Lundi Gras 1999 had extra excitement to it, at least for those gathered at Riverwalk near the stage at Spanish Plaza where Rex, King of Carnival, and his entourage would soon be arriving.
What was different that year was the coming of special visitors, the Zulu King and his followers, who were on the way to greet Rex.
This moment oozed with significance, not just racially but symbolically. There were more news media than usual with cameras readied.
A reporter from a Los Angeles TV station even put a microphone if front of me to comment on the significance of the event. (Full disclosure, having been involved with the founding of the Lundi Gras ceremony I have served as MC. My presence has been conspicuous by my purple, green and gold “Cat in the Hat” type chapeau.)