Slidellian Terrance McGuire, the first St. Tammany resident to hold the position of the Big Shot character for the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, has put his stamp on the role by doing what he said any big shot should do — giving back to the community.
Since the election by his peers in May to reign for the 2022-2023 year as the Big Shot, a character second only to the Zulu king, McGuire has raised more than $10,000 for charities that include Toys for Tots, Families Helping Families, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and a scholarship fund to allow college students to study in Africa.
“I’m most proud to be able to use this platform for giving. Every Big Shot has a legacy that they leave behind. This is mine,” he said.
McGuire, 52, who was born in Detroit and raised in Thomasville, N.C., moved to New Orleans in 1995 after spending eight years in the U.S. Navy. He lived in Avondale until 2004, and then he and his wife, Hyacinth, moved to Slidell where they raised their son, Mason, a 2021 Northshore High School graduate.
McGuire said it was love at first Carnival; he knew he wanted to be a part of the Zulu organization as soon as he saw the parade. He has been a rider since 1998 and became a part of the Big Shot float krewe in 2013.
The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club began in 1909 and is known for its colorful floats with larger-than-life characters, including the Witch Doctor, the Big Shot, the Ambassador, the Mayor, the Governor and Mr. Big Stuff.
McGuire said the Big Shot character was created by Zulu member Paul E. Johnson in the 1930s. “He tries to outshine the king. He is the big spender, the man behind the throne. Everybody knows him by his cigar and derby and flashy suit,” McGuire said. “He is known for his style and for throwing the best party in town.”
Unlike other Carnival organizations, Zulu’s king and characters are elected by its members, with candidates often mounting vigorous and costly campaigns. McGuire originally ran for the Big Shot position in 2019 but lost.
“It is a huge honor for us to be a part of the royalty court of Zulu,” he said. “The north shore support has been tremendous as well. We plan to honor Slidell in a special way at Gallier Hall. so watch for that.”
Hyacinth McGuire will ride along side him in the role of Lady Shot. He said he will be ready for all of his “subjects on the street” with a T-shirt canon, coconuts and plenty of beads. “I get chills just thinking about it.”
Each Big Shot decides how to commemorate their year in the role, and while McGuire said he is looking forward to the entire Carnival season, he wanted his year to be about more than the party.
Since Hurricane Katrina, Zulu has held toy drives as part of a Toys for Tots campaign, but McGuire said he held his own drives as well, specifically collecting bicycles and Barbie dolls.
His fundraising efforts continued for the New Orleans chapter of NAMI and Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans, as well as the scholarships for students visiting Africa.
He said anyone can contribute to those organizations as part of his campaign, as well as to the Historic Slidell Museum. To donate to the museum visit https://myslidell.com/departments/cultural-public-affairs/slidell-museum/. NAMI donations can be sent to https://namineworleans.org/; and for Families Helping Families, visit https://fhfofgno.org/.
McGuire said the position of Big Shot is a “dream come true,” and Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer said it is also an honor for Slidellians.
“It is a huge honor for Terrance to be chosen as the Big Shot of Zulu, and an even greater honor for us because he’s from Slidell and St. Tammany Parish,” Cromer said. “Congratulations to Terrance on his big accomplishment. We are proud of you and know that you will represent our community well.”
For a lot of fun and even more information, see the official Zulu Big Shot website at https://thebigshot2023.com/.