Les Belles Perles Debutante Cotillion 

The Les Belles Perles Debutante Cotillion blossomed under the visionary leadership of Lois Lee Killings. Assuming presidency of the Akron Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in June of 1980, she introduced the inspiring concept of hosting a cotillion for young ladies in the local community who were high school seniors. Eagerly taking on the responsibility as chairperson, in addition to her duties as chapter president, Killings led the charge with unwavering dedication. Over the course of approximately a year and a half, the entire chapter passionately collaborated to bring this grand event to fruition. As a chapter project, each member played a vital role on the committee, ensuring meticulous planning and execution, resulting in an occasion that garnered widespread acclaim and anticipation throughout the community. The late Sandra Stubbs-Pitts, a cherished member of the Akron Alumnae Chapter, and a dedicated educator teaching French and Spanish in the Akron Public Schools, bestowed upon the Cotillion the eloquent name, "Les Belles Perles," meaning, "The Beautiful Pearls." In a reflective interview, Stubbs-Pitts revealed her inspiration, noting the prevailing popularity of pearls at the time. Her intention was to encapsulate not only the event's elegance but also the inherent grace and radiance of the young ladies being presented. Many dedicated sorority members tirelessly devoted themselves to organizing the annual Cotillion, a cherished event in the Akron community. Delta initiates from the June 1981 membership intake line undertook the formidable responsibility of ensuring the Sorority's public service mission was fulfilled. Charter member C. Joyce Finley-Johnson reached out to the Dayton Alumnae Chapter for guidance on Cotillion protocols, while Delta members, including the late Lois Killings, the late Barbara Matthews, and Carole Starks, played pivotal roles in crafting the event's inaugural guidelines. Past chapter presidents, such as the late Margaret Roberts and Shirley Washington, along with then Vice President Rose Skinner, were pivotal in ensuring the Cotillion's resounding success.

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The inaugural Cotillion took place Sunday, February 14, 1982, at Tangier’s, marking the beginning of a cherished tradition. Among the twenty-eight selected participants, Dana Marie Mitchell, a senior from Buchtel High School, had the honor of being the first debutante. In those early years, debutantes were introduced in ascending order of height, adding a unique touch to the event's proceedings. The distinction of being the first presenter went to John Glover from the United Negro College Fund of Cleveland, Ohio. Over the years, esteemed individuals have graced the occasion as Cotillion presenters, including Ralph Patterson Sr. (1983 & 1984), Richard M. Roberts (1985 & 1986), Dr. William H. Atkinson Jr. (1987 to 2006), and Lawrence B. Butler Jr. (2007-2019), each contributing to the event's grandeur and significance.

Following the inaugural Cotillion in 1982, Lawrence B. Butler Jr., a respected music educator in the Akron Public Schools, graciously assumed the role of music director, lending his expertise from 1983 to 1994. Kenneth McCorvey stepped into the position in 1994, and from 1995 to 2003, the late Othello H. Skinner dutifully served as music director and Cotillion pianist until his passing, leaving an indelible mark on the event's musical legacy. Continuing this tradition of musical excellence, Mrs. Bernadette Salley skillfully filled the dual roles of music director and pianist from 2011 to 2019, enriching the Cotillion with her talent and dedication. Debutantes and their escorts are entrusted with the elegant task of mastering the art of the waltz. Carole B. Starks, a distinguished chapter member, assumed the role of the inaugural chairperson of the Waltz committee, demonstrating remarkable dedication throughout numerous years of service. Joining her in this pivotal role were esteemed chapter members such as Cheryl Jones, Sylvia Baxter, Lori Roberts Al Amin, and Francine Blake, each leaving their indelible mark on the Cotillion's waltz tradition.

