Les Meres et Debutantes Club of Greater Lansing

10/01/2023

Good Morning I pray all of you are well and in the best of health and spirit. Legends are born in October and Lansing Les Meres would like to send birthday wishes to some very special Post Les Meres and Post Debutantes.

Happy Birthday Month to Post Les Meres:
Alane Laws
Edith Suttles
Jackie Clay

Happy Birthday Month to Post Debutantes:
Amanda Brewer
Dani Cee
Elaine Demps
Imani Taylor
Karyne Ruffin-Jackson
Kay Porter
Lorene Faye Austin
MiChaela Barker
Qamenia Kelly
Tonya Renee Sanford-Oliver
Tori Davis

If we have missed anyone please inbox their names We thank you in advance

09/08/2023

11/25/2021

Good morning have a fabulous time with your families today

10/04/2021

✨Spotlight✨

Introducing 2022 Debutante Reese Robinson

School: Lansing Catholic High School

Hello I am Reese Robinson I am the daughter of Emanuel Dukes and A'Lynne Dukes. I am a 3-year Varsity Cheerleader (side-line and competitive). I have participated in Marching and Ensemble Band for three years as well, playing the flute since the 5th grade. Tennis, track, and softball have also been activities that I've participated in during my high school career. As an LCHS Ambassador, I had the opportunity to represent my high school with future students and parents, donors, and community leaders.

I have been in the Les Meres et Debutantes Club of Greater Lansing since the 7th grade, serving as Club Vice President, Secretary, and Chaplain. I am currently President of the 2022 grade level, a position that I've held since the formation of the grade level. Other previous involvements include Delta Gems, Go Ye Ministry, and Mime-n-motion. I am considering Ohio State, the University of Michigan and Howard University for future academic pursuits in Law or Veterinary medicine.

Please Join us April 9, 2022
Time: 6:00pm
Location: Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center
For “An Evening of Elegance”
Reese will be es**rted by Dedrick Pete. He attends Waverly High School. Dedrick is the son of Mrs. Wendi King and Mr. Eric King and Es**rt Anthony Stewart son of Tony and Tina Stewart he attends Lumen Christi High School in Jackson Michigan

10/04/2021

Good Morning Everyone I pray you all are well and in the best of health and spirit. We wanted to start off this beautiful Monday Morning with a Testimonial from Post 1987 Debutante and 2022 La Mere A'Lynne Dukes

I am so proud to have debuted in 1987 during the "It's Our Turn" Cotillion. I had the wonderful opportunity to debute with my sister DeAnna Cambridge and 10 other young ladies that remain friends with currently. I gained charm and etiquette training that I would go on to use in many areas of my adult life. Specifically, public speaking and table etiquette were learned skills that I heavily utilized as the first African American Female President of the Lansing City Council. I had the wonderful privilege of serving as the 1987 Debutante president and a leader throughout my time in the organization as a Deb. The fond memories that I had from my participation in the organization as a Debutante translated into my desire to involve my daughter. I am so pleased to now participate in the club on the Les Mere side of things. I love the bond that my daughter and I's membership is creating between not only us but also my mother Post La Mere Diedra Boles, who acted as our sponsor and my sister who is serving our mother substitute. The legacy of this organization is woven into the tapestry of the Greater Lansing fabric. I look forward to threading my family and I's further contribution throughout the future history of this organization.

09/27/2021

The time has come where you can now purchase ads and tickets for the 2022 Cotillion Ball “ An Evening of Elegance” For more information please email us at [email protected]

09/27/2021

✨Shirley Wills✨

09/27/2021

✨Spotlight✨

Introducing 2022 Debutante Manessah Naval

School: Lansing Everett High School

Hello My name is Manessah Naval I am the daughter of Toidnex Naval and Arthuria Watkins. After I debut next year, I plan on attending the University of Pennsylvania with a focus on becoming a Pediatric Neurologist. I enjoy drawing and painting. With this God-given talent, I showcased my artwork at the MSUFCU headquarters for an entire year.

