The Krewe of Mer 14th annual Grand Mardi Gras Ball will be held at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Natchez Convention Center.

The event is by invitation only. Krewe of Mer’s 2007 theme is “Harlem Nights: An Evening of Elegance.”

Mer Royalty will be representing African American legendary figures who made significant contributions to the arts during the era of the Harlem Renaissance and thereafter.

Duke Darryl V. Grennell is the son of Jonathan and Renza Grennell of Natchez and the brother of five siblings.

Grennell is a faculty member in the department of biological sciences at Alcorn State University where he teaches microbiology, medical microbiology and genetics. He has also been involved in several research projects and academic programs at the university. In addition, he received one of the highest awards given by the State of Mississippi to faculty at institutions of higher learning, the HEADWAE award for Outstanding Faculty Member at Alcorn State University 2005-2006.

He is also president of the Adams County Board of Supervisors, where he represents District Four.

Duke Thomas Grennell is a life-long resident of Natchez. He is married to Melodie Flowers-Grennell, and they are the parents of Jaylan Lljuna and Tavachi Marchell. He is the son of Jonathan and Renza Grennell. He is a graduate of North Natchez High school, Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer Training Academy, and Mississippi Investigator Program. He is employed with the Natchez Police Department as an investigator. He is a member of Zion Chapel A.M.E Church, the Fraternal Order of Police, American Paint Association Company, secretary of JADTRL Publishing, Board of Directors of the Natchez Humane Society, and drummer for Grooveline Band.

Duke Willie Woods is a retired educator from Natchez-Adams Public Schools. He received his education from Jackson State University, University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State University, and Alcorn State University. He is married to Sheryl Watson Woods. He has four children, one deceased, and five grandchildren. He is a member of Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Wharlest Jackson Elks Lodge No. 1675, Jackson State Alumni National and Local Association, and the Retired Teacher’s Association.

Duchess Bell Varner is the mother of one son, Daniel Varner Jr. She is employed with the Adams County Adolescent Offender Program. She is a member of the China Grove Baptist Church. She is an Alcorn State University graduate with a B.S. in sociology and a master’s degree in guidance counseling. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and the sponsor of Diamond Princess Step Group.

Duchess Neashion Marie Oliver is the mother of one son, Gabriel Malik Oliver. She is a teacher at Holy Family Catholic School. She is a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church. She graduated from Franklin High School and received her B.S. in business administration and a master’s degree in education from Alcorn State University. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Order of Eastern Star, and Pilgrim Baptist Church Women Ministry.

Duchess Alexine Profice is the mother of two children, Cedric Germain Carter and Amari Zinaye Carter. She is the daughter of Alexander and Deloris Profice. She is employed with the Natchez-Adams School District and is an English instructor at Natchez High School, the head ninth-grade girl’s basketball coach and is adjunct instructor at Alcorn State University. She is a member of Zion Hill No. 1 Baptist Church, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., NAACP and National Council of Teachers of English.

Duchess Lljuna Grennell-Weir is a life-long resident of Natchez. She is married to Dante Weir and they are the parents of Jonathan Zerrell and Danyel Lillian. She is the daughter of Jonathan and Renza Grennell. LLjuna is a graduate of North Natchez High, attended Jackson State University where she was a member of the Sonic Boom of the South and is a graduate of the Art Institute of Atlanta and Alcorn State University. She is employed by Alcorn State University’s WPRL Radio as station manager, WMIS/WTYJ Radio as station manager and is CEO of VOP Medio. Royalty Representation

Arthur J. Reed is married to Edna Reed and they are the parents of three children, Arthur Jr. and Harvey Reed and Andrea Reed Mitchell. They are grandparents of eight. He is retired from NBC of Chicago.

Captain Janet Green is married to Edward R. Green III, and is the mother of three daughters, Tiffany, Tamara, Candace and has a grandson, Landon. Janet has been actively involved with the Krewe of MER since its charter in 1992. She has served as skit chairperson for several years. She served on the royal court as queen in 1995. She is a retired educator in the Natchez-Adams Public School System. Janet received her bachelor and master’s degrees in English from Alcorn State University. She is a member of St. Mark No. 2 Missionary Baptist Church.

Consort Edward R. Green, III is married to Janet F. Green, and they have three daughters, Tiffany, Tamara and Candace, and a grandson, Landon. He has been actively involved in the Krewe of MER since its charter in 1992 where he serves as decorating chairperson. He served on the royal court as King in 1995. He is a retired educator from Natchez-Adams Public School System and is currently employed at Vidalia High School where he teaches Industrial Arts. He is a member of St. Mark No. 2 Missionary Baptist Church.

Queen Renza Grennell and King Jonathan Grennell are parents of six children, Jonathan, Darryl, Lljuna, Ann, Thomas, and Renza. They are also grandparents of six. She is a retired educator and a member of Zion Chapel AME Church and many civic organizations. He is retired from Johns Mansville Corporation.