Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated’s ® 64th Annual Debutante Ball

“An Evening of Beauty and Elegance”

March 16, 2019 was a beautiful evening for the San Diego Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated’s® 64th Annual Debutante Ball. The Ball theme, “Ebony Pearls…Poised, Polished and Prepared” perfectly exemplified the eleven beautiful, intelligent young ladies who participated in five months of leadership development workshops, cultural events, community service activities, and dance rehearsals. Certificates of Recognition from the California State Assembly recognizing the achievements and service of the Debutantes were provided by Assembly members Todd Gloria and Shirley Weber.

The distinguished presenters for the Ball were Jade Hindmon, Co-host of KPBS Midday Edition and the Honorable Michael D. Douglas, San Diego County Superior Court Judge. They did a phenomenal job presenting the debutantes.

Approximately 400 guests enjoyed the Debutantes’ presentation and grand promenade. Notable guests attending the Debutante Ball included Assembly member Todd Gloria, San Diego Port District Commissioner Rafael Castellanos, Lemon Grove Mayor Racquel Vasquez, Michael Brunker, Executive Director of the Jackie Robinson YMCA, California School Boards Association President Dr. Emma Turner, Judge Rod Shelton, and Judge Randa Trapp. In addition, many members of the Divine Nine Sororities and Fraternities were also in attendance. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Regional Representatives Joyce Suber, Clara Baity, and Dr. Donna Cook were also present.

As the guests entered the foyer of the Grand Ballroom of the Town and Country Resort and Hotel, décor featuring elegant gowns on dress forms created an ambiance of grace and elegance. During the cocktail hour everyone enjoyed talented jazz saxophonist Alvin Paige, musician extraordinaire and student at The San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts.

Deborah Davis-Gillespie, the Alpha Kappa Alpha San Diego Graduate Chapter president opened the program by welcoming guests and introducing this year’s Debutante Ball General Chairman, Dr. Shirley Wilson and Co-chairman Patricia Grooms-Jones. Debutante Ball Committee Chairs, officers, and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority were called to the center of the ballroom to sing the beautiful Alpha Kappa Alpha National Hymn. Music for the evening was played by the Terrell Hundley Combo and a dynamic saxophone performance by former debutante Erisa Nicole Blackman proved to be a rousing precursor to the Debutante Presentation.

The debutantes were proudly escorted by thirteen handsome and debonair Escorts and Grand Marshals. The Escorts and Grand Marshals, who are leaders at their schools and in their community, maintain academic excellence and are involved in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. The young men have also been involved in personal enhancement and leadership development sessions during the 2018-19 Debutante Season.

The 2018/2019 Debutantes and their Escorts are:

Kaniya Aldridge, granddaughter of Ms. Linda Brown,

escorted by Trevor B. Standifer, son of Mr. Tyrone Miller and Mrs. Felice Standifer

Jourdyn Allison, daughter of Ms. Tanya Allison and Mr. Marcus Beasley

escorted by Christopher Wakefield, son of Mr. Brock and Mrs. Rosalind Wakefield

Nickirah Brown, daughter of Mr. Anthony and Mrs. Kimberly Terrell,

escorted by Elijah Anderson-Terrell, son of Mr. Anthony and Mrs. Kimberly Terrell

Brooke Henderson, daughter of Ms. Francis Henderson and Mr. Robert Henderson

escorted by Edward Shenault, son of Mr. Edward and Mrs. Traci Shenault

Tania Lloyd, daughter of Mrs. Tatina and Mr. Laurence Lloyd

escorted by Jaron E. Simons, son of Mr. Adam and Mrs. Rumie Simons

Sydney Moore, daughter of Mrs. Christina Braden-Moore and Mr. Joseph Moore

escorted by MacKinley Egland-Young, son of Mr. Larry Edwards and B. Nekita Egland-Young

Tacoria Perry, daughter of Mrs. Barbara and Mr. Dennis Perry

escorted by Jamison Williams, son of Mr. Ernest Tory and Mrs. Yolanda Williams

Debra Santiago, daughter of Mrs. Erica and Mr. Vernon Santiago

escorted by Jarod Lane, son of Mr. Wiley Lane, III and Mrs. Beverly Lane

Alajenai Wadley, daughter of Mrs. Aliscia and Mr. Clifton Anderson

escorted by Christian Wakefield, son of Mr. Brock Wakefield and Mrs. Rosalind Wakefield

Taylor Williams, daughter of Ms. Sharon Green

escorted by Anthony J. Marshall, son of Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Rita Marshall

Braelyn Willis, daughter of Mrs. Anitra and Mr. Benjamin Willis

escorted by Javon Woodbridge-Macon, son of Ms. Cynthia Woodbridge

Grand Marshal Caleb I. Berry, son of Mr. Floyd Berry, Jr. and Dr. Davina Berry

Grand Marshal Maximus Johnson, son of Mr. Paul and Mrs. Lesley Johnson

A special treat of the evening was the dance performed by the Escorts. The young men danced with energy, style and had everyone on their feet.

The 64th Annual Debutante Ball was memorable and all who attended had a great time. Congratulations to the San Diego Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® for helping to equip the 2018-19 debutantes with skills and knowledge for future educational and career pursuits. Thank you to all those whose attendance at this year’s Debutante Ball helped the San Diego Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® continue a 64 year legacy of shaping young African American women for success. Debutante Ball attendance helps provide scholarships for high school students hoping to pursue a

college education.

If you are interested in finding out how your 16-19 year old can participate in the 2019/2020 AKA Youth Leadership AKAdemy and 65th Annual Debutante Ball, please email for additional information to AKAdemyDeb20@gmail.com.