MOBILE AREA MARDI GRAS ASSOCIATION First Lady in Waiting Kennedy Pia Bernard

The daughter of Kwonbie and Tamechia Bernard, Lady Kennedy Bernard comes from a long line of Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association (MAMGA) Royals dating back from 1946 when her great great aunt, Mary I Wilson, served as First Lady in Waiting. Subsequently, various members of her family have served a variety of Royal roles including Knights, Pages, Crown Bearers, Proclamation Bearers, Equerries, Kings, and Queens. “This honor means the world to me because I am continuing a legacy that started over 76 years ago,” Kennedy muses. As a member of the MAMGA Royal court, Kennedy has spent many months planning, designing, and shopping for her royal wardrobe. Kennedy’s train was designed by the talented Johnny Weaver and boasts a design that was inspired by the Rod ironwork you can find throughout the city of Mobile. If you look closely, you will find a sentimental tribute to one of her late family members, and the original creator of their train, Brenadine Jordan. To compliment her train, her coronation gown is handmade to replicate the intricate work of her train. In fact, all of her ball gowns are custom from Chic & Holland and hand-beaded from artists in India. “I am so grateful for Mr. Johnny Weaver and his team at Royal Clothiers in Mobile for their work on designing and coordinating my royal attire,” Kennedy fondly says.

Kennedy attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences. She was involved in both the Atlanta Club and Black Women in Medicine. Upon gradu- ating in April of 2022, she began her career working as a Pharmacy Technician. She is looking forward to spending this Carnival season developing lifelong memories with her fellow Royals that will be shared with their future generations.

-First Lady in Waiting