By Dominique Jefferson, Publicity Chairperson, Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter
In 1957, under the presidency of Evangeline H. Spillman, Epsilon Gamma Omega initiated its debutante training program for the purpose of enriching the cultural development of recommended young ladies in Huntsville and surrounding areas. Proposed by Fannie E. Frazier Hicklin, the program included an eight-week charm school featuring training sessions on the development of the social graces and spiritual, social and civic awareness. It culminated with a Debutante Presentation and Ball.
The first Debutante Presentation and Ball was held February 7,1958 in the Alabama A&M College Gymnasium. The following young ladies, all Councill High School or Councill Training School seniors or Alabama A&M College freshmen, were presented: Barbara Blake, Carolyn Cobb, Frances Davis, Mattie Draper,Lula Mae Greene, Bettye Jo Gurley, Lugenia Harris, Bessie Henderson, Anna Dora Higgins, Frances Jefferies, Betty Joiner, Daisy Joiner, Betty Jones, Ella Kelly, Brunette King, Audrey Miller, Frances Patton, Billye Ann Pope, Carolyn Rice, Willie George Scott, Doris Scruggs, Sylvia Sledge, Curley Wells,
Pauline Whatley and Alice Williams. Three debutantes of 1958 are currently members of Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter. They are Bettye J. Gurley Cain, Carolyn Rice Battle and Sylvia Sledge Flakes. More than two thousand young women have been presented during the past sixty-one years, many of whom have become Alpha Kappa Alpha women.
After decades, the Alpha Kappa Debutante Presentation and Ball format will change this year due to the Sorority’s COVID-19 guidelines. Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter will present 46 accomplished young ladies to society at 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 18.
Hundreds of guests will not be able to witness their debut in person, but the public is invited to livestream the event on the Chapter’s Facebook page:
https://www.facebook. com/AKAEGOChapter/ or its YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube. com/channel/UCRO0Cdc- gxJbvaJeTe5C5XMw.
Elegant, Majestic and Rare: A Reflection of Exquisite Jewels is the theme of the 63rd Debutante Presentation and Ball. Terry Miller is Ball Chairman, and Dominique Jefferson is Co-Chairman. Chartered on March 19, 1949, the 73-year-old Chapter is led by Dr. Cheryl R. Davis, President.