Carnival Royalty: Meet this year’s Zulu King and Queen
The King and Queen of Zulu are ready to take to the streets of New Orleans
Updated: 11:42 AM CST Feb 16, 2026
Dr. Ron Tassin has the honor of serving as this year’s Zulu King in 2026. Dr. Ron Tassin is a proud lifelong resident of Jefferson Parish, a devoted father, and a committed advocate for the youth and Black community of New Orleans.Dr. Tassin’s life’s work is rooted in service, guided by faith, family, and an unwavering dedication to uplifting those around him. At the center of that purpose is his daughter, Anjeinay Coree Shavonn, whose presence inspires every step of his journey.Dr. Tassin’s passion for service began in the classroom as an educator in the Orleans Parish School System, where he taught at Drew Elementary and Sophie B. Wright. The early experiences deepened his understanding of the challenges youth face and strengthened his resolve to be a voice for their potential. Dr. Tassin has always believed that education is more than academics, calling it a pathway to liberation, self-determination, and generational transformation.The calling to support the whole person, mind, body, and spirit led Dr. Tassin to found Assurance Care Provider, LLC, a behavioral health agency providing vital mental health and substance abuse services to individuals and families. Through this work, Dr. Tassin has been privileged to help clients rediscover purpose, dignity, and stability in the face of adversity.Beyond education and mental health, Dr. Tassin has spent years mentoring system-involving youth within the Juvenile Justice System. He believes no young person is beyond redemption and that, with the right support, guidance, and accountability, they can live lives rooted in integrity and purpose. Dr. Tassin also works with young athletes and students at Jesse Owens Playground (JPRD Sports), helping them build confidence, character, and community.Currently, Dr. Tassin serves as the Manager of Student Partnerships and Programs at InspireNOLA Schools, where he cultivates networks between schools, community organizations, and local leaders. His focus is expanding student access to resources and opportunities through culturally responsive programming and student-centered advocacy.Academically, Dr. Tassin holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from Southern University at New Orleans, as well as a Doctor of Management in Criminal Justice from Colorado Technical University. Dr. Tassin remains deeply active in his faith and fraternal communities as a member of Providence Baptist Church and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated where he was honored as “Omega Man of the Year” for his leadership and service.Since 2006, Dr. Tassin has been a proud member of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, an institution that represents the pride, resilience, and creativity of New Orleans’ Black community. Drawn to Zulu’s mission of cultural preservation and civic leadership, Dr. Tassin served in numerous capacities over the years and currently holds the position of Treasurer, a role he approached with transparency, integrity, and deep respect for our members and legacy.In 2018, Dr. Tassin founded the Audrey Mae Tassin Foundation in honor of his late mother, a woman whose life was defined by compassion, strength, and an unshakable belief in the power of Black women. Through the foundation, Dr. Tassin has hosted annual community health fairs, provided direct support to underserved families, and donated over $6,000 to the Zulu Maid Scholarship Fund furthering our commitment to education and empowerment.In 2025, Dr. Tassin was honored by Minnesota North College Rainy River Campus with an induction into their Hall of Fame for Professional Excellence and Athletics. This recognition reflects the values he carries into every facet of his life: purpose, perseverance, and service.Dr. Tassin believes the role of King Zulu is more than symbolic, it is a sacred responsibility to lead with humility, to honor those who came before us, and to invest boldly in the next generation.Together, we will continue the legacy and write the next great chapter in Zulu history.About the Zulu Queen: This year’s Zulu Queen is Sharell Monique Chatman. Sharell Monique Chatman is a proud lifelong resident of Jefferson Parish whose passion for community development and empowerment is woven into every facet of her life. Raised in a family that instilled the values of faith, education, and service, Sharell grew up with a strong sense of responsibility to uplift others, a principle that continues to guide her journey.Sharell graduated from Xavier University Preparatory High School before obtaining dual degrees at Northwestern State University of Louisiana: a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. These disciplines illustrate her capacity to integrate technical analysis with an understanding of human behaviors. Subsequently, she completed a master’s degree in computer engineering at Colorado State University, underscoring her dedication to continued learning and advancement within STEM