Pearls of Prestige showcase celebrates leadership and Black excellence
The Pearls of Prestige showcase honored 17 debutantes for academic excellence, leadership and service, awarding scholarships and celebrating mentorship during a Valentine’s Day gala.
Designed to celebrate achievement while fostering future ambition, the Pearls of Prestige showcase, hosted by the Ivy Foundation Inc. in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., illuminated the power of community. The gala honored 17 debutantes for their academic dedication, volunteerism, and leadership, serving as a vibrant celebration of Black excellence and joy. Held on Valentine’s Day during Black History Month, the evening was unforgettable.
Set at International Market Square, the venue brimmed with guests in elegant attire. Pink and green lighting bathed the space, a live band provided a festive soundtrack, and a light, fragrant air added to the celebratory ambiance. The event was emceed by Kamaria Braye, who guided the program and introductions throughout the night.
Beginning around 6 p.m., Leslie Wright, president of the Ivy Foundation Inc., reflected on the history and cultural significance of the cotillion tradition. She described cotillions as intentional rites of passage that foster resilience and self-determination during the Jim Crow era, emphasizing their continued importance within Black culture.
Wright also praised the debutantes’ dedication, noting that each participant had trained since September in preparation for the evening. The six-month program included three workshops focusing on core values and leadership, financial literacy and philanthropy, community service, and etiquette.
During the debutantes’ introduction, each young woman was described with affirming adjectives: vibrant, driven, dependable, poised, highlighting their accomplishments first and foremost. They were recognized for balancing strong academic performance with commitments across athletics, the arts, and community service.
After their introductions, the debutantes and their escorts took the dance floor for a choreographed performance that gracefully transitioned into a father-daughter dance. Dressed in satin gowns and a single string of pearls, the debutantes shared a tender moment with their fathers, underscoring the intergenerational bonds central to the program and reflecting the role of family, guidance, and support in their journeys.
In interviews with Leslie Wright and Marsha C. Henry, president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the mission of Pearls of Prestige came into sharper focus. Asked how the event reflects their organizations’ goals, Wright emphasized its lasting impact: “Making sure our young African American and Latino young women have something they can look forward to, something they can aspire to be.” Both leaders highlighted the central role of mentorship within the program. “I think that what’s sometimes missing in our community is the opportunity to see what’s possible,” Henry said. “The more exposure we give our young people, the more good choices they can make.”
Addressing the program’s broader purpose, the leaders encouraged future participants to embrace initiative. “Sometimes fear and the unknown can get in the way, just do it,” Henry said. “You never know what’s possible if you don’t try.”
As part of the evening’s program, scholarships were awarded to the debutantes according to royal court distinctions. Shantae Moore was named second runner-up, receiving a $2,500 scholarship, while Nia Harris earned first runner-up and a $3,000 award. With the crowning of Kacey Harris as queen of the event, she received $6,000 in scholarship support. The awards underscored the program’s continued investment in the debutantes’ academic futures.
Bringing the evening to a close, Nekeidra Morrison, cotillion co-chair, shared a final message: “Walk confidently, knowing you belong in every room you enter,” Morrison said. “This moment is not the peak, this is the launch.”
Rooted in tradition yet oriented toward the future, the Pearls of Prestige showcase was more than a formal gala. It demonstrated the enduring cultural significance of cotillions as spaces that affirm Black identity, cultivate leadership, and invest in the next generation. Through mentorship, scholarships, and volunteerism, the program reinforced a legacy of excellence that extends far beyond the ballroom.
Destiny Kromah is a Macalester college student and contributing writer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder