other initiatives.”
Mason attributes his leadership skills and commitment to service to his time at Alabama A&M. “Service is a core value at Alabama A&M University,” he noted. “The motto, ‘Service is Sovereignty,’ has stayed with me. My five years on The Hill made me who I am today.”
As King Zulu, Mason will lead the Krewe of Zulu Mardi Gras Parade, culminating in a Mardi Gras Day celebration. “We’re a social organization; we celebrate, we party,” he said. “But more importantly, we party with a purpose.”
This article originally appeared on AAMU News.
