Edwin Buggage
Editor-in-Chief New Orleans Data News Weekly
The Making of “Herstory”
Founded in 2013, the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale continues to make Herstory as a women-led Mardi Gras Krewe with more than 2,000 members across 26 states. Beyond the pageantry of parade season, the organization remains deeply committed to culture, fellowship, and meaningful community engagement throughout the year, anchoring its mission in leadership, empowerment, and service.
An Elegant Gala at the Superdome
The Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale illuminated the Caesars Superdome on Friday, February 6, 2026, with elegance, empowerment, and deep-rooted Mardi Gras Tradition during its Annual Gala. The unforgettable evening celebrated culture, leadership, and sisterhood, drawing members, supporters, and community leaders together under one iconic roof.
MKFF Rooted in a Legacy of Black Excellence
The night opened on a powerful and reverent note with a stirring rendition of the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” performed by Blair Dottin-Haley. His moving performance set the tone for a program grounded in legacy and reverence, honoring Black Excellence while celebrating the present. From the first note, the gala reflected the krewe’s commitment to remembering where it comes from while boldly embracing who it is today.
The program was emceed by Malik Mingo, Host of Great Day Louisiana, alongside Mia Monet. Together, they guided the audience through a beautifully curated evening that included a Formal Tableau Presentation recognizing the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale founders, officers, lieutenants, and the 2026 Parade Grand Marshal, Tajh Williams, Queen of the Young Eagles Mardi Gras Indians.
Music, Tribute, and Celebration
A highlight of the night came with a show-stopping performance by Legendary R&B trio SWV, who delivered a Soulful Tribute Honoring the Late Iconic Artist D’Angelo. Their performance moved the audience with a blend of reverence, nostalgia, and celebration, earning standing ovations and setting a high bar for the evening’s entertainment. The momentum continued with performances by New Orleans’ own Royal Essence Band and DJ Arie Spins, while the Sons of Jazz Brass Band led the ladies in a Traditional Second Line, transforming the Superdome floor into a joyous cultural procession.
Crowning the 2026 Queen Femme Fatale
The Pinnacle Moment of the night was the Official Coronation of Lisa Ballard Jackson as the 2026 Queen Femme Fatale. A captain and supervising commander with the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office and a devoted community leader, Jackson was crowned amid grandeur and applause. Her coronation symbolized the krewe’s enduring mission of strength, unity, service, and cultural pride.
“Our gala is a celebration of our legacy, our leadership, and the unstoppable power of what we call The Femme Effect,” said MKFF President Kimberly Early. “From honoring musical greatness to crowning a queen who embodies service and strength, this gala reflects who we are bold, unified, and unapologetically Femme Fatale.”
From the Gala Floor to the Parade Route
The celebration rolled seamlessly into an amazing parade day as the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale hit the Uptown Route under brilliant blue skies and perfect Mardi Gras weather. Led by Queen Lisa Ballard Jackson and Grand Marshal Tajh Williams, the parade came alive across 38 floats as candy apple red, black, and white magic filled the air. Thousands of cheering spectators lined the route as throws flew and The Femme Effect was on full display.
With the theme “Femmes Just Wanna Have Fun,” the krewe delivered nonstop energy, culture, and sisterhood, once again proving that when Femme Fatale rolls, New Orleans celebrates right along with them.
MKFF is truly an example of beauty, intelligence, and excellence personified.
Recommended For You.
Be the first to comment