Black debutante balls

Long before modern dating, stepping into Black womanhood in the US was an art form which took place at debutante balls. These surrounded young women with family elders, mentors and peers who had respect for their physical and emotional boundaries. Besides the dancing, young Black women (called ‘debs’) underwent leadership workshops, financial literacy training and public speaking practice. It was a celebration of Black girlhood, dignity and class. Would you like debutante balls to go mainstream?