NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Gian Durand and James Carter have been crowned as the first Black Queen and King in the Krewe of Alla’s 93 year history. Their reign is more than just a celebration – it is a tribute to Dorothy Mae Taylor, the Civil Rights leader and political trailblazer who desegregated Mardi Gras krewes in 1992, paving the way for greater inclusivity in the city’s most famous festival.
The krewe says Durand and Carter’s selection as royalty represents a new era for Mardi Gras, a direct reflection of Taylor’s vision for an inclusive and representative celebration. Thirty-two years after Taylor’s groundbreaking ordinance, the Krewe of Alla is embracing progress by recognizing Black leadership in its most honored roles.
“Dorothy Mae Taylor opened the doors for all of us to participate in Mardi Gras fully and equally,” said Gian Durand, the newly crowned Queen of Alla. “We are here today because of her courage, and we are committed to carrying her legacy forward.”
“This moment isn’t just about us—it’s about the generations before us who fought for inclusion and the generations after us who will see themselves reflected in New Orleans tradition,” added James Carter, the newly crowned King of Alla.
More from the krewe:
Honoring Dorothy Mae Taylor’s Legacy
Dorothy Mae Taylor made history as the first Black woman elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives and later as a New Orleans City Councilmember, where she introduced the landmark ordinance to desegregate Mardi Gras krewes. Despite fierce opposition, she successfully ensured that any krewe using city services would have to adopt non-discriminatory membership policies, ending decades of racial exclusion.
To honor her legacy, the campaign surrounding Durand and Carter’s reign will feature:
- A video series highlighting this reign and featuring reflections from Krewe Alla Captain Adam Strickland and 6th Ward Steppers Founder Kim Charbonet
- A welcome address at the League of Industry Moms: Sunset Soiree during Super Bowl Week offering insight into the evolution of Mardi Gras with inclusivity at the forefront
- A school outreach initiative Feb. 12-19 educating students at seven New Orleans schools on Dorothy Mae Taylor’s role in Mardi Gras history
- A Private Parade Pre-Party at 3 p.m. on Feb. 26 at The Higgins Hotel with participation from the 6th Ward Steppers.
A Historic Mardi Gras Celebration – A Cultural Revolution on Wheels
Durand and Carter will lead the Alla Mardi Gras Parade on Wednesday, Feb. 26, a powerful visual of the progress made since Dorothy Mae Taylor fought to make Mardi Gras open to all. This year’s parade will not only celebrate Carnival season but will also stand as a monument to inclusion, representation and Black excellence in New Orleans culture.
In another historic first, Durand and Carter will welcome the royalty of the 6th Ward Steppers to join them on the parade route, marking the first time a Secondline Social Aid and Pleasure Club has ever been included in a Mardi Gras parade. This unprecedented moment fuses two of New Orleans’ most cherished cultural institutions—the regal traditions of Mardi Gras krewes and the soul-stirring energy of secondline culture. Together, they will redefine what it means to parade in New Orleans, bridging the city’s past, present, and future in one breathtaking spectacle.
“The merging of Mardi Gras royalty and secondline culture is a reflection of what New Orleans has always been—a city where traditions evolve and history is made in real time,” said Durand. “This is not just a personal honor—it’s a community victory. We stand on Dorothy Mae Taylor’s shoulders, and as we ride through New Orleans, we ride for everyone she fought for.”
For decades, Secondline Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs have been the lifeblood of Black New Orleans culture, preserving a legacy of joy, resilience, and unshakable community pride. Their inclusion in the Mardi Gras parade is not just an invitation—it is a long-overdue acknowledgment of their rightful place in the grand tradition of Carnival.
As Durand, Carter, and the 6th Ward Steppers roll through the streets together, they will not just be celebrating Mardi Gras—they will be rewriting history in real time. This year’s Alla Mardi Gras Parade will not just be a parade—it will be a cultural revolution on wheels.
