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Zulu Witch Doctor 2022 - Edward B. "Coulon" Smith

by NOIRE Online

March 6, 2022 1.2K views
 

Mardi Gras is always a special time for the Noireonline.com Family.  This year was uber special for us because one of our best friends held a special honor.  Our friend Edward B. “Coulon” Smith was elected the 45th ZULU Witch Doctor of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. We chose to follow and chronicle his reign as Zulu Witch Doctor 2022.   

The ZULU Social Aid and Pleasure Club is New Orleans’ premiere organization for all things New Orleans.  Early in 1909, a group of laborers who had organized a club named “The Tramps,” saw a skit entitled, “There Never Was and Never Will Be a King Like Me,” about the Zulu Tribe…and that is how Zulu began, as the many stories. The Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club Inc., is the everyman club. The membership is composed of men from all walks of life–from laborers, City Mayor, City Councilmen, and State Legislators, to United States Congressman, educators, and men of other professions.

The Witch Doctor had a full calendar of events from his election until riding in the Zulu parade on Mardi Gras Day.  Coulon was able to make some time to answer a few questions for the The Village Family and allow us to capture some of his most memorable moments.  Click here to view his video: https://youtu.be/gzt4oQUDK0g

When did you join the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club?

I originally joined the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club as an Associate Member in July of 2014. This was after I rode with 2013 Zulu Witch Doctor now 2022 King Zulu, Brother Randolph "Rudy" Davis.  My first ride in Zulu was with 2011 Big Shot, Brother Keith O. Johnson.  This was after the death of my grandmother in 2010.

What are your most memorable moments from your time as Zulu Witch Doctor?

Just being the Zulu Witch Doctor.  Many people look up to the Zulu Witch Doctor.  Historically the Witch Doctor was the second character created after the  King. The Witch Doctor is to bring good weather on Mardi Gras Day and healing of the members. This has been an extremely difficult two years.  We've had COVID-19, Hurricane Ida, and the murders of two of our members. We've had thirty members to die between February 2020 to December 2021.

How much planning went into all the events The Witch Doctor put on this entire year?

I've been planning since 2019. I originally running for Zulu Witch Doctor in 2020 for 2021, but due to COVID-19 we had no elections. "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!" I thank everybody who allowed my dream to become a reality.  Former Grand Basileus C. Tyrone Gilmore  of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. said, "First in the heart is the dream and then the mind architects a plan to make that dream a reality."

What makes being The Zulu Witch Doctor so special to you?

I came into the Zulu Club as an unknown.  I  just wanted to be amongst the brothers putting in service.  I later learned that everyone was watching and here I am, the 45th Zulu Witch Doctor.  It shows that with hard work and dedication anything is possible. For my mom to see all of this was most special.  I am the first in my family to be a member of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. I  am also the first to be a Zulu  Character. I am the first person to have grown up in Washington Parish to be a  Zulu Character.  I am the first graduate of Varnado High School to be a Zulu Character. I was born in the 504, raised in the 985, and reside in the 225.

What do all of the adornments on your Zulu Witch Doctor costume represent?

My costume tells a story of everything that I truly love. On the front is family crest Weary/ Pittman on my mom side and Smith/ Coulon on my dad's side.  On the back is Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., The Southern University and A&M College, Lambda Kappa Kappa Chapter, and Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. 

Is there anyone you want to acknowledge and give special thanks?

This has been one hell of a ride and I  loved every bit of it. I've learned a lot about people especially the ones that I have called friend. Through it all, this was priceless! I thank my family, friends, enemies, frats, sorors, City of New Orleans, City of Baton Rouge, City of  Bogalusa, Town of Angie, The Southern University A&M College and Alumni, and Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club.  I would like to thank all of those who have gone before me, for leading the way.

I want to especially thank my Best friend/ Witchtress Erica Hampton for taking this journey with me. 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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NOIRE Online
NOIRE is a new online magazine that scopes the Black and multicultural community from a cutting-edge perspective. Our mantra is “Our Lives, Our Stories, Our Voices.” Our vision is to become the leading source of true, high-quality narratives of people of color.
 

 

 

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