New Orleans prides itself on tradition, culture, and the rule of law—unless, of course, you’re Councilperson Helena Moreno, who follows them only when convenient. This year’s Mardi Gras, disrupted by the threat of inclement weather, saw unprecedented changes. Parades were rescheduled, bands were banned (except for a select few with rain gear), and most devastatingly, the beloved walking crews of Zulu were forbidden from marching. The city’s police chief made it clear: no walking groups, no exceptions.
Zulu honored the rule. The Zulu Tramps—an iconic, longstanding part of the parade—stayed off the streets. The official Zulu walking crew complied. Men and women, who plan and sacrifice for this moment, respected the decision.
But Councilwoman Helena Moreno, City Council President and announced mayoral candidate, did not.
Above the Law? Or Above the People?
While everyday New Orleanians respected the city’s decision, Moreno blatantly defied it. She wasn’t content to simply ride her float. No, she paid a group of Black women to walk in front of her float in direct violation of the city’s ban on walking groups.
Let that visual sink in.
While Zulu men and women—who have been part of this tradition for generations—were sidelined, Moreno rode high, watching a parade of Black women marching ahead of her, breaking the very rules she helped set.
Is this leadership? Or is this entitlement?
This wasn’t just a harmless oversight. This was a calculated move. Moreno knew about the restrictions. She knew the police chief had prohibited walking groups. She knew that others had been forced to comply.
But she just didn’t care.
Why Only Black Women?
Beyond breaking the rules, why did Moreno only have Black women walking in front of her float? Was this political exploitation, performative allyship, or something more sinister?
If the weather was too dangerous for Zulu’s walking crew—a diverse group of Black men and women—why did she insist on these particular women marching?
Jefferson Parish, facing the same storm threat, canceled all its parades. Yet, in New Orleans, Moreno thought the risk was high enough to keep Zulu’s walkers off the streets but low enough to force Black women to march in front of her chariot.
What kind of leader does that?
Did she pay them because she knew no one else would willingly break the law? Did she believe the optics of Black women leading her float would shield her from criticism? Or was this just another example of a politician using Black bodies for personal gain?
Whatever the answer, the image is deeply troubling.
See Video Below
A Dangerous Precedent
This is bigger than just a Mardi Gras parade. This is about leadership, ethics, and whether the next mayor of New Orleans will believe they are above the law.
Moreno’s decision sends a clear message: rules are for other people. If the police say you can’t do something, just ignore them. If tradition must be sacrificed for safety, just pretend the rules don’t apply to you.
For someone positioning herself as the next leader of this city, that’s a terrifying precedent. How can New Orleanians trust Moreno to enforce the laws when she refuses to follow them herself? How can she demand accountability from anyone else when she pays people to break the rules for her own gain?
The Optics Are Bad—And the Reality Is Worse
Let’s break this down even further:
- Zulu, a historically Black organization of men and women, complied with the rule. Moreno, a politician courting Black votes, exploited Black women to break it.
- The police chief made an official call, and a sitting City Council president ignored her. What does that say about her respect for law enforcement?
- Other elected officials followed the rules. Moreno did not. If she won’t respect city policy now, what will she ignore as mayor?
Mardi Gras or a Plantation Parade?
The image of Moreno, perched on her float while Black women marched in front of her, is deeply unsettling. It’s impossible to ignore the racial and historical echoes.
Zulu men and women—who dedicate their time, money, and passion to this tradition—were told to stay home. Moreno found Black women, paid them, and had them walk anyway.
That is privilege. That is power. And that is a problem.
Related: Will New Orleans Lose Black Political Power?
What Happens Next?
New Orleans should demand answers.
- Why did Moreno believe she was exempt from the rule?
- Who approved her actions?
- Will there be consequences for her defiance?
More importantly, will the voters hold her accountable?
Mardi Gras is sacred in New Orleans. The traditions matter. The people matter. The rules that govern our celebrations—especially in the name of public safety—matter.
If Helena Moreno won’t follow the rules as City Council president, why should we believe she’ll follow them as mayor?
New Orleans deserves a leader who respects the law—not one who thinks she’s above it.
