Arts and EntertainmentFestivals |
Who became the first African American to preside over the New Orleans Mardi Gras? |
In 1949, (Daniel) Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong (1901–1971), jazz trumpeter, became the first black to preside over the New Orleans Mardi Gras. His lifelong dream came true when he was selected Mardi Gras King of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club; that led to his appearance on the cover of Time magazine for February 21, 1949.