Photo By Cpl. Trystan Taft | The newly elected King and Queen of Zulu for Mardi Gras 2023, Mr. Nick Spears and Dr....... read more read more
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NEW ORLEANS - In preparation for Mardi Gras next year, the newly elected King of Zulu, Mr. Nicholls “Nick” Spears, displays his dedication to community relations by touring and making appearances all around New Orleans. Marine Corps Support Facility, a location he holds a special bond with, was one of those stops as he begins his reign as Zulu’s top elected official.
Zulu Pleasure Aid and Social Club is New Orleans largest majority African American carnival krewe known for wearing blackface honoring the war paint worn by Zulu warriors, showcasing vibrant attire and handing out golden coconuts during Mardi Gras. The krewe was created from comedy acts and charitable organizations of the black communities during the early 20th century. It now serves as one of New Orleans’ most popular and community-oriented social programs.
Each year, a new King of Zulu is elected from organizational members to honor the commitment and dedication of one of their longstanding colleagues. The prestige of this honorary position is evident in the words of the most famous former King of Zulu, New Orleans’ own Louis Armstrong. In 1949 he claimed “There’s a thing I’ve dreamed of all my life, and I’ll be damned if it don’t look like it’s about to come true - to be King of Zulu’s parade. After that, I’ll be ready to die.”
Spears, born and raised in New Orleans, has been elected as the Honorary King of Zulu for the 2023 Mardi Gras season due to his long standing commitment to community outreach and public relations in the Crescent City. He proudly assumes the reigns from 2022’s King of Zulu, Mr. Randolph “Rudy” Davis.
“The magical point is when your peers select you in that intellectual process,” said Spears. “It’s a respectful reference that you’ve earned something that you put the time and work in. It took over 20 years to get to this point, and it’s not a guarantee.”
Spears has been heavily dedicated toward supporting and uplifting his local community in New Orleans for more than two decades. Such devotion is customary of those who proudly wear the title King of Zulu. Over this period, Mr. Spears has participated and led krewe events such as Zulu night out against crime, college expos, adopt-a-school programs, and regular visits to churches and community-sponsored events. During the Christmas season, he serves with his fellow krewe members in the donation and delivery of Christmas baskets to families in need and the distribution of Christmas gifts in support of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys-for-Tots foundation.
“We visit high schools and a lot of community events,” said Spears. “We also help with the collection process for Toy-for-Tots.”
Spears attributes and dedicates his actions in the local community to his experiences and service in the United States Marine Corps. Spears enlisted and served in the Marine Corps for eight years, from 1992-2000. He began his career as an admin specialist, and ended it as a small computer systems specialist. His last duty station was here at Marine Corps Support Facility, which serves as the headquarters for Marine Forces Reserve.
“I always tell young kids that are unsure about college, I say listen, maybe go into the service because it helps you find your way” said Spears. “You make relationships with people in order to make what you do and what you’re part of better”
The characteristics and attributes of community service, and dedication to others, are shared by both the the Zulu Pleasure Aid and Social Club and the United States Marine Corps.
Spears also added, “If I could do it again, I would do it again.” The spirit of the Marine Corps lives on his legacy of service.
Who We Are: The United States Marine Corps Reserve is responsible for providing trained units and qualified individuals for mobilization to active duty in time of war, national emergency, and crisis or contingency operations. On a day-to-day basis, Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) consists of a talented and dedicated pool of nearly 100,000 Marines able to augment the Active Component in a myriad of ways, to include operational deployments, support to training, participation in bi/multi-lateral exercises with partner nations and allies, and service-level experimentation in support of Force Design 2030 and refinement of new concepts, tactics, techniques, and procedures.
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| Date Taken: | 10.20.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 11.01.2022 13:54 |
| Story ID: | 432409 |
| Location: | NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,259 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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