MOBILE AREA MARDI GRAS ASSOCIATION Lady Chelsea Shamier Tate

Genuine, passionate, and nurturing are three words friends would use to describe Lady Chelsea Tate, the daughter of Corey Tate and Angela Rich-Tate, and a 2012 graduate of S.S. Murphy High School. Chelsea has loved everything about Mardi Gras since moving to Mobile at the tender age of five. Chelsea’s family loves celebrating the Carnival season, having enjoyed watching the parades as they roll through the streets of Downtown Mobile. However, her favorite is the parade that routes down MLK Avenue.

Chelsea shares, “My entire family gathers at my Great Aunt Kathleen’s house, which is located on Marshall Street. The family generally arrives by 10:00 A.M. to make certain that we have favorable parking. Towards the 2:00 P.M. hour we begin to make our way to MLK to secure a spot near the barricades for enjoyment of the festivities. One fond memory I have is walking with my big cousin, Joe Joe, from MLK to Springhill Avenue to watch the entire parade again from the beginning.”

Although she has enjoyed Mardi Gras with family since she was a little girl, Chelsea is thrilled to be experiencing this year’s season through the eyes of royalty. “Being able to be a part of such rich history means a lot to me,” Chelsea tells us. “I am finally able to stamp my name in the lineage of MAMGA Royalty during this momentous 85th year anniversary. It feels great to be a part of the royal family and fully immerse myself in the culture!”

Not only is Chelsea honored to be partaking in such a prestigious occasion, but she is thrilled to be following in both her sister’s and cousin’s Royal footsteps. Chelsea’s cousin, Tara Wells-Rhodes, served as a Lady in the 2003 MAMGA Royal Court, while her sister, Carmen Samone Tate, served as First Lady in Waiting in the 2018 MAMGA Junior Court. Chelsea has enjoyed preparing for her reign, especially when it comes to shopping for her Royal wardrobe. “It has been exciting to play dress up, trying on various ball gowns and suits, searching for the perfect attire befitting of my personality and style,” shares

Chelsea. “I was able to find my perfect attire at Putting on the Ritz, I Do Bridal and Bridesmaids a store located in Biloxi, MS.” For her train, Chelsea entrusted the talented Patricia Halsell-Richardson, and we are certain the final product will be breathtaking. Chelsea received a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2016 from Xavier University in New Orleans and a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences in 2018 from Mississippi College. For the past four years, she has served as an educator at Mattie T. Blount High School. Chelsea is overjoyed and excited to kick off the Carnival Season!