Mardi Gras is over with and many of us are now during the season of Lent. No matter what time of year it is we love celebrating the history of Mardi Gras, especially the African American History of Mardi Gras. Today we are doing that through showcasingA�Vintage African American Mardi Gras Images We Love. From the regalia, traditions and all the way to food, we can’t get enough of Mardi Gras and African American culture.
When most people think of Mardi Gras they think of New Orleans. Although we love the celebrations in the Big Easy, we also want to honor the original Mardi Gras location and specifically the African American Traditions that are based in Mobile, Alabama.
Here are some fast facts about theA�Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association (MAMGA)
- The ColoredA�Carnival Association was founded in 1938, held its first parade in 1939 and presented its first royal court in 1940,A�according to the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association’sA�written history.
- Alex Herman was the first king, and Aliene Jenkins Howard was the queen. As an homage to Herman, the MAMGA king is always referred to as King Elexis I.
- TheA�Colored Carnival Association became the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association, or MAMGA, in the 1970s.
- According to MAMGA’s written history, Dr. Wilborne Russell, a dentist and civic leader, was president of the CCA and then MAMGA over the course of 50 years. He wrote the proclamation that is read aloud every year at the coronation ceremonies.
- Every year,A�MAMGA sponsors a parade on the afternoon of Fat Tuesday that is referred to as the Mammoth Parade, and it is a big one. A couple dozen or so floats send a barrage of throws on the streets. The parade is a real favorite with many revelers.
Here are a few of the memorable images of the MAMGA and other African American Mardi Gras celebrations we had to share and if you want more information on The Mobile Area Mardis Gras Association, click here to explore their website.
Vintage African American Mardi Gras Images We Love
**I would like to also to give a special shoutout to my friend Jewel for sharing these cherished memories from her family.**
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Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
