Special to the Minden Press-Herald
The Minden Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. presented its 58th annual Jabberwock at the Minden Civic Center Saturday, March 23rd at 6 p.m. The theme for this year’s Jabberwock was “Jabberwock In Wakanda”.
The coronation began with the procession of current and past Minden Alumnae officers. The guests of honor, who were past Jabberwock royalty, were seated. Past royalty in attendance were Mrs. Linda Cooper Baker, Miss Jabberwock 1969, Lillian N. Deorosan, Little Miss Jabberwock 1989, and Shantrell L. Terrell, Miss Jabberwock 1998.
The main event of the evening was the presentation and crowning of Miss Jabberwock 2019 Kaelynn Ornelle Williams. Preparing the walkway for Miss Jabberwock were Black Panther crown bearer, Jensen Elie, and flower girls Aubrey Morgan, Jordyn Rabb, Avery Walton, Paris Davis, Jerryn Robinson, and Naomi Sykes. The 2019 Delta Debutante Warrior Dancers performed a fantastic salute to the queen and Zylan Loud presented a wonderful serenade to the queen upon her entrance.
Miss Jabberwock 2019 – Kaelynn Ornelle Williams is the 10 year old daughter of Stepfret Williams Jr. and Kristi Williams. Her grandparents are Stepfret and Shirley Williams Sr. and Anthony and Teressia Garner of Minden, LA. First runner-up is Jordyn Ziyanna Paige Drew – the 9 year old daughter of Jasmine Cooksey and Codera Drew. Her grandparents are Barbara Drew and Michael and Chequella Walker of Minden, LA. Second runner-up is JaCae’lyn Kaleea Pre’jean – the 6 year old daughter of Sammie and Lakeyla Williams and Elliott Pre’jean. Her grandparents are Jerry and Leotis Jacob and Hazel Shine and Ellis McDonald of Minden, LA. Their escorts were Braydon Winston, Johnathan Aldridge, and Jacob Jefferson.
Entertainment included an inspirational performance by the Anointed Hands Pentecostal Church Sign Team from Haynesville, Louisiana. Performing two outstanding dance performances was the accomplished, award winning Orchesis Dance Company from Grambling State University under the artistic direction of Mrs. Dianne Maroney Grigsby of Grambling, Louisiana. Orchesis Dance Company (ODC) is one of the most promising components of Grambling State University’s Extra Curriculum Program and has been an outstanding ambassador for Louisiana while representing the State at performances in Japan and throughout America, from New York to California.
Chapter members and guests dressed in African attire. It was a lovely evening with beautiful queens, princesses, handsome escorts, cute flower girls and even a special appearance by the Black Panther himself. The elegant African décor was provided by Wedding in a Box, owner-operator Damita Walker Braswell. Delta Academy members served as ushers and hostesses for the event. Chapter members Tiffanie Gladney and Deonci Sutton served as Mistresses of Ceremony.
The funds raised from the pageant are earmarked for scholarships and public service projects. The proceeds are also used to maintain Delta Sigma Theta’s FIVE POINT PROGRAMMATIC THRUST-Educational Development, Economic Development, Physical and Mental Health, Political Awareness and Involvement, and International Awareness and Involvement. Minden Alumnae Chapter President, Sarah B. Martin and all of the members would like to thank the community for their support. The Jabberwock committee chairs are Angela West and Delphia Stevens.