ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: Courtesy of Ms. Louise Labrie
The Ebony Pearls Foundation of San Diego Inc.®, in collaboration with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter, hosted its 70th Annual Ebony Pearls Youth Leadership Academy Gala (formerly EXO Debutante Ball), “A Platinum Legacy of Culture, Excellence and Leadership,” at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel Ballroom under the leadership of Kim Barnes and Tracey Jenkins-Martin.
16 dynamic young women, “Ebony Pearls,” were formally presented before family, friends, and the community in a ceremony rich with elegance and tradition: Havannah Ashton, Jaya Carter, Nyema Curtis, Sanaiya Langston-Hartzog, Malaysia Jordan, Payton Keller, Myah Madden, Niyana Massey, Tia Mull, Jada Nash, Aaliyah Payne, Taylor Perry, Tanayah Smith, Harmoney Snowten, Raya Tapps, and Jaidyn Wilson.
16 confident young men served with distinction as escorts: Jahmir Blackmon, Jerymiah Blackmon, Dareyen Bridges, Jr., Maximus Brown, Derriyon Cromer, Zaybrein Durant, Dillan Durruthy, Amir Franks, Jeyron Jones, Aaron Majors, Jr., Christian Okafor, Qiave Pierce, Xzavier Robinson, William Sanders, Tyler Williams, and Salim Underwood, Jr.
The Ebony Pearls gracefully performed choreographed dances, including the Waltz, with their escorts. Followed by a father-daughter dance. Heartfelt messages from parents to their daughters and a high-energy dance routine by the escorts created a memorable event. The evening came to a joyful conclusion with a lively DJ set that had guests on the dance floor.
The Gala marked the conclusion of a seven-month interactive leadership program dedicated to cultivating high scholastic and ethical standards, promoting unity and friendship, enhancing social skills, and demonstrating community service. Weekly workshops covered career exploration, STEM, healthy decision-making, self-love, financial planning, and college scholarship preparation. Mentor/mentee relationships, cultural events, and civic engagement further enriched the journey.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter proudly celebrated 70 years of uplifting, mentoring, and presenting the very best of Black youth excellence.
2026-2027 Ebony Pearl Youth Leadership Academy Applications are now being accepted. Visit www.theebonypearlsfoundation.com for more information.