I am appalled at Helena Morena’s action, but also at that of the Black Women who marched. It was against the law and no amount of money justifies breaking the law.
Also, the Chief of Police is Ann Kirkpatrick and as far as I know her pronoun is she, her, not him.
Good catch!! Thanks!!! Fixed it.
What flawed research did you do on this subject? First are you aware that the “paid” Black women you refer to is a group that has represented this city’s cultural traditions since 2005. They are The New Orleans Baby Doll Ladies. Contact them, you might learn something. Second, they invited Moreno to be their Grand Marshall in their official parade which has been held since 2016. Third, are you aware that Pete Fountain’s crew paraded as well as Mondo Kayo? There is no mention of their involvement. All said, it is sad that you try to drag a respectable group of our women in the mud for political gain. Shame on you, you’re just another crab in the basket.
It is pretty insulting to refer to the legendary Baby Doll Ladies as a ‘walking krewe hired by Morena’ when they used their power and autonomy to bestow the title of Grand Marshall on Morena and allowed her to parade in their krewe. You are erasing them and their names and their power and giving it to Morena. The Baby Doll Ladies are a force for good in the city and they have owned their rightful place as Queens. Morena was chosen by them to be in THEIR krewe because of the work she did WITH them in the years before. Should they have not paraded? Maybe not. Does she have more political power in the city? Yes, but that does not erase the power the Baby Doll Ladies have over their own organization. The Baby Doll Ladies deserve more respect and recognition than this article gives them. Reducing them to a ‘plantation parade’ is ugly; they would NEVER parody that serious history or choose a Grand Marshall they did not feel respected them as women. The Baby Doll Ladies are sacred, creative, powerful and respectful of their culture; unfortunately some journalists are not as respectful of The Baby Doll Ladies.
Why is Councilman Thomas’s ad following this story? Do you know if he’s running for mayor this time? So far he hasn’t announced.
William Jefferson should come out and run against Thomas.
You’re trying to be funny Frankenthal. Let me guess you probably voted for trump or guilty by association?
If you’re truly interested in the truth:
BabyDollLadies@facebook.com
http://Www.neworleanssocietyofdance.com
Don’t insult the doctor or nurse that might help you or the teacher or principal that educates your children and community. These ladies just might be standing next to you in your grocery or restaurant. Be respectful and responsible My Brother.
Thanks for publishing this story. I was disturbed when I saw the “parade” on Mardi Gras morning. But it’s even more disturbing when the act is framed within the context of the law. I agree that New Orleans needs a leader who respects the rules and abides by the law. We need a leader who respects and honors all constituents and doesn’t stoop to using them for personal gain.
I didn’t see that parade until I read the article. I don’t know why some people are surprised. If you can get away with murder; you can get away with anything!
My question is why would the Baby Dolls violate the rules when thy don’t even march like that. They usually under the bridge. These sisters should not have allowed themselves to be violated by Moreno. She not like us!!!
Mary you have the wrong Dolls, they started the Resurrection campaign in 2006 after Katrina to bring back the Doll masking culture, paraded with Zulo 2010-2013, did Macy’s Thanksgiving parade in 2014 and have been in their own parade on the main route in front of Zulu since 2016. There are so many things they do in the community that are too long to mention in this post. They even celebrated the 100 year anniversary of the original Baby Dolls in 2012 flanked by ALL the living Baby Doll elders. Many of the Doll groups you now see are former members or inspired by them. See for yourself http://www.neworleanssocietyofdance.com. Hey…They Been Out Here!!
She not Like Us She not Like Us She not Like Us
This story needs more investigation. It appears more information may be required Jeff. Please do a follow up.
Helena is not like us! Trump and Helena want to bring us back. Did yall look at that damn video? She is exploiting those strong black women. Why did they break the rules? Cause Helena made it happen. Like somebody said she is not like us!!!
So what? “I got my own problems.”
Clearly, the writer has a preference, goal and reason for this article. And it ain’t the article. Glass Houses are not good to live in….when…..
In what Parade did Helena Moreno’s float appear? I could not find that in the article…Thanks.