My journey as a Debutante has taught me to value others' opinions and build leadership skills that I can use professionally and personally. I look forward to my debut and starting a new chapter in my life.

Please Join us April 9, 2022
Time: 6:00pm
Location: Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center
For “An Evening of Elegance”
Manessah will be es**rted by Chris Fountain. He attends Holt High School. Christopher is the son of Miss DeLisa Raye and Mr. Llvester Sharp

09/27/2021

Good Morning Everyone I pray you all are well and in the best of health and spirit. We wanted to start off this beautiful Monday Morning with a Testimonial from Post 1973 Debutante Jill Clark

My experience as a debutante was honorable! I enjoyed hanging out with the ladies I came out with and together we learned so much. It taught me respect for all no matter who you are. All these things I hold so dear to my heart forever! I loved the sisterhood we all shared and even to this day I see the sisters I came out with and that special bond still remains. I so look forward to the Cotillion Ball that beautiful and unforgettable day I will never forget as it was one of the most exciting and breath taking events in my life that I will keep close to my heart. A feeling you dont know about until you dance across that stage with your es**rt and your dad......So Special💗
Thank you

09/20/2021

✨Lela Eaton✨

09/20/2021

Good afternoon All I pray you are well and in the best of health and Spirit. We want to start this beautiful Monday off with a testimonial by Post 2009 La Mere Landis Lain

At first I was skeptical about Les Mere’s. I wasn’t into girly stuff growing up and it sounded like a lot of work. I was correct. It was a tremendous amount of work but I met some awesome people and 2009 was a fabulous year. I bonded with my daughter in ways I could not have dreamed and gained seven other daughters who have become fabulous women. They learned so much and gained tremendous poise. Most importantly they learned sisterhood, how to be there for one another at crucial times. And I gained five sisters and a brother our very own Le Pere who I still keep in contact with and love like siblings. It was rewarding and great fun.

09/20/2021

✨Spotlight✨

Introducing 2022 Debutante Sharon Davis

School: East Lansing High School

Sharon is the daughter of Michael Davis and Jennifer Nelson and a senior at East Lansing High School. She is active in Black Student Union, French, Orchestra, and Varsity Cheerleading. Sharon joined Les Meres et Debutantes in the 7th grade and served as Debutante President in 2019-2020, Debutante Vice-President of grade level 2022, and currently serves as Debutante Chaplin.

Sharon started all-star cheer at the age of 2 1⁄2 and is a founding member of WILDCATS Cheer Pride. Participating in all-star competitive cheer for over 15 years, she competed in the 2021 Cheerleading Worlds at ESPN in Florida. She is currently a junior coach with East Lansing Junior Trojans and Wildcats Cheer Pride.

Sharon is a member of Lansing South Church of the Nazarene, and has participated in several mission trips and community service programs. She is the recipient of the 2020 Alpha Phi Alpha Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Citizenship Award, the 2021 Debutante Outstanding Community Service Award, and is a member of Delta Gems.

Sharon plans to attend college and major in law. Sharon enjoys reading, watching Anime, and learning about other languages and cultures.

Please join us April 9, 2022
Time: 6:00pm
Location: Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center
For “An Evening of Elegance”
Sharon will be es**rted by Justin Dixon. He attends Haslett High School. Justin is the son of Mr. Fidencio and Dominica Palacio.

09/13/2021

💗Dorothy Wilson💗

09/13/2021

✨SpotLight✨

Introducing 2022 Debutante Devin Carter

DEVIN CARTER
School: Everett High School

Devin is a 12th grader at Everett High School in Lansing. She is an honor roll student, a student ambassador and a member of the National Honors Society. She is also a member of the Everett Senior dance company and serves as a team captain. She studies ballet and pointe at Danceworks of Michigan and contemporary, tap, hip hop and lyrical at Dance City West where she is also a member of the competitive dance team. Additionally, Devin is a Company Assistant with the Children's Ballet Theater(CBT) pre-professional ballet company. She has been a company member since she was 8 years old. She was recently cast as the Snow Queen in CBT's production of The Nutcracker for the 2021 season. She is a receipent of Everett's Performing Arts award and an Emerging Artist Senior Title holder at Starquest Dance. She enjoys 90s RnB, anime, and k-pop in her spare time and aspires to own her own dance studio one day.