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During the early years of the Cotillion, every debutante had the privilege of selecting a young lady as her marshal–a high school student who provided invaluable assistance by tending to the debutante's flowers and offering support throughout the event. In the late 1980s however, the Sorority opted for a shift in tradition, granting mothers a more prominent role in the Cotillion proceedings by taking charge of retrieving their daughters' flowers. This transition marked a significant evolution in the event's dynamics. Around the turn of the millennium, another meaningful tradition emerged as mothers began adorning their debutantes with pearl necklaces during the presentation phase, a custom introduced to the Chapter by esteemed member Jouanna Crossland-Wells.

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For several years, Ernestine Young Morris, a distinguished member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the proprietor of Jorota Press served as the dedicated printer of the Cotillion's souvenir program. Evolving with the times, the 2010 Souvenir Ad Co-Chairpersons, Rownia Watson and Michelle Bronner, along with Cotillion Co-Chairperson Angaletta Shufford, played integral roles in orchestrating the layout and design of a DVD, complete with a condensed version of the souvenir program. This strategic move not only reduced costs, but also empowered the chapter to allocate more resources to awards, aligning with the core purpose of the Cotillion. Continuing this trajectory of progress, the 2024 Souvenir Ad Co-Chairpersons, Towanda Mullins, Jessyca V. Blake, and Charla Martin Bloodsaw, introduced a cutting-edge, high-tech edition of the Souvenir book for Cotillion guests. In addition to this modern innovation, the cherished tradition of the hardbound book persisted, ensuring a harmonious fusion of contemporary convenience and enduring sophistication.

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Delta members Denise Brandon (1983 debutante) and Dana Grimes-Roberts (1995 debutante) etched their names into Cotillion history by completing a full-circle journey, transitioning from debutantes to Chairperson and Co-Chairperson of the Les Belles Perles Debutante Cotillion. Their remarkable achievement adds to the legacy of former debutantes who, as Sorority members, generously volunteered their time in various capacities for the Cotillion. This accomplishment highlights the dedication and commitment of Delta members to the Cotillion's enduring tradition of excellence.

Furthermore, the 2024 Cotillion stands as a momentous occasion as Legacy duos united to co-chair the event for the very first time. Alongside her daughter, Lori Al Amin, the late Margaret Roberts contributed expertise as a long-time Cotillion committee member, distinguished Cotillion Chair in 1998 and 1999, and proud mother of a 2019 debutante. They were joined by former Cotillion Chair (1995) and debutante in the Dayton Alumnae Chapter’s Cotillion class of 1966, Carolyn O. Brown, and her daughter, Shayla Brown Dandridge, a dedicated committee member and a former debutante (1998). Together, these dynamic duos exemplified seamless collaboration, bringing a wealth of experience and tradition to the forefront of the Cotillion, and ensuring its continued success and enduring significance.

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Over the years, the Cotillion has been privileged to have approximately 20 dedicated Chapter members serve as Chairpersons and Co-Chairpersons. Some individuals assume these roles for multiple years. These individuals include Dreajean L. Brown, who has served as general chairperson or co-chairperson for seven Cotillions. Shana M. Lee's remarkable tenure in this capacity spans eight Cotillions. In 2008, a notable shift occurred as the Cotillion Leadership Team was introduced, marking a collaborative approach to leadership. Fast forward to the 2020 Cotillion, Denise Brandon took the helm as Cotillion Chair, supported by Claudester Stephens and Shayla Brown Dandridge as Coordinators. This strategic arrangement aimed to enhance communication among committees and provide effective oversight of committee chairs. Traditionally, the Cotillion has been a beloved February tradition, often celebrated on the Sunday preceding President’s Day. This timing was carefully selected to align with students' school holidays and favorable venue rates. However, as circumstances evolve and with consideration for debutante availability and venue scheduling, adjustments have been made to ensure the continuation of this cherished event.

