Allen crowned new Choctaw Indian Princess
Leilani Elyse Allen was crowned the 2024-2025 Choctaw Indian Princess last Wednesday during the opening night of the 74th Choctaw Indian Fair, becoming the 69th young Tribal member to hold the esteemed title.
“I hope to promote more of our cultural traditions as well as our values of the Choctaw people,” Allen said. “I want to be an inspiration to the youth to embrace their heritage, pursue their goals, and strive for excellence.”
Allen, 21, is the daughter of Marsha Allen and is from the Tucker community. Her grandparents are Leslie and James Willis. She has two siblings, Malakai and Almera.
Allen will graduate from Meridian Community College in August with an associate degree in business information systems. Afterward, she plans to attend Mississippi State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the same field, with hopes of becoming a web developer.
She graduated from Choctaw Central High School in May 2021.
A strong supporter of Choctaw Tribal Schools’ Exceptional Education Program, Allen continues to volunteer for the Special Olympics programs held at Choctaw Central High School. She also participates, alongside her family, in the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend in December, honoring her cousin Lucas, who passed away from brain cancer in 2021.
In a touching tribute, she wore a gray and white Choctaw dress in the pageant to honor her cousin, as gray is the designated color for brain cancer awareness.
In her free time, Allen enjoys going on walks, playing tennis, reading thriller books, and spending time with her dachshund, Gus, and turtle, Oogway. Her favorite fair activity is watching the thrilling action of Chahta Kabotcha (Choctaw Stickball).
As the new Princess, Allen will serve as the official spokesperson and ambassador for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, succeeding the 2023-2024 Choctaw Princess, Nalani LuzMaria Thompson.
Allen said that while excited and a bit nervous, she feels very honored and privileged to represent her tribe and serve as a positive role model for the community.
“I’m looking forward to meeting other indigenous communities and supporting each other in cultural preservation,” she said.
Allen was inspired to participate in this year’s pageant to learn more valuable life skills such as better communication and time management.
“Along with the crown, I had small victories that I was able to celebrate,” she said.
Allen’s advice to young Choctaw women is: “Embrace your culture and take pride in your identity because our culture and traditions are the source of our strength. Stay committed to your education and take pride in your achievements because you are the future leaders of our tribe. With determination and unity, you can achieve great things.”
This year’s contestants were sponsored by different organizations and businesses, with their ages ranging between 16 and 21.
A panel of judges selected the new Princess by awarding points based on communication skills, poise, traditional dress, and cultural understanding.
Lexie Camille Rodriguez was named the first alternate, while Lexi Alaysia Flint was the second alternate and received the Miss Congeniality award. Allen also received the Miss Photogenic award.