The Precious Pearl Cotillion debutantes are learning how to be sophisticated ladies, but their escorts aren’t going to be outshined. ‘Programming the African American Male for Success,’ hosted by the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Delta Omega chapter, in conjunction with the Ivy Center Foundation of Nashville was a forum to engage and empower Black teenage boys as they journey from adolescence to the next chapter of their lives.

Three guest speakers discussed their paths to success and common pitfalls that hinder young African American males. The speakers included: Dr. Kenyatta Lovett; John Mason, attorney; and Dr. Corey Batson. The forum was held on August 13 to address the social and educational challenges that Black males face today.

The teens met in small groups to discuss topics as varied as dating, setting goals, preparing college applications, applying for internships, Black male history trivia, and knowing how to behave in social situations.

The forum was part of the Ivy Center Foundation of Nashville and Alpha Delta Omega Chapter’s 22nd biennial Precious Pearls Cotillion ‘A Portrait of Elegance’ season.

Members are working with 32 debutantes and 32 escorts in preparation for the big event on Saturday, November 25, at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

It is the premiere event for the chapter in raising scholarship funds to benefit students and educational institutions.

For this year’s cotillion season, members of the Ivy Center Foundation of Nashville and Alpha Delta Omega Chapter have hosted a debutante retreat, career smorgasbord and college tour, and father/daughter breakfast and will have many more activities throughout the fall season leading to cotillion night.

Alpha Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was organized on October 9, 1927.

Today, the Chapter boasts over 250 members and owns its sorority house, The Ivy Center of Nashville.