2025
Royal Monarchs
King Majestic - Mr. Kevin J. McCathen
Queen Majestic - Mrs. Amanda Taylor-Gradney
Authentically known as “Kevin Jaye”, Kevin Jamal McCathen was born on the 26th Day of September in New Orleans, Louisiana. A true New Orleanian with the city’s cultural blood, his childhood upbringing in the Hollygrove neighboring area is a testament of the man we are witnessing today. A man of class, integrity, excellence and charm, it is an honor to have him reigning as the Krewe of Majestic Carnival Club Inaugural Royal Monarch.
Kevin is the eldest son of the Krewe of Majestic’s Co-Founder and Co-Captain, Nicola “Nikki” McCathen who expressed her deep honor and gratitude to witness her son starting the legacy of being the very first person in their family to reign as Mardi Gras Royalty during the 2025 Carnival Season. He’s the brother to Joshua Andre and Jada Armani who he considers to be his two other musketeers. He’s the grandson to Dr. Ollis T. Brown, Sr. and First Lady Connie Brown, and the late Walter and Virginia Hales. He’s the nephew to Tina Martin and Cabrini Hales, and super fun uncle to Jayce (Pac Man) Briley.
Kevin graduated from Salman High School in Slidell, Louisiana and Southern University Agricultural and Mechanical College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication, and earned a Communications Associate’s in Public Speaking from TED Talk University. He’s currently a Mass Communications Journalist/Columnist and Public Speaker. Aside from his career, he spends his spare time actively engaged in organizations that empowers, enlightens and encourages such as Best Buddies, ONE Covington, the Human Rights Campaign, Susan G. Komen, and a host of more. He is engaged in Memberships with Chi Sigma Delta Fraternity, Bountiful Blessings Full Gospel Ministry, and Boujie Brunchies.
At the age of thirty-five (35) years old, Kevin has encountered accomplishments that will forever serve as life long memories. His favorite pastime memory was becoming the first gentleman from New Orleans to captivate the title of Mr. Black Louisiana in 2020. He was also recognized by the Spears Group as the Millennial Awards Service Person of the Year.
Unbeknownst to some, Kevin is a dedicated member to the Krewe of Majestic Carnival Club as the Founder and President. He has helped the organization to provide diversity and inclusion through the different departments within as well as the outreach through community service and partnerships. Kevin is grateful for all of those who have believed in his mission and vision to bring something regal, fun and rewarding to the Northshore. He wants to thank his family, friends, members of Majestic and Darrell Oby Sr. for their support and encouragement during this inaugural reign; especially the Board of Directors for selecting him to be first inaugural King.
Kevin shares this celebration with everyone. His favorite bible scripture is 1st Corinthians 16:14 “Do everything in love.” And that is what this is all about. Loving Mardi Gras, loving the culture, loving the atmosphere and loving our people because WE ARE ONE!
All Hail thee first Krewe of Majestic Carnival Club King Majestic.
Amanda Ashley Taylor-Gradney, a proud Baton Rouge native and graduate of McKinley Sr. High School, is a passionate and dedicated mental health professional. As the owner and operator of Jo-Moon Wellness Firm, Amanda is a Certified Life Coach, Licensed Professional Counselor, and National Certified Counselor, specializing in EMDR Trauma Therapy and Maternal (Postpartum) Therapy. Her firm offers more than just therapy; Amanda provides transformative workshops, professional development, and is a sought-after speaker and consultant for various behavioral health agencies.
With a strong academic foundation, Amanda holds an Associate’s degree in Business, a Bachelor’s in Health Care Administration with a Health Management concentration, and a Master’s in Counselor Education from The Southern University A&M College of Baton Rouge. Currently, she is furthering her expertise as a Doctoral student in Human Services, with a focus on Advocacy and Prevention, at Walden University.
In her role as a Middle/High School Counselor for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, Amanda is deeply invested in the academic and emotional well-being of her students. Beyond her professional life, Amanda is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she contributes actively to community service and leadership initiatives. She serves on the board of the Louisiana Counseling Association, where she has previously held the office of President for the Provisional License division and now serves as President-Elect.
Amanda’s commitment to community and professional excellence is recognized statewide with multiple awards. She is a member of the American Business Women’s Association and sits on the Work Ready U Advisory Board at Baton Rouge Community College. Formerly crowned Mrs. Black Louisiana Empowerment, she continues to empower young girls through mentorship in pageantry.
A tireless advocate for mental and maternal health, Amanda also finds joy and purpose in her church community at First Emmanuel Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Henry J. Brown where she created the Mental Health Ministry in her church. She is happily married to Tory Gradney Sr. and is a loving mother of five, and embracing a blended family with five bonus children. Amanda’s life is a testament to resilience, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to uplifting her community and family.
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Krewe of Majestic Carnival Club is an co-ed Mardi Gras Club in Covington, LA (Northshore). The Krewe is open to any individual 18 years of age and older who has a passion for Unity, Service, Merriment and Fellowship while celebrating the history and culture of Mardi Gras.
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Join today and become a member of the newest Carnival Club on the Northshore.