“Good Af’Tea’Noon, Our Gentlest and Dearest Readers. (Ah! By the way…we are using our best, ‘Lady Whistledown’ voice) … It seems as though the Minden Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., has once again steeped its 59th Annual Introductory Tea, on December 15, 2024, at the Minden High School Tea Auditorium. This year’s theme was, ‘Haute Couture: Portrait of a Princess,’ which was loosely based on the Netflix hit series, ‘Bridgerton.’ This theme captured a fictional ‘introductory’ tea party from the ‘Regency Period’ in Mindenton—not England–where this season’s princesses (i.e. prospective debutantes of the reigning Queens—Minden Alumnae Chapter members) are introduced to a societal audience in the MHS Tea Room (Auditorium).
After completing individual research, the twenty-four prospective debutantes, dressed in traditional ‘tea’ attire—brightly colored fascinators and gloves, “spilled the tea” and recited some interesting facts about twenty-four different and famous, Black women. The prospective debutantes, brewed it strong and hot with information about women such as Activists—Rosa Parks and Angela Davis; Actresses: Viola Davis (“How to Get Away With Murder,” Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award Winner) and Angela Bassett (“How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” the Black Panther’s Mother/Queen of Wakanda); Athletes–Serena Williams and Simone Biles-Owens; and Authors–Alice Walker (The Color Purple) and Dr. Maya Angelou (“Still I Rise”, “Phenomenal Woman”). In addition, the prospective debs showcased their hidden “tea-alents” in group and individual dances and songs.
During the program’s intermission, this “introductory tea” also featured a silent auction of exclusive ladies, designer handbags to raise funds for Delta’s E.M.B.O.D.I. program –a male, youth group community/mentoring initiative. The E.M.B.O.D.I. group served as ushers for the tea room. Other Minden Alumnae youth partnership groups, such as Delta Academy and Delta G.E.M.S., and the Iota Rho Omega Chapter’s, AKAdemy of Pearls, also attended the tea.
In addition, during program intermission, the Minden Alumnae Chapter introduced its six contestants who will be vying for the title of “Little Miss Jabberwock” for the upcoming year. All contestants and DST Chapter Members welcome your donations and thank you, in advance! DONATIONS MAY BE MAILED TO: DST, Inc. P.O. BOX 449, Minden, LA 71058. Please indicate if you are supporting a specific contestant. The contest ends on March 14, 2025.
After the program resumed, the prospective debutantes “brew-tea-fully” spouted their formal introductions on the MHS Auditorium stage. Closing remarks from Minden Alumnae Chapter President, Yolanda D. Smith and Chairpersons: Mrs.. Oreata M. Banks and Dr. Breleisha Gilbert ended the formal program! But afterwards, Tea-Time continued as the audience had the opportunity to meet each one of the prospective debutantes in a traditional, meet-and-greet receiving line. The audience was also invited to sip-and-see in the MHS Tea Foyer where an array of refreshments was served which included tea, hot chocolate, scrumptious scones and dessert pastries, homemade cookies and tea cakes. (Lady Whistledown’s voice returns)…”Until next time, our Dearest Readers, the Minden Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. would like to thank the public for attending the tea and supporting all the prospective debutantes, parents and participants who helped to make our introductory tea such a huge success! As ever, Yours Truly, Lady Whistledown.”
The prospective debutantes will continue their public service activities during this debutante season and return to Mindenton for a formal ball in April 2025.