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Unpacking the Legacy of Cotillions in the Black Community: Empowerment, Leadership, and Scholarship📣📣📣💲💲💲

Writer's picture: Joyce Steele - MooreJoyce Steele - Moore


Welcome to EmpowerHer 411 Blog! 🔥🔥🔥


Join me as we explore the rich history of cotillions in the Black community, from their origins in 17th-century Europe to their empowerment of young women of color through leadership and scholarship programs.💪🏽💪🏽


Cotillions are more than just elegant events—they are long-standing traditions that symbolize the transition from girlhood to womanhood, especially in the Black community. For over a century, cotillions have provided young women of color opportunities for personal growth, scholarships, and leadership development. These events help foster self-confidence and cultivate a sense of pride in one's culture and the potential to shape the future. This blog post explores the historical and cultural significance of cotillions in the Black community and how they have empowered generations of women, including my journey spearheading these life-changing events.


The History of Cotillions in the Black Community📣📣📣

According to some researchers, cotillions, also known as debutante balls, originated in Europe during the 18th century. On the website Messynessychic.com, “by the 1800s the debutante ball had migrated to America with the first ‘Christmas Cotillion’ taking place in 1817 in Savannah Georgia.” Contrary to the previous researchers, Black American debutante balls can be traced back to 1778 in New York. These events were initially used to present young women (ages 16 -17) from aristocratic families to society. However, Black Americans began adopting this tradition and worked to change the stereotypes as early as 1895, transforming it into a powerful celebration of culture, education, and leadership within our communities. Over time, these cotillions became more than just social affairs. They evolved into platforms that uplifted young women of color, offering them scholarships, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.


As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., I am incredibly honored to note that the Zeta Mu Omega Chapter held our first Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Cotillion on December 8, 1956. This historic moment marked the beginning of a legacy of empowerment, setting the stage for many young women to flourish in their academic and leadership pursuits. 🩷💚


In March 2015, I was humbled to continue this legacy by helping to organize the first Women of Steele Foundation cotillion, founded by my mother and Soror, Bobbie L. Steele. Over the years, with the support of my family, community members, and local churches, we have provided thousands of dollars in college scholarships. I am honored to lead this initiative, empowering young women of color to achieve their dreams and become strong leaders in our communities.


Empowering Young Women Through Leadership and Scholarship

At the heart of every cotillion lies the mission to empower young women with the tools they need to succeed. These events go beyond teaching traditional social skills; they provide young women with public speaking, financial literacy, etiquette, networking skills, and community service training. As they prepare for the next stages of their lives, cotillion participants gain essential leadership skills and the confidence to excel in their chosen fields.


WOS Scholarship Winners!

Scholarships have become a central component of Cotillions, providing financial support to deserving young women to help them achieve their educational goals. Organizations such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Women of Steele (WOS) Foundation, and other Black community organizations sponsor these events to encourage academic excellence and personal growth. By providing financial assistance, these scholarships open doors for young women to pursue higher education, ensuring they have the resources to become leaders in their fields.


Five Top Scholarship Cotillion Influencers in the Black Community

Today, several organizations and influencers continue the proud tradition of cotillions, focusing on leadership development and scholarships. Here are a few of the most prominent influencers in this field:


  1. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. - A trailblazer in leadership development, Alpha Kappa Alpha continues to host cotillions that provide scholarships, mentorship, networking, employment and training, conflict management, and other opportunities for young women of color.

  2. The Links, Incorporated - This organization of influential Black women has been integral in hosting cotillions focusing on education, scholarship, and leadership development.

  3. Jack and Jill of America, Inc. - Known for their dedication to youth leadership development, Jack and Jill's Cotillions combine etiquette training with scholarship opportunities for young women.

  4. Women of Steele Foundation - Founded by Bobbie Steele in 2015, this foundation has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships through its annual cotillions, ensuring that young women (and men) of color have access to higher education.

  5. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - Through their various regional chapters, Delta Sigma Theta continues to promote cotillion scholarship programs, fostering educational opportunities for African American women.


The Modern Relevance of Cotillions

Women of Steele Cotillion

While times have changed, the relevance of cotillions in the Black community remains more vital than ever. Today, cotillions provide a space where young women of color can embrace their cultural heritage while gaining skills to help them succeed in an increasingly competitive world. These events are about more than tradition—they are about building the next generation of leaders.


In an era where educational opportunities are still unequal, cotillions serve as a crucial stepping stone, offering scholarships, mentorship, and training that help level the playing field. Young women participating in these events emerge as confident, educated, and community-minded individuals, ready to take on leadership roles and give back to the communities that supported them.


Malcolm X said, "Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs

to those who prepare for it today."


I say, "Cotillions provide young women with the tools they need to secure that passport, ensuring they are equipped for the future." - Joyce M. Steele -


In Conclusion, the tradition of cotillions in the Black community represents far more than elegant gowns and formal dances—it is a legacy of empowerment, leadership, and scholarship. As someone who has spearheaded the Women of Steele Foundation Cotillions for years, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact these events have on young women of color. Through scholarships, mentorship, leadership training, and etiquette training, cotillions continue to uplift generations of young women, enabling them to become strong leaders and positive forces in their communities.


Imagine the power of transforming potential into confidence, leadership, and legacy. 👑 Hosting a Scholarship Cotillion is about more than just a beautiful night—it’s about giving young women of color the tools to thrive, lead, and build their futures.


💫 Are you ready to be a part of this journey? My FREE Ultimate Cotillion Planning Checklist is your step-by-step guide to planning a cotillion that



. 🎓

 Download your checklist from my and start building legacies today!


Together, we can continue to empower the next generation of women of color and inspire them to achieve greatness.


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