Please Join us April 9, 2022
Time: 6pm
Location: Kellogg Center

For “An Evening of Elegance”

Devin will be es**rted by Larry King III. He attends East Lansing High School
He is the son of Mr. Larry King Jr. (post es**rt) and Mrs. Jayme Angela (Post debutante and current La Mere)

09/13/2021

Good Morning All I pray you all are well and in the best of health and spirit. We want to start off this beautiful Monday Morning with a Testimonial from Post La Mere Regina Riddle:

When do you stop being a Debutante

Never. Being a Debutante is an ongoing process. Even after you have been formally presented to society, you will find that you will always be presented with and to new people, concepts and beginnings (the act of debuting).

When I joined Les Meres et Debutantes Club of Greater Lansing I didn't just join an organization ( an administrative or executive structure of a business); I joined an organism ( diverse members the function together as a whole to maintain life and it's activities).

The hope of this club has been kept alive by mothers who still believe in and instilled in their daughters the core values and principles established by it's founders despite the changing society. The reality of this club has been kept alive by daughters who chose to exemplify those core values and principles at all times despite the pressures to conform to the changing society.

So does that mean I have to be a Debutante even when I'm at school, or the mall or at a dance with my friends? YES.

Being a Debutante isn't just who you are at a club meeting or service event.
Being a Debutante is who you are when you are away from the club.
Being a Debutante isn't being on your good behavior because the mothers are watching.
Being a Debutante is a lifestyle that is to be lived daily when no one is watching.

Given today's "norms"the Debutante lifestyle, Individually, is really hard. However, if each Deb would reach a Deb, the help, love and support will carry you through when it seems like you are the only one trying to live right in a wrong world.

09/06/2021

Always remember our Founders

09/06/2021

✨SpotLight✨

Introducing 2022 Debutante Jordyn Byrd

JORDYN BYRD
School: Waverly High School
I am the daughter of Anthony and Tawanna Byrd. As I reflect on the last five years, as a Debutante I have a true understanding of sisterhood. The club has taught me to step outside of my comfort zone and allowed me to continue building on my strengths. My Debutante experience has taught me self-confidence and leadership. In the 2021-2022 program year, I will serve as the Debutante Club Vice President.

God has gifted me with the passion to serve and I will continue this through my life's journey. My future goal is to attend an HBCU where I will major in Pre-Medicine to prepare for a career as a Pediatrician or Anesthesiologist while playing basketball on the next level.

As I start the next chapter of my life, I will forever embrace Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ". No matter how difficult the obstacle is in front of me; hard work, faith, and support from family and friends, I will accomplish my goals.

Please Join us April 9, 2022
Time: 6pm
Location: Kellogg Center

For “An Evening of Elegance”

Jordyn will be es**rted by
Cassius Blakenburg he attends Holt High School
He is the son of Mr. Jimmy Blankenburg and Mrs. Crissa Blankenburg

09/06/2021

Good Morning All I pray you all are well and in the best of health and spirit. We want to start off this beautiful Monday Morning with a Testimonial from Post Debutante Sharese Mathis:

My journey with the Les Meres et Debutantes started as a very young child. Mary “Aggie” Lipscomb and her family were my early caregivers when my parents were at work. I would see a lot of symbols around the house. There was a lot of pink and green, AKA and a handmade doll. Her daughter, Robin Lipscomb debuted in 1978. As I matriculated through school, I learned about the organization from a friend and wanted to join. Mama Aggie later became my substitute Mom. Being a Debutante provided exposure to service and culture. I officially became a member in the eighth grade. I enjoyed attending events at the Wharton Center, Charm Clinics and Service Events such as the Crop Walk. My closest friends and I were deeply connected through the organization. I was able to be a bridesmaid in three of my Big Sister’s from 2000 Weddings and my 2001 Year Sister served as my Maid of Honor.

