by Mary-Devon Dupuy

CBD -- As they do on Mardi Gras, the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club kicked off a marathon session before the public this morning. But instead of parading down St. Charles and disguising their faces, the famed krewe was at City Council today to show off their new president for the 2012-2014 term, Naaman C. Stewart. Everyone on the Council was excited to see the krewe, especially the president’s mother and chief of staff for Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, Lena Stewart.

Instead of handing out coconuts and dancing through the day, the tone of the Zulu officer was more serious and focused on their civic endeavors. Stewart spoke first and addressed what he referred to as the “thousand pound elephant in the room.” He said, “Yes, Ms. Lena is my mom.”

Zulu member Senator Edwin Murray showed up to say a few words. Although the senator wasn’t able to don his yellow jacket, he still extended his gratitude to the Council for honoring Zulu.

“I do want to thank you all for recognizing us," he said. "Most people know us for Mardi Gras, but we do a whole lot more community activities.”

Councilmember Susan Guidry said that it was a “real privilege for me to get to know the Zulu organization,” and included that her favorite Zulu event was their “Toys for Tots,” drive every Christmas.
 

Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer thanked the guys for sharing authentic New Orleans culture with natives and tourists alike.

“It was so neat during Essence (Festival) to see you having a second-line on Poydras,” she said.
 

Jon D. Johnson, the only male councilmember, was just happy to see another man in the room. “Thank you for having a men’s organization appear before the council,” Johnson joked.