The 33rd Biennial Cotillion

With a swirl of fresh white ball gowns, perfectly coiffed hair, and bright smiles around, Valley debutantes prepare themselves for their presentation to society. There is a hum of music in the air with the delicate scent of fresh flowers floating across the ballroom. This has been the tradition for more than thirty-two cotillions staged in Phoenix over four decades by the Links women’s organization.
Founded in 1946, the Links are comprised of African American women across the country who gather to strengthen their communities. Dedicated to public service, advancing women’s issues and leadership, the Phoenix Chapter of the Links has been serving primarily Black women for over 60 years. “We provide transformational, sustaining programs, as well as civic and social events for our community,” explains Linda Walton, the current President of the Phoenix Chapter of the Links.
The 33rd Biennial Cotillion is an extension of the Links community service. Working with Valley high school juniors and seniors, the Links have orchestrated a full season of educational, social, historical and comportment opportunities for their debutantes. From money management to Black History in Arizona, the distinguished debs have been called upon to start a legacy of service that has been so highly cultivated by the Links across the nation. In fact, several of the 2016 debutantes have used the cotillion experience in their journey towards becoming the next generation of African American leaders in the Valley. “We celebrate these talented young ladies who are presented to society and recognized for their outstanding accomplishments to their school, church and community,” adds Walton.
“We will see these young women in leadership throughout our city,” adds Lovie West, this year’s Cotillion Chair. “We expect them to take on more of a role in our community as they move through their education and service. This is part of the process and expectation.” During the extensive experience, the debutantes have also engaged with Links members to learn about career options, educational opportunities, as well as community service projects.
While the Links have created one of the most prestigious black tie events in the community, it is not just an exclusive party. Each debutante is vetted through a rigorous application process. This includes submission of high school transcripts, letters of recommendation and an interview process which most debs agree is the most challenging. Once the Cotillion Committee reviews all applicants, the coveted selections are announced and “the real work begins,” says West.
The road to the grand ball is challenging and demanding. Links members spend tremendous amounts of time and energy instructing this next generation of leaders. This year, the debs were not only engaged in a variety of workshops and social opportunities, but they were featured dignitaries at the Arizona Black Rodeo hosted by The Arizona Informant newspaper.
Cloves Campbell, Jr. Co-Publisher and COO of the award-winning media outlet that serves the African-American community is this year’s 33rd Biennial Cotillion Honoree along with Julia C. Patrick, Publisher of Frontdoors News. Campbell, who served as an escort to several debs over the course of his youth has revisited the cotillion experience. “My family has been involved over many generations and my father photographed so many of the debutantes for the newspaper.”
The Campbell family has had several young ladies presented to society over the decades. “We are now seeing generations of debs come through. From grandmothers to their granddaughters, these traditions are being passed down,” added Campbell.
Patrick has her own debutante experience as well. “My grandmother was one of the Founders of the Desert Foundation Auxiliary. From my aunt, sister and cousins to my own daughter, the debutante process has been a rite of passage across our family.”
On March 26, 2016 Valley debutantes will take the stage for their presentation to society at the 33rd Biennial Cotillion. Yes, the fancy dresses and excitement of an enchanted evening will create quite a buzz. As in the past there will be a strong presence of Links members in attendance to welcome these young ladies into society. There will also be a solemn nod to their place in the community and a call to honor their history with service and leadership.