I would honestly admit that being a Debutante served as a foundation on why I became a Delta. I was accustomed to doing service and missed the comradery of Sisterhood. I take particular aspects from Charm Clinics with me daily. Whether it is the knowledge of how to eat correctly or apply natural looking makeup, these are skills I sometimes take for granted. Serving as a Chief Diversity Officer, I often confuse people with my knowledge or experience. Many things in which I learned from my formative years as a Debutante. I also appreciate the immense sacrifice my Mother - Kulada Shannon and Father - Willie P. Shannon Sr. made for my participation. My family was genuinely invested in the experience on multiple levels. My younger brother Willie P. Shannon Jr. served as an es**rt in 2006.

I recently found a letter from the late Mrs. Doris Austin in a box while doing some purging. To me, she truly represented so much of the organization. Overall I'm thankful for my years with the Les Meres et Debutante organization and making my debut in 2001.

09/01/2021

Welcome to the 2021-2022 Les Meres et Debutantes Club Year. We have so much to share with you ..Stay tuned 💐

08/03/2021

Introducing the 2022 Debutantes

08/03/2021

Message from 2021-2022 Les Meres et Debutantes President A'Lynne Dukes

Greetings All!

Welcome to the 2021-2022 Debutante Club year and the 2022 Cotillion season. This year will, without a doubt, prove to be an exciting year. After 18 months of uncertainty and change we are extremely hopeful that our membership will return to in-person meetings, activities, workshops and events.

This year our Debutantes will participate in Community Service Projects that will range from feeding and clothing our community to hosting historic events like the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Luncheon. Club members will return to sessions dedicated to teaching culture, class and elegance. Giving them the tools needed to be highly effective in whatever area of focus they chose to commit themselves. They will follow in the footsteps of previous Debutantes who have gone on to be trailblazers in many areas such as: Politics, Medicine, Law, Education and Human Services to mention just a few.

At the culmination of this year of revitalization 6 amazing Senior Debutantes will Debut. Jordyn Byrd, Devin Carter, Sharon Davis, Manessah Naval, Reese Robinson, Haniya Shareef. Please plan to join us for “An Evening of Elegance”, April 9, 2022 at Six o’clock in the evening at the Kellogg Center. For more information about this year’s Cotillion or to purchase tickets or a Ball Book Ad please visit: www.2022lesmeres.com

If you are interested in attending our Spring membership Tea please feel free to contact our Membership committee at: lansinglesmeresetdebs.weebly.com

Thank you for your continued support.

Yours in Culture, Class, and Elegance

La Mere A’Lynne Boles Dukes, President
‘87 Post Debutante and ‘22 La Mere

11/07/2020

We would like to welcome our Newest Members to Lansing Les Meres et Debutantes

2023 La Mere Tanyan Johnson and 2023 Debutante Samaya Davis

2025 La Mere Leticia Chambers and 2025 Debutante Lesha Allen-White

2025 La Mere Tamorah Shareef Muhammad and Debutante Tahirah Shareef

10/30/2020

Our debutantes had a wonderful time this weekend at La Mere A'Lynne Dukes home doing a sisterhood bonding event. Look at those smiles they had a good time painting and heavy conversations about life and school. Thank you La Mere Dukes

08/21/2020

Greetings everyone I pray you all are well and in the best of health and spirit. Our Debutantes were out in the community today helping to stuff and pass out back packs to middle schoolers and high schoolers. Special thank you to Power 96.5 & Communities In Schools of Michigan School Supply Giveaway and K.C for allowing our debs to serve. Chaperones for this event were La Mere Tamorah Shareef Muhammad ( Community Service Chair) La Mere Arthuria Watkins, La Mere Evita Bryant and La Mere Jennifer Nelson Brown

Power 96.5

08/02/2020

Our 2021 Debutantes .. 💕

05/07/2020

Message from the 2020 Les Meres Kayleen Smith, Laurin Thomas and Yalonda Thomas

Delayed once again but never Defeated. Please keep 