January 22, 2023
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
Vol. 28, Issue 1
African-American News&Issues
“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
Traditions and Legacy
By: Crystal LaShan
Traditionally, debutante balls were an opportunity for a girl of marriageable age to be presented to society to find a husband of suitable social standing. Today, debutante balls are a rite of passage to celebrate the coming of age of a young woman and her amazing accomplishments. The Wilson family, Mrs. Faye Powell Wilson, and her daughters, Tracie Wilson Payne and Leah Wilson Drummer along with Tracie’s daughter, Taryn represent three generations of Jack and Jill Houston Chapter Debutantes. They are a beautiful example of the evolution of innocence, womanhood, and cultural achievement that the debutante tradition represents. Just like Quinceañeras are a rite of passage in the Hispanic culture, Jack and Jill Debutante balls allow young Black ladies and men who have matriculated through Jack and Jill programming and activities to be presented to society celebrating their coming of age and amazing accomplishments thus far. There are two weeks of workshops, activities, and themed column standard that was published weekly. parties in honor of the Jack and Jill debutantes The paper consisted of editorials, events, and stags (young men) which mark anecdotes, and addressed current issues the debutante season, usually like slavery and colonization, birth and occurring between December death announcements and so much more. to the Holiday season when Freedom’s Journal was a voice for the Black students return home. Scholarship, community and the publication was not community involvement, and afraid to speak the truth. It is newspapers like Freedom’s Journal that have 28 Years cont. etiquette are the points of interest For more visit in the social organizations that set the foundation for other aframnews.com on pg. 3 debuts participants.
Afram News Celebrates 28 Years
By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D.
Freedom’s Journal was the first Black newspaper that was created in 1827, the same year slavery was abolished in New York State. It was created by several free Black men in New York City, and was edited by Samuel E. Cornish and John B. Russwurm. The paper was published “to counter racist commentary published in the mainstream press,” according to PBS. The newspaper was a four-page, four