In 1962, nine African-American Lansing mothers started Les Meres et Debutantes Club of Greater Lansing.
At that time, white society would not allow African-Americans to belong to their social clubs or participate in (except in positions of servitude). So a group of nine women created Les Meres et Debutantes, which is French for mothers and debutantes, is a mother and daughter club. The purpose of this club is to sponsor activities that would develop academic, social and moral strengths for their daughters and help prepare them to fulfill their roles as productive young women in society. The culmination of those activities is the presentation of young women into society in the twelfth grade.
Beginning in the seventh grade, Les Meres et Debutantes Club introduces the young ladies to etiquette, self-esteem, finance, public speaking, and volunteerism. These opportunities hone a young woman’s growth and experiences and assists her in finding a place is society. Giving back to the community is valued by continuing development and training but with a focus on assisting senior debutantes. In the 12th grade the debutantes further skills are further polished and refined in preparation for their cotillion. The 2008 Debutante Cotillion will be held on March 29, 2008.
Regina Riddle, mother of 2008 Debutante Ricarah Riddle, mentions that one of the major benefits of Les Meres et Debutantes Club is the strong bond that it develops between mother and daughter. “It places and keeps the focus of the first role model on the one closest to a daughter…her mother,” she says.
“We’ve found that the lure of outside external sources like, fashion magazines, television, movies, peers, are all vying for our daughters’ attention. These things pull our daughters away from traditional values and force them to view themselves through the microscope of public opinion and acceptance…,” Regina notes.
The Club truly values giving back to the community through volunteerism, which is evident by this year’s debutantes receiving the The President’s Volunteer Service Award. This is a national community service/volunteer recognition program from the White House. Collectively this year’s debutantes have provided over 1,600 houhours of community service, with six debutantes earning over 100 hours each.
Follow the links below to see more anout these debutantes:
Elizabeth Caliman
Lauren Noelle Blanks
Morgan Nicole Quinney
Ricarah Ene’ Riddle
Ikea Alexis Smith
Amia Albershia Davis
