JANS – The Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale (MKFF) recently hosted its ‘Reveal’ at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. The annual event unveils the civic organization’s Mardi Gras theme, grand marshal, and selection of its queen. Received with great excitement, the 2025 queen is Jackson resident Yolanda M. Singleton, the first out-of-state member to be chosen for the coveted crown. This honor falls on the heels of her receiving the prestigious “Jackie” for Promoter of the Year by the Jackson Music Awards at its 50th annual ceremony.
“This is beyond my wildest dreams,” said Singleton. “As the little girl running alongside the parade floats to now being the Queen-Select of the first African American female-founded krewe, it’s our founder’s [Gwendolyn V. Rainey] vision being seen, and my dream come true.” A celebration luncheon for Singleton will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Audubon Tea Room. Email info@mkfemmefatale.org for ticket information.
A member of MKFF since 2017, Singleton serves on the Parade Throws and Social Justice committees. She is a graduate of the University of Mississippi Medical Center with a bachelor of science in nursing and holds an associate degree in nursing from Hinds Community College.
A self-described “successful serial entrepreneur,” she’s completed courses in real estate and business at Jackson State University. Singleton is the founder and owner of Xperience Jxn Entertainment – an entertainment conglomerate that has produced some of the largest concerts and hosted most major tours in the Southeast region, featuring national artists such as Mary J. Blige, Patti LaBelle, Fantasia, and Anthony Hamilton.
Singleton serves as mentor to “at-risk” female students in the Jackson Public School District Re-engaging in Education for All to Progress (REAP) program and she has been a professional Registered Nurse for over 30 years. She also advocates for victims of domestic abuse, human trafficking, and for motorcycle safety.
Always making time for her community, Singleton founded the nonprofit organization, By God’s Grace, that helps feed the hungry; provides toiletries, coats, and blankets to the homeless; and hot meals and cleaning supplies to people who have been impacted by natural disasters. She also supports Friendship Connection, a residential facility for women recovering from alcohol or drug dependency. She holds memberships and positions in organizations, including being the current National President of the Southern Soul Foundation, Rotary Club of Jackson (MS) Board of Directors, Order of the Eastern Star, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women – Central Mississippi Chapter.
And, if that’s not enough, she is a real estate investor, licensed life insurance agent, travel agent, notary public, philanthropist, financial strategist, and co-host of WMPR 90.1 FM’s “Cocktails and Conversations.” Her motto is, “I’m not just my sister’s keeper; I am my sister.”
Singleton, a member of Anderson United Methodist Church, has three children (Chantel, LeWil, and Dary) and is grandmother to four (Royal, Daly, Kinsley, and Treasure) at the time of this writing.
“We are both delighted and excited to welcome Queen-Select Yolanda Singleton,” said Femme Fatale Queen 2016 and Founding Member Joan Cooper Rainey. “Her commitment to being the best woman she can be, her community endeavors, and her professional successes make her uniquely qualified to represent this esteemed group of women. She embodies all a queen should be.”
As the ‘Reveal’ festivities continued, NBA Executive Swin Cash was introduced as the 2025 Grand Marshal to resounding applause. Wearing a red strapless jumpsuit, red Nike Air Max sneakers, and waving a decorated custom-made parasol, the recently promoted senior vice president of basketball operations and team development for the New Orleans Pelicans strutted excitedly down the red carpet and then took the stage to deliver brief remarks.
The event was preceded by the krewe’s annual induction ceremony where it welcomed 508 new members from across the country. The current roster of nearly 1,900 women boasts members from 26 states.
MKFF will once again grace the Uptown route for its annual parade on Sunday, February 23, 2024, at 11 a.m. The coveted signature mirrored compact will be thrown, along with annual theme beads, plush toys, and a new Founding Member bead along with other fun throws.