fields.Sharell holds a key position within the Engineering Department of Jefferson Parish Government, where she is responsible for infrastructure planning and process optimization. Her contributions have a direct effect on the quality of life of residents, as she develops efficient systems and promotes sustainable public services. She views her responsibilities as a commitment to serve with integrity, accuracy, and dedication. Combining her engineering expertise with sociological insight, Sharell addresses challenges comprehensively, supporting fair and enduring solutions.Outside of her professional life, Sharell’s dedication to service is evident through her involvement in faith-based and community organizations. As a devoted member of Kenner Calvary Baptist Church, she actively nurtures both spiritual and communal growth. She also proudly serves as a member of the Omicron Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she embodies the sorority’s core mission of sisterhood, scholarship, and service.Among her most meaningful contributions is her role as Vice President and board member of the Audrey Mae Tassin Foundation, named in honor of her grandmother. Under her leadership, the foundation has become a beacon of hope in the community, securing vital grants and organizing impactful programs such as the AMTF health fair, back-to-school drives, and holiday food and gift basket events. This work, deeply rooted in her family’s legacy, reflects her commitment to inspiring the next generation.As Queen Zulu Select, Sharell calls it an honor she views as more than ceremonial. Selected by King-Elect Zulu 2026, Dr. Ron Tassin, she sees the role as a platform to celebrate culture, promote unity, and inspire community uplift. Sharell expresses heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Tassin and the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, Inc. for the opportunity to lead with purpose and pride especially in a way that empowers young girls and women to follow in her footsteps.Sharell is the daughter of Tyrell and Cynthia Chatman, Sr., and the granddaughter of the late Adam and Audrey Tassin, Sr., and Bobby and Gloria Chatman-Peters, Sr. She credits their love, wisdom, and guidance for shaping the values that define her faith, excellence, humility, and service.Through every role, mentor, advocate, and queen, Sharell continues to honor the legacy of those who came before her while forging her own path. With vision, heart, and resilience, she is committed to being an impact for good in every space she enters.
Dr. Ron Tassin has the honor of serving as this year’s Zulu King in 2026.
Dr. Ron Tassin is a proud lifelong resident of Jefferson Parish, a devoted father, and a committed advocate for the youth and Black community of New Orleans.
Dr. Tassin’s life’s work is rooted in service, guided by faith, family, and an unwavering dedication to uplifting those around him. At the center of that purpose is his daughter, Anjeinay Coree Shavonn, whose presence inspires every step of his journey.
Dr. Tassin’s passion for service began in the classroom as an educator in the Orleans Parish School System, where he taught at Drew Elementary and Sophie B. Wright. The early experiences deepened his understanding of the challenges youth face and strengthened his resolve to be a voice for their potential.
Dr. Tassin has always believed that education is more than academics, calling it a pathway to liberation, self-determination, and generational transformation.
The calling to support the whole person, mind, body, and spirit led Dr. Tassin to found Assurance Care Provider, LLC, a behavioral health agency providing vital mental health and substance abuse services to individuals and families. Through this work, Dr. Tassin has been privileged to help clients rediscover purpose, dignity, and stability in the face of adversity.
Beyond education and mental health, Dr. Tassin has spent years mentoring system-involving youth within the Juvenile Justice System. He believes no young person is beyond redemption and that, with the right support, guidance, and accountability, they can live lives rooted in integrity and purpose. Dr. Tassin also works with young athletes and students at Jesse Owens Playground (JPRD Sports), helping them build confidence, character, and community.
Currently, Dr. Tassin serves as the Manager of Student Partnerships and Programs at InspireNOLA Schools, where he cultivates networks between schools, community organizations, and local leaders. His focus is expanding student access to resources and opportunities through culturally responsive programming and student-centered advocacy.
Academically, Dr. Tassin holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from Southern University at New Orleans, as well as a Doctor of Management in Criminal Justice from Colorado Technical University. Dr. Tassin remains deeply active in his faith and fraternal communities as a member of Providence Baptist Church and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated where he was honored as “Omega Man of the Year” for his leadership and service.
