Our Founders

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 barred them from participating in similar mainstream social traditions.” These balls provided an essential platform to affirm Black excellence, community pride, and the importance of cultural traditions.

Les Meres et Debutantes Club of Greater Lansing: A Local Legacy

In 1962, nine pioneering African American mothers in Lansing, Michigan — Esther Abrams, Hortense Canady, Lela Eaton, Mattie Foxall, Robbie Harris, Catherine Harrison, Estella Saunders, Shirley Wills, and Dorothy Wilson — founded the Les Meres et Debutantes Club of Greater Lansing. At a time when white social clubs excluded African Americans, these mothers sought to prepare their daughters to become productive young women and present them to society with dignity and pride.

*Courtesy of The New Citizens Press, Rina Risper*