Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association’s

King Elexis I, Tyler D. Rice

Meet the impressive gentlemen that make up MAMGA’s 2024 fab four. A rare occurrence, these tight-knit members of the Rice family will reign supreme this Carnival season and all while being able to celebrate each and every moment together. All accomplished in their own right, and following a long family history, this is not only a testament to each of these men, but to the MAMGA organization as well. 

By Caroline Edmondson Photos Amber Jones, JonesAmberMichelle@gmail.com

With Mardi Gras’s deeply rooted history, it is typical for many Mobile families to have generations of Royal Court members throughout their family tree, but to have multiple members of a family playing a role in the same season’s Court is almost unheard of, but that is precisely what the Rice family is experiencing this Carnival season. 

It all begins with Tyler D. Rice, who will serve as the 2024 MAMGA Court’s King Elexis I, a coveted role he is honored to step into this year. But, Tyler won’t reign alone. In fact, his two brothers will serve important roles in this year’s Court as well. His brother, Taylon J. Rice, will serve as 1st Knight, and his brother, Allen A. Rice, will serve as Page to the King, all under the watchful eye of their father, TeNerah Rice, who serves as President of the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association. 

But the Rice Family lineage doesn’t stop there. In fact, the familial connection to the revelry extends through generations: Myea Rice (cousin) – MAMGA Queen 2022, Allen Rice (Grandfather) - MAMGA Knight 1977, TeNerah Rice (father) - 2nd Knight 1997, Kimberly Rice (step-mother) - Lady-In-Waiting 1998, TeNyia Creighton (aunt) - Lady In Waiting 2004, Booker Creighton, III (uncle) - MAMGA Knight 2005, Sharan Allen (cousin), Lady In Waiting 2005, Kayla James (cousin) and 1st Lady In Waiting 2019. 

An alum of Baker High School, Tyler graduated from Alabama State University in 2021. Earning Summa Cum Laude honors and the President’s Award, Tyler was named the 2021 Student of the Year and was heavily involved in both the student body as Vice President and the National Association of Black Accountants as President. He currently works as a business consultant with Ernst & Young in Atlanta, focusing on clients in the financial services industry.

In his free time, Tyler embraces the diverse culinary offerings of Atlanta. A self-proclaimed foodie, he explores new restaurants and enjoys cooking. His love for travel has taken him to iconic destinations like New York City, Paris, and Barcelona. He dreams of exploring Nigeria to connect with his roots and witnessing the aurora borealis in Iceland.

The Bay area has left an indelible mark on Tyler. He appreciates the people’s southern charm and hardworking spirit, emphasizing the unique blend of cultural experiences. “Mobile is quite the place to grow up,” he says. “It has molded me into the person I am today. To me, home means being surrounded by love and support of family and friends. I love spending time with my family either gathered around the dinner table sharing stories or on the sofa watching a good movie.”

Describing his personal style as “smart casual,” Tyler tends to gravitate towards pieces that are classics with a modern flare. Tyler’s Mardi Gras wardrobe is a collaborative vision between himself and Mr. Kelvin Wilkerson, brought to life by Mrs. Julia Greer-Fobes of Revelry Bloom. The regalia pays homage to family heritage and Alabama State University, blending classic elements with a modern twist.

For Tyler and the rest of the Rice family, serving together on a court so steeped in longstanding tradition and cultural pride means the world to them. Even more so getting to share in the fun with each other and create memories that will last a lifetime. “From catching droves of throws as a child to participating in the Court, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing Mardi Gras from Dauphin Street all the way to the opulence of the balls,” Tyler fondly shares. “Having my entire family involved this year will make this Mardi Gras one to remember.”