Since 2006, Dr. Tassin has been a proud member of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, an institution that represents the pride, resilience, and creativity of New Orleans’ Black community. Drawn to Zulu’s mission of cultural preservation and civic leadership, Dr. Tassin served in numerous capacities over the years and currently holds the position of Treasurer, a role he approached with transparency, integrity, and deep respect for our members and legacy.
In 2018, Dr. Tassin founded the Audrey Mae Tassin Foundation in honor of his late mother, a woman whose life was defined by compassion, strength, and an unshakable belief in the power of Black women. Through the foundation, Dr. Tassin has hosted annual community health fairs, provided direct support to underserved families, and donated over $6,000 to the Zulu Maid Scholarship Fund furthering our commitment to education and empowerment.
In 2025, Dr. Tassin was honored by Minnesota North College Rainy River Campus with an induction into their Hall of Fame for Professional Excellence and Athletics. This recognition reflects the values he carries into every facet of his life: purpose, perseverance, and service.
Dr. Tassin believes the role of King Zulu is more than symbolic, it is a sacred responsibility to lead with humility, to honor those who came before us, and to invest boldly in the next generation.
Together, we will continue the legacy and write the next great chapter in Zulu history.
About the Zulu Queen:
This year’s Zulu Queen is Sharell Monique Chatman.
Sharell Monique Chatman is a proud lifelong resident of Jefferson Parish whose passion for community development and empowerment is woven into every facet of her life. Raised in a family that instilled the values of faith, education, and service, Sharell grew up with a strong sense of responsibility to uplift others, a principle that continues to guide her journey.
Sharell graduated from Xavier University Preparatory High School before obtaining dual degrees at Northwestern State University of Louisiana: a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. These disciplines illustrate her capacity to integrate technical analysis with an understanding of human behaviors. Subsequently, she completed a master’s degree in computer engineering at Colorado State University, underscoring her dedication to continued learning and advancement within STEM fields.
Sharell holds a key position within the Engineering Department of Jefferson Parish Government, where she is responsible for infrastructure planning and process optimization. Her contributions have a direct effect on the quality of life of residents, as she develops efficient systems and promotes sustainable public services. She views her responsibilities as a commitment to serve with integrity, accuracy, and dedication. Combining her engineering expertise with sociological insight, Sharell addresses challenges comprehensively, supporting fair and enduring solutions.
Outside of her professional life, Sharell’s dedication to service is evident through her involvement in faith-based and community organizations. As a devoted member of Kenner Calvary Baptist Church, she actively nurtures both spiritual and communal growth. She also proudly serves as a member of the Omicron Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she embodies the sorority’s core mission of sisterhood, scholarship, and service.
Among her most meaningful contributions is her role as Vice President and board member of the Audrey Mae Tassin Foundation, named in honor of her grandmother. Under her leadership, the foundation has become a beacon of hope in the community, securing vital grants and organizing impactful programs such as the AMTF health fair, back-to-school drives, and holiday food and gift basket events. This work, deeply rooted in her family’s legacy, reflects her commitment to inspiring the next generation.
As Queen Zulu Select, Sharell calls it an honor she views as more than ceremonial. Selected by King-Elect Zulu 2026, Dr. Ron Tassin, she sees the role as a platform to celebrate culture, promote unity, and inspire community uplift. Sharell expresses heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Tassin and the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, Inc. for the opportunity to lead with purpose and pride especially in a way that empowers young girls and women to follow in her footsteps.
Sharell is the daughter of Tyrell and Cynthia Chatman, Sr., and the granddaughter of the late Adam and Audrey Tassin, Sr., and Bobby and Gloria Chatman-Peters, Sr. She credits their love, wisdom, and guidance for shaping the values that define her faith, excellence, humility, and service.
Through every role, mentor, advocate, and queen, Sharell continues to honor the legacy of those who came before her while forging her own path. With vision, heart, and resilience, she is committed to being an impact for good in every space she enters.