NEW ORLEANS — A young girl’s seventh birthday at the Krewe of Tucks parade in New Orleans turned upsetting when she caught what she thought was a regular Barbie, only to discover it was a Black doll with a string of beads around its neck. Hanging a Black doll in that way can evoke racist imagery and has historically been intimidating to Black communities. 

Her family had to explain why she couldn’t keep it, turning a fun birthday into a confusing and upsetting experience.

Shayna Lee, the girl’s mother, said she was in shock.

 “At first I was actually in shock. I was because I was like… there is no way, out of all things that somebody could have thrown off of a float,” Lee said. “This… And it’s Black History Month. I’m not understanding how I, of all people or my family, was the chosen one to get this doll. And I was very upset because we have been teaching my daughter about, you know, Black history and racism and things like that.”

Lee described the impact on her daughter: “It really just hurt that her innocence was taken away because I had to expose her to a darker side of racism and tell her why she wasn’t allowed to play with it. And she was asking to keep the doll.”

Mayor Helena Moreno said, “Let me be clear: the display is deeply offensive, unacceptable, and has no place in our city. New Orleans is built on respect, diversity, and inclusion and actions that seek to demean or intimidate any member of our community violate the very spirit of who we are. Our celebrations, particularly those where our children and families attend, should be spaces of joy and unity, not exposure to hateful or harmful imagery. I along with Council President Morrell have contacted Krewe of Tucks leadership to identify those responsible and ensure full accountability.”

Council President JP Morrell called it a “disturbing effigy meant to harm and intimidate families and children.” State Representative Alonzo L. Knox said residents reached out with “justified disgust” and confirmed he is working with Attorney General Liz Murrill, the Governor, and State Police to hold those responsible accountable. 

Knox said, “The people, especially the children, along that parade route did not deserve to be exposed to images of violence and hate particularly against women. It totally lacked sensitivity… and if anyone cannot see how this is offensive, they should check themselves.”

Attorney General Murrill said, “I have seen photos and reports of a disgusting, vulgar, racist image displayed on a float in the Tucks parade. The Mayor and Chief of Police confirmed the report. I will immediately be opening an investigation and intend to hold the individuals responsible accountable. This conduct is absolutely abhorrent and entirely unacceptable. It is deeply disgraceful that anyone who was privileged to ride in a New Orleans Mardi Gras parade would choose to stain the entire Krewe and the event in this manner.”

The Krewe of Tucks said it is investigating the incident, and anyone responsible will not be allowed to participate in future parades.

The day after the parade, the Mayor and City Council welcomed the family to watch the parade from Gallier Hall. 

Lee said they will continue celebrating Mardi Gras but will be more cautious about what they catch at future parades. “It’s not going to keep us from going out and having a good time… but we’re definitely going to be more cautious about the throws that we get from the parades,” she said.

Lee called for accountability for the rider responsible. “At the least a fine… He definitely needs to get held accountable… If it’s up to me, he needs to apologize, absolutely apologize, because that was disgraceful. For you to actually throw it out, it was even worse,” she said.

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