History

The Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association, Inc (formally the Colored Carnival Association) was incorporated under the trusteeship of W. L. Russell, D.D.S, J.T. McKinnis, Sam Besteda, Jr., and J.A. Franklin, M.D.

Dr. Wilborne Russell, a respected dentist and civic leader was president of the CCA and MAMGA for fifty years. He envisioned the carnival association as an outlet for the youth of the Black African–American community to display their talents. He wrote the proclamation that is read every year at the coronation ceremonies and read it for fifty consecutive years until his retirement in 1987. The tradition of the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association (MAMGA) continues today due to Dr. Russell’s commitment.

Mrs Frederica Evans was another pioneer that was committed to MAMGA (formally the Colored Carnival Association). She was an instructor at Bishop State Junior College (formally Mobile State Junior College). One of her most honored awards was the appointment to the National Youth Administration by President F.D. Roosevelt. It was Mrs. Evans who suggested the official title of King Elexix I to rule over Mardi Gras. Mrs. Evans worked tirelessly with the organization until her demise in 1967. To honor her memory Mrs. Evans is referred to as the “Mother of The Colored Carnival”.

MAMGA held its first parade in 1939 and presented its first Royal Court in 1940. Alex Herman was king and Aliene Jenkins Howard was queen. The Grand Marshal (formally “The Mayor of Colored Carnival Assoc.”) was Sam Besteda. The first Grand Marshal’s Party (event before the Grand Marshal’s Ball) was given by deceased MAMGA member Oscar Ray Richardson for Mr. Sam Besteda.