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By Felicia D. McDaniel
Saturday night looked like the Academy Awards with all of the beautiful gowns and spotlights.
It may not have been a Hollywood affair, but the annual Links Cotillion, presented by the Oakland Bay Area Chapter of The Links, was full of stars in the making and aptly entitled “Treasure of Gold.”
Marking their 50th year, 34 debutantes along with their escorts participated in the lavish event held at the San Francisco Marriott. For some, participating was a rite of passage; for others, a chance to be a part of a sisterhood, a foundation of womanhood.
“I feel as though I have gained lifelong sisters,” said Jamela Joseph, a senior at Bishop O’Dowd in Oakland of her participation in this year’s cotiion. She was inspired to become a 2005 debutante after seeing her cousin Courtney Welch participate the previous year.
“The history and the prestige that comes with it was a factor in my wanting to become a deb. this year,” said the honor roll student and assistant prep. sports writer for The Globe.
The goal of the Links Cotillion is to make a positive difference in the community while preparing young African American women for success. Being involved is much more then wearing a beautiful gown for the night and dancing with an escort. The young women spent countless hours over the last several months learning proper table etiquette, building self-esteem and visiting Children’s Hospital in Oakland as a part of their community service project.
This year’s class was a historical one because it marked the golden anniversary of the annual cotillion. Started in September 1950 with only eighteen women, five years later in 1956 the first debutantes of the Oakland Bay Area Chapter were introduced.
The number of participants has continued to grow each year. Those in attendance received a commemorative Treasure of Gold book marking the 50th anniversary.
The night before, members from the 1956 class got together for a special event of their own. |
