Lady Valencia LaSelma Thomas
Born and raised in Mobile, Valencia’s roots run deep, shaping not only her love for the city but also her commitment to the cultural celebration that defines Mobile — Mardi Gras. The daughter of Jorina Denise Burden and Edward Pruitt, Valencia LaSelma Thomas is thrilled to take part in the Carnival season this year as a Lady in the 2024 MAMGA Court.
A graduate of Seacoast Collegiate High School, Lady Valencia is currently finishing her Criminal Justice and Psychology degree at Southeastern University, where she is set to graduate this year. She is an active member of the Alpha PHI Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society and currently interns with the Mobile Municipal Court where she assists the day-to-day work of Judge Shelbonnie Hall. With her sights set on a bright future, Lady Valencia plans to attend law school and excel as a practicing attorney.
Valencia’s family has been an integral part of Mobile’s Mardi Gras heritage, participating for generations. Her father, Edward Pruitt, served as a King’s Equerry in 1976 and later as a Knight in the 1990 Mardi Gras celebration. The Thomas family’s commitment to Mardi Gras is further evident with Valencia’s siblings participating in various roles, including her sister’s service in the Juvenile Court in 2016 and her brother’s role as the Juvenile King in 2018.
In her free time, Valencia’s interests are as diverse as her cultural background. She loves to workout, read, hang out with her friends, listening to podcasts and church sermons, and traveling. Lady Valencia is well traveled, with her sights set on visiting Dubai soon, but perhaps her most favorite memory is when she traveled to Florida with her entire family. “It’s really hard to get my grandparents to go on a trip and it made me really happy that they could come along,” she fondly recalls. “We laughed, talked, sang, ate and just had an amazing time. I couldn’t remember the last time my entire family was together. I will always cherish that Tampa trip.”
“Love Letter to Mobile:
“Mobile is home. Mobile has shaped me into the person I am today. I could move away and come back in 15 years and Mobile will always be my forever home. All the way down from the great famous southern hospitality to the home of Mardi Gras. Mobile and Mardi Gras are intertwined, representing a celebration of history, culture, community, and a distinctive Southern way of life. These aspects of my upbringing have shaped my sense of self and pride in the rich cultural history of the city.”
– Valencia LaSelma Thomas”
Living on the Gulf Coast has shaped Valencia in profound ways. The rich cultural heritage, strong sense of community, and the influence of Mobile’s deep South environment have left an indelible mark on her character. “I have forged relationships, made countless memories, and develop a sense of identity here in the Bay area. We all know that Mobile is known for its southern hospitality and a very strong sense of community; living here I have gained a friendly and welcoming attitude. We also place an importance on religious and social values. Living in this region exposed me to a culture where faith, family, and community play integral roles in people’s lives. . Being part of this community lead me to appreciate and celebrate diverse cultural influences, fostering a sense of cultural identity,” she shares with us.
Describing her style as, “simple yet cute,” Valencia’s Mardi Gras wardrobe is a collaboration with a dedicated team. With Curtis Allen and Danielle Johnson-Ward overseeing her wardrobe, and the esteemed Mrs. Patricia Richardson managing her train, Lady Valencia’s attire is a reflection of elegance and sophistication. While she doesn’t wear family heirlooms, her wardrobe is carefully curated to embrace the spirit of Mardi Gras with a touch of contemporary flair. Reflecting on all of the fun that is to come, Lady Valencia says, “Participating in and witnessing these festivities has instilled a sense of celebration, community engagement, and cultural pride within me. I am so excited for this season!”
