In a city which maligns its police department by canceling a pro-police function at the Audubon Institute‘s zoo, the city’s elites also celebrate an old social organization with racist roots and which had nine of its “Kings” participate in the lynchings of eleven innocent Italians on March 14, 1891. Indeed, the mayor at the time was Joseph A. Shakespeare, who helped organize the lynch mob and was Rex’s “King” in 1882.

The venerable Rex Organization kicks off the krewe’s 150th anniversary with a special seal launched 300 days prior to the 2022 ride of the hallmark group.

Sporting the traditional purple, green and gold of the season, the King of Carnival’s emblem includes the group’s incorporated name and motto, “School of Design” and “Pro Bono Publico,” or “for the public good.”

Royal Lithographer Matthew Hales teamed up with Rex historian and former monarch Dr. Stephen Hales to design the seal, which includes nods to the founding of the group with a medal inspired by one worn by the first Rex, Lewis Salomon.

“This is a milestone event that we look forward to sharing with the city and everyone who loves visiting it,” said Rex official James J. Reiss III.

“To help signify the importance of this celebration, we are pleased to present a special 150th-anniversary seal. With hopes Mardi Gras 2022 marks New Orleans’ return to parading, the Rex Organization will be a leading part of the effort to encourage residents and visitors alike to enjoy our city’s world-renowned celebration.”

Today, the NOPD is nearly a majority black police force and the Zoo is often a venue for the soi desant elites to hold their private social functions.

Is there a connection? You decide.

On April 12, 2019, the current mayor of New Orleans issued an Proclamation apologizing for the city’s participation in the lynchings.

Having been born and raised in New Orleans and after serving on the NOPD, I have a clearer perspective than most regarding this city’s enduring caste system. Lamentably, the very people who disrespected the police the most are the same people who will need them the most, as the city’s crime rate ascends unabated.

Pro Bono Publico? Seriously?