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Debutantes are carefully chosen based on a combination of factors including their academic achievements/grade point average, involvement in school and community activities, recommendations, and their ability to meet the Chapter's presentation criteria. In 2009, under the leadership of Tanya Watson as Cotillion Chairperson, the Debutante Code of Conduct was introduced, marking a significant step forward. These guidelines were meticulously crafted to instill accountability among debutantes, setting forth stringent standards and clear expectations for their conduct throughout the Cotillion process.

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Since its inception in 1982, the Akron Alumnae Chapter has proudly introduced a total of 673 debutantes from over 25 prestigious area high schools. In addition to this illustrious roster, the Chapter has bestowed over $400,000 in awards, aiding debutantes in fulfilling various college and post-secondary needs.

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Beyond the Cotillion's glittering ballrooms, prior debutantes have dispersed across the globe, leaving an indelible mark in their respective fields through impressive contributions. Notably, the 2007 Cotillion boasted the highest number of participants with 39 debutantes. However, recognizing the importance of maintaining a personalized experience, the Chapter opted to cap the maximum limit of debutantes at 20 following that remarkable year.

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The presentation of college awards to the debutantes stands as a pinnacle moment within the Cotillion festivities. At present, our chapter bestows a distinguished array of accolades, including the Hildah Douglas, Fortitude, Pamela Leah Larkins Memorial, Miss DST, Community Service, and Commendation awards. Reflecting on traditions, we have also celebrated the Barbara Ann Mathews Memorial and Cotillion Legacy Awards. The funds necessary to support these honors are raised through the sale of advertisements. Previously, the Annual Jazz Brunch, hosted by the Minerva Fund of Akron, Ohio, served as a vital pillar in ensuring the continued presentation of these prestigious awards.

Regrettably, our records bear witness to the passing of six former debutantes. Among them, Pamela Leah Larkins, a member of the 1986 class, died on April 10, 1991. Dionne Denise Sheppard Robins, who graced our Cotillion in 1994, died in June of 2005. LaShawn R. Brooks, celebrated as a debutante in 1998, died on May 18, 2008. Jasmin Leigh Hubbard, cherished from the 2007 Cotillion, died on October 17, 2008. Ebony Jones, a luminous presence among the 2005 debutantes, died on June 27, 2011. Lastly, Ericka D. Weems, who enriched our Cotillion in 2002, died on November 1, 2020.

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Throughout its history, the Chapter has maintained a steadfast commitment to offering educational and culturally enriching experiences for debutantes during their senior year of high school. From the Orientation Session in August to the grand Presentation Night in February or March, debutantes are immersed in a series of activities designed to nurture their future success. In 2024, the Cotillion committee undertook a bold initiative by reimagining the traditional Mother and Daughter Tea, evolving it into a transformative Mother and Daughter Retreat.

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This innovative transition aims to foster a more profound and meaningful connection between mothers and daughters, creating an experience that binds them together on a deeper level. In 2020, the world underwent an unprecedented transformation as a result of COVID-19, leading to the temporary halt of the cherished annual tradition of the Cotillion. Despite the pause, the debutantes from the class of 2020 were fortunate to receive a modified Cotillion experience, led by Chairperson Denise Brandon and Coordinators Claudester Stephens and Shayla Brown Dandridge. Throughout this challenging period, members of the sorority stepped up, providing virtual leadership enrichment sessions and maintained mentoring roles to support the debutantes. Unfortunately, the global pandemic prevented the debutantes from being formally presented as planned. Following several years of hiatus, the Cotillion was revitalized in 2024, breathing new life into this time-honored tradition.

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The Chapter takes immense pride in its debutantes, recognizing their dedication alongside the remarkable individuals who have shouldered the responsibility of Chairpersons of the Cotillion, served on various committees, and the countless chapter and community members who generously volunteer their time to ensure an unparalleled educational experience for the debutantes. The sorority extends heartfelt gratitude to the community for embracing this event over the span of 40 years and expresses hopeful anticipation for the Cotillion to persist in meeting the evolving needs of the Akron community for many years to come.