Is Zulu's face makeup worn during its parade racist blackface, or an important cultural tradition of the city's oldest predominantly-black Carnival organization? A town hall meeting tonight will discuss the matter, with members of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club and Take'Em Down NOLA there to present their views. It's being hosted by The NOLA Black Media Collaborative.
Take'Em Down NOLA is critical of Zulu's Mardi Gras masking tradition, which the group says is reminiscent of the black face makeup worn by white performers in the early 20th Century. Zulu officials say it is not blackface, but a tribute to the Zulu warriors of southern Africa, and began in the early days of the parade organization because it could not afford traditional masks.
"This forum is vital in demonstrating that we, a community with a diverse array of opinions, are able to engage in a healthy, solutions-based dialogue that informs and elevates our community beyond negativity to place where we can stand together and move forward," said Susan Henry of the Black Media Collaborative.
The forum is tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Historic Carver Theater at 2201 Orleans Ave.