In response to my interest in possibly being crowned one day, I was admonished to learn the New Orleans Mardi Gras culture, be of service, dress the part, learn 2nd Line dancing, have the costume (i.e. wardrobe, headdress, umbrella, whistle, etc.).

Regarding the costuming, Mr. Brousseau says it’s a fusion between between the Africans and the “Indians.” The costumes give a message to the Native Americans that held us down when we were brought to this country.

As for Mrs. Brousseau: this Queen is the regal, confident, quiet storm every conscious woman wants to be when she grows up. In her vibe I discern she knows exactly when to speak, hold ‘em, fold ‘em, blow ‘em… There’s just a powerful unspoken knowingness there, even in how she frankly, yet gingerly corrects her husband, “… Native Americans, not Indians,” then smiles.

I had a brief moment to meet & greet the 2018 Emperor and Empress. Yes, secret service side-eyed me as I approached their table clutching my credentials while Mr. Williams poured Apple Crown Royal over his glass of ice.

Leonard & LaTonya Williams, in Dallas for 12 years, since Hurricane Katrina, the 2018 Emperor and Empress. There was just enough time for Mrs. Williams to explain, “Emperor and Empress is the Krewe’s way of making it more regal than king and queen, because we are {regal}. ” She emphasized the seriousness of knowing and loving the culture. She looks forward to modeling emperor and empress for younger, upcoming members to keep the culture going. Mr. Williams states, “There is a rite of passage that goes with being crowned and it includes costuming.” Before they are guided away, Mrs. Williams teaches, “We call this ballin’… the entire experience.”