The tradition of debutante balls in the African American community dates back to the early 20th century, rooted in the values of service, education, and social refinement. According to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, “African American debutante balls were created as a means to showcase young Black women to their communities and to celebrate their accomplishments at a time when systemic racism barre...

What made this organization distinct was that Les Meres, the mothers, personally provided the programming, mentoring, and funding for the debutantes, the daughters. This ‘coming of age’ journey began in seventh grade and culminated in a formal ball, “The Cotillion,” during the twelfth grade. The Cotillion ceremonies drew inspiration from African traditions, notably the “Rites of Passage.”

The Club emphasized more than the elegance of wea...