By Felicia M. Douglas, Oreata Banks, and Breleisha Gilbert
Under the sparkle of a chandelier-lit sky in the Minden Civic Center, the Minden Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., held its annual Cotillion Ball on Saturday. April 11. This year marked the Diamond Jubilee Anniversary for the members of the sorority. For 60 years, the sorority has literally presented several hundreds of young debutantes into society. The ambiance was cosmic as shades of black, red and silver ornamented the civic center ballroom. The shimmer and shine reflected the sheer elegance and legacy of the eagerly awaited event. With additional crystals and sparkles, the room was scrupulously curated to reflect the evening’s theme, “An Enchanted Evening of Ebony and Excellence.” As the audience gathered in the foyer for an unforgettable evening dedicated to honoring the brilliance, style and accomplishments of 30 young women from various schools in Webster, Caddo, Bienville, Bossier, Claiborne and Ouachita Parishes, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation. From the moment guests arrived, they were immersed in a world of shimmer, luxury and cultural celebration.
Attendees, adorned in exquisite black and red attire–ballgowns and tuxedos, filled the venue with electric energy that bridged the gap between timeless tradition and excellence. Sandra Willis-Theus, President of Minden Alumnae Chapter greeted the large audience of almost 400 people. And, for just such an occasion, Mrs. Domonique Benn, anchor for the KSLA 12 news team, was emcee for the evening. Mrs. Benn had the opportunity to personally meet and interact with the young ladies during a debutante workshop last year. She was so impressed with their grace, educational achievements, charm, confidence and beauty, she knew she wanted to continue reflecting and radiating the positive and lasting effects of Minden Alumnae’s cotillion process.
The word “Cotillion” is used to describe a group focused on teaching young people (young ladies and young men) how to be thriving, respectful, productive and successful members of society. Cotillion traditionally signals the beginning of a young lady’s journey into life—with the Debutante Ball being the formal celebration and presentation of a young lady’s accomplishments with her family and close friends. A “Debutante” or sometimes affectionately known as a “Deb,” is a young woman who is making a formal entrance (debut) into society. Since October of last year, the prospective debutantes have participated in months of mentorship, community service, an introductory tea, a college road trip to Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana, and Tallahassee, Florida, and attended personal growth webinars and workshops. The Cotillion Ball is the culmination of all these experiences.
As each young lady was presented in her glamourous ball gown, complete with antebellum petticoat, arm-length gloves and dazzling tiara, they sparkled and diffused rays of excellence, confidence, grace and elegance. One-by-one, they made their entrances into the auditorium, remembering to smile and completing the proper curtsy. After the formal presentations, the debutantes and escorts danced their traditional waltz with nimble skill and light-footed precision. Other dancing included the fathers and debutantes, mothers and escorts, and mothers and fathers.
In addition, awards and individual, remarkable achievements were recognized. This year’s virtual scrapbook winners were Miss Syniyah Rabb (Minden HS) – 1st place, Kierlyn Gibson (Neville HS) 2nd place, and Miss Zuri Prudhomme (Benton HS) – 3rd place; “Ebony and Excellence” Award – Miss Tamara Calais (Minden HS); “Silent, But Fierce” Award – Miss Serenity Hartwell (Airline HS); and “From Purpose to Power” Award – Miss Patience Gilbert (Lakeside Jr./Sr. High). Miss Aniyah McHenry (Caddo Magnet High School) captured two awards—“Miss Congeniality and Deb of the Year.” These sentiments were a sincere appreciation by not only the debs, but the members of the committee for her leadership and her steadfast commitment to her deb sisters and all of the events during the cotillion process.
For many Black families in Minden and surrounding communities, they have had a long history of participation in cotillions. Specifically, African American debutante cotillions have evolved to hold unique and significant importance within the Black community. According to Mrs. Willis-Theus, “In one word, tonight was ‘fantastic.’ It was designed to celebrate our 30 young debutantes whose brilliance, beauty and bravery will successfully catapult them into the next phases of their lives –young adulthood. This was certainly more than a social event—emphasizing education, community service and the presentation of our young women to society. These occurrences provide networking opportunities and build legacies. Also, these events often highlight and celebrate the participant’s achievements, provide a platform for community engagement and instill values of philanthropy and service in our young people (debutantes and escorts alike). I want Minden Alumnae’s cotillion process and ball to continue for 60 more years!”
The live band, Total Choice, provided soulful singing and music for the evening’s music and entertainment. After guests treated themselves to buffet-style food items, the evening waned as guests, debutantes, escorts, parents, family and sorority members left the venue. At its heart, this event showcases the power of ebony, excellence and coming together to honor individual brilliance, the spirit of empowerment, resilience, achievement and success in the community. This event, as so aptly described above as an enchanted evening of ebony and excellence, served as a powerful testament to the impact and achievements of 30 young, high school ladies. Minden Alumnae was honored and elated to introduce our 30 young ladies to society and proudly thank them and their parents/families for entrusting them to us during the cotillion process and ball. So, whether a Debutante ball or the entire Cotillion process, these events are deeply rooted in the community–making them highly cherished experiences, time-honored traditions and rites of passage handed down through generations. We salute each of our debs and strongly encourage each of them to keep achieving and going higher and higher!
