Gian Durand shattered a 93-year-old barrier on February 26, becoming the first Black queen of New Orleans’ ALLA Mardi Gras parade. The businesswoman dedicated her historic ride to Dorothy Mae Taylor, the civil rights activist whose 1992 ordinance helped desegregate Mardi Gras krewes throughout the city.
“If it wasn’t for her, I maybe wouldn’t even have the opportunity to reign,” Durand told NOLA about Taylor’s influence. Her coronation marks a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of Mardi Gras traditions toward greater inclusivity and representation.
The momentous occasion comes as ALLA steps into a new parade timeslot, taking over the spot previously held by the NYX krewe, which faced mass exodus after racial tensions emerged during the Black Lives Matter movement.
New Orleans Native Breaks Barriers in Historic Mardi Gras Tradition
Durand’s journey to becoming ALLA’s first Black queen reflects deep New Orleans roots. She grew up in New Orleans East with parents who built careers in construction and insurance. Her educational path included two pillars of the city’s heritage – St. Mary’s Academy, a Black Catholic school, and Xavier University, a historically Black college.
After completing law school at Loyola University, Durand’s internship at Orleans Parish Juvenile Court inspired her to establish Loving Hearts of Louisiana. This behavioral clinic provides crucial mental health care and support services for youth in need. Through these efforts, she has demonstrated ongoing commitment to her community long before making Mardi Gras history.
Her increasing involvement with ALLA – from sponsoring a float to becoming a parade lieutenant – ultimately led to her groundbreaking appointment as queen. This progression highlights both her dedication to Mardi Gras traditions and her role in their evolution toward better representing New Orleans’ diverse population.
Dorothy Mae Taylor’s Legacy Lives On Through Historic Coronation
The symbolism of Durand’s coronation carries special weight through its connection to Dorothy Mae Taylor. Taylor made history herself as the first Black woman elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives and later served on the New Orleans City Council. Moreover, her impact on Mardi Gras remains profound.
Taylor authored a pivotal 1992 city ordinance that required krewes to implement open admission policies. This legislation directly confronted decades of segregation within parade organizations. By dedicating her ride to Taylor, Durand explicitly connected her achievement to this crucial civil rights legacy.
The dedication acknowledges how structural changes, rather than individual accomplishments alone, create pathways toward equality. Durand’s recognition of this history demonstrates her understanding of how past activism enables present progress.
ALLA Krewe’s Transformation Reflects Changing New Orleans Culture
ALLA’s evolution from what was once known as an all-white club to a more inclusive organization mirrors broader cultural shifts in New Orleans. Durand’s queenship represents this ongoing transformation toward greater diversity within traditional institutions.
Before joining ALLA, Durand had been a member of the all-female krewe NYX. However, racial tensions emerged when NYX’s previous captain posted “All Lives Matter” on social media during protests following George Floyd’s death. This controversy led many diverse members to leave NYX, significantly reducing its membership and public support.
Following these events, Durand successfully campaigned for ALLA to take over NYX’s parade slot. The New Orleans City Council unanimously voted to remove NYX from the 2025 Carnival schedule, while approving ALLA’s new position. This transition speaks to how Mardi Gras continues to adapt to reflect contemporary values and the diverse community it celebrates.
Businesswoman and Community Leader Brings New Vision to Carnival
Durand’s coronation represents more than a symbolic victory. As a businesswoman and community advocate, she brings substantial credentials to her royal role. Her professional background includes appearances on Bravo’s Southern Charm New Orleans, where she gained visibility as a vocal figure representing her city.
Her founding of Loving Hearts of Louisiana demonstrates her commitment to addressing mental health needs in the community. This focus on youth wellbeing shows how her influence extends beyond ceremonial roles into practical support for vulnerable populations.
Through her various endeavors, Durand exemplifies how traditional celebrations can honor history while making room for new leadership. Her presence on the ALLA float symbolizes both cultural preservation and necessary evolution to ensure Mardi Gras remains relevant to all New Orleanians.
