Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is the oldest Greek organization established for African-American women. Based on community service, stewardship and sisterhood, Alpha Kappa Alpha has served the community for over 100 years with diligence and pride. Members of this illustrious sorority are committed to cultivating and encouraging high scholastic and ethical standards; promoting unity and friendship; alleviating social issues that affect girls and women; maintaining a progressive interest in academic achievements; and unselfishly serving all mankind. In an effort to preserve the spirit of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the Upsilon Omega Omega Chapter hosts a bi-annual debutante cotillion for young ladies within Richland, Lexington, Fairfield, and Orangeburg Counties.
Program Objectives
- To promote high ideals and character building for young ladies during their formative years;
- To develop new friendships, provide volunteer service, engage in structured leadership and educational workshops that will enhance their educational and social skills;
- To encourage mentorship between program participants and chapter members.
Emeralds of Excellence are young ladies who exemplify poise, leadership and respect within their schools and communities. During the debutante season, young ladies have the opportunity to engage in various workshops and activities that will encourage future success. At the end of the debutante season, we celebrate with a grand ball and congratulate our debutantes with college scholarships.
The cotillion is a formal social dance that began in the early 18 th century Europe by French royalty. Later it became popular in England among families of nobility and white families in the United States of great wealth, especially in the South. The Lost History of Black Cotillions Last summer Miya Carey slid into the satin-and-lace history of African-American cotillions When her academic advisor told Miya Carey C’11 that her daughter was taking part in a debutante program in Essex County, the 21-year-old history major from East Windsor, N.J., wanted to know more.
2020 Emeralds of Excellence Debutante Cotillion will be held on May 16, 2020
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, S.C.
For additional questions, please contact our program chairperson, Robyn Watson, at [email protected].