Our 2025 Debutantes

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 wearing a cotillion dress; it instilled lifelong tools for success. Participants received guidance on proper etiquette, social decorum, career success, and community service, emphasizing kindness and humility. Access to mentorship and career development resources helped open doors to future achievements.

Since its founding, the Club has impacted hundreds of young women, many of whom are daughters of former debutantes. Distinguished alumnae include Dr. Alexa Irene Canady, the first African-American woman neurosurgeon in the U.S. and a Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame inductee; Anita Riddle-Johnson, the first African-American woman executive from Lansing at General Motors; and Luanne Wills-Merrell, the first African-American female aviation safety inspector hired by the FAA.

*Courtesy of The New Citizens Press, Rina Risper*