23

Kings, Baby Dolls, Zulus, and Queens --- 5
Gloom was in the air before Johnny Metoyer went to glory. He had been president and dictator of the organization for twenty-nine years, but had never chosen to be king until now. And this year he had announced his intention of being king, and then resigning from the Zulu Aid and Pleasure Club. This, everyone had agreed, probably meant disbanding. It just wouldn't be the same without ole John. Even the city officials were worrying. It seemed like the upper class of Negroes, had been working on Johnny, and had at least succeeded.
The Zulus had no use for 'stuck-up niggers.' Thier membership is derived from the humblest strata, porters, laborers, and a few who live by their wits. Professional Negroes disapprove of them, clamiing they 'carry on' too much, and 'do not represent any inherent trait of Negro life and character, serving only to make the Negro appear grotesque and ridiculou, since they are neither allegoric nor historical.'
When, in November, 1939, word came that Johnny Metoyer was dead, people wouldn't believe it. The news the night came, the Perdido Street barroom was packed. Representatives of the Associated Press, the United Press and hte local newspapers rubbed shoulders with Zulus, Baby Dolls and Indians. The atmosphere was deep, dark, and blue. Everybody talked at once.
'Ain't it a shame?'
'Poor John! He's gotta have a helluva big funeral.'
'Put him up right so his body can stay in peace for a long time to come.'
Somebody started playing. 'When the Saints Come Marching In,' written by Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong, MEtoyer's bosom friend. Then it is suggested that a telegram be sent to Armstrong. He's tooting his horn at the Cotton Club on Broadway, but it is felt he'll board a plane and fly down for the funeral.
A doubt was voiced that any Christian church would accept the body for last rites. 'John was a man of the streets, who ain't never said how he stood on religion.' Probably, others left condiently, if there were enough insurance money left, one of the churhces would be persuaded to see things differently. Of course, he would be buried in style befitting a Zulu monarch. Members must attend in full regalia, Johnny's body must be carried