I reached out to Mercedez Munro to learn more about her accomplishments and dedication during her reign.
Juanita MORE!: What year was your reign as Empress?
Mercedez Munro: Absolute Empress LII Mercedez Munro, February 26, 1995 – February 24, 1996
JM!: What made you choose to run for the Empress?
MM: To be clear, it was time. In the 52 years of the San Francisco Imperial Council, we (then) only had two other Black Empresses representing our wonderful city, and that was shocking to me. 1974 – Absolute Empress IX – Frieda and 1983 – Absolute Empress XVIII Connie. Moving to San Francisco, known as a bubble of inclusivity, shocked me that our rich history included so few colored empresses and it was my responsibility to change that. I ran for Empress once before, ten years before my election, and lost with 6 votes, that was the best thing that could have happened to me at the time. I wasn’t ready yet and I noticed that quickly. Even so, I was / am inspired by Jose Sarria’s mission and knew that I had to be a strong black voice and face of the organization and I won. I ran for every single black person in our community who only knew non-POC faces, if they knew about the court at all, and never thought the organization was for them. Now I’m on the board, working with my idols (our current monarchs, Emperor David GlamaMore and Empress Juanita More) and I couldn’t be happier.
JM!: What was your proudest achievement?
MM: There are far too many to list … but one that stood out was I presented the Transgender Law Center with a check for $ 10,000. I worked tirelessly to raise this money, and I did so in honor of our former Miss Gay San Francisco, attorney and all-around lovable person, Patrice Samek.
JM!: Which non-profit organizations did you support during your reign?
MM: The Transgender Law Center, BlackLivesMatter, and Meals on Wheels SF.
JM!: What do you hope for the future of the court?
MM: That everyone involved will keep the dream alive. I hope it goes on for another 56 years, that we get rid of some antiquated rules about how people should or shouldn’t present themselves and be open to change. Nothing stays the same and we have to be ready to move with the times so that EVERYONE feels welcome.
