Text by Jada Durden
Photos by Kyle Carpenter (krewe royalty portraits) and courtesy of the Shreveport Convention and Visitor’s Bureau
The Shreveport-Bossier Mardi Gras parade schedule kicks off each year with its historically African American krewes, the Krewe of Sobek and the Krewe of Harambee. Leading the charge, the Krewe of Sobek will roll through the streets this year on January 18, and the Krewe of Harambee will follow a month later on February 17. These two vibrant krewes, established in 2003 and 2000, respectively, were founded with missions to elevate minority representation in Shreveport-Bossier Mardi Gras while contributing to charitable causes that are uniquely important to their members. Together, they honor African American heritage and enrich the cultural tapestry of Mardi Gras in northwest Louisiana.
In the fall of 2000, a group of 12 friends got together to discuss how African Americans, who were underrepresented, could participate in the local Mardi Gras community. The group envisioned an organization that was unapologetically and authentically African American. After several discussions and many ideas, the Krewe of Harambee was formed, making it the first Black krewe in northwest Louisiana.
Founding member Theron Jackson chose the word “harambee,” which is Swahili for “to pull together.” The krewe’s logo, inspired by traditional African masks, was designed by Shreveport Regional Arts Council Rostered Artist Ron Smith. Royal court members are Chieftains and High Priestesses, replacing the traditional titles of Dukes and Duchesses. Leaning further into their heritage, founding member and Queen XXV Dr. Markey Pierre researched and the krewe adopted the use of “Saada Maskhara,” which is Swahili for “grand masque bal.” The Krewe of Harambee will host its 25th Saada Maskhara on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
In addition to participating in the traditional festivities, the Krewe of Harambee spreads its Mardi Gras energy within its members’ communities. The krewe annually makes appearances at local schools and nursing homes and gives back through impactful charitable work. Since its inception, the Krewe of Harambee has given more than $36,000 to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. Northwest Louisiana Chapter and more than $68,000 in scholarships to college for youth from single-parent homes.
On April 1, 2003, nine community leaders came together to establish the Krewe of Sobek, another organization aimed at increasing African American participation in Shreveport-Bossier Mardi Gras. Sobek is named after the ancient Egyptian crocodile god, who was believed to have brought order to the universe. Sobek was said to have represented the four Egyptian elemental gods, so the Krewe of Sobek royalty court members take on the titles Keeper of Fire, Keeper of Wind, Keeper of Earth, and Keeper of Water. The Krewe’s first Keeper of Earth, Lloyd Thompson, called the members Sobekians, which has stuck.
Sobek’s founders had a vision of having their own parade in their own neighborhood along with their own grand masque bal. The Krewe of Sobek parade now rolls through the Queensborough neighborhood as the first parade of the Carnival season. This year’s grand masque bal, Sobek in Candyland, takes place on Friday, January 17.
With a motto of Rebirth, Strength, and Tenacity, you can find Sobekians at local schools and food banks and partnering with several nonprofits. The krewe has given thousands of dollars annually in scholarships to high school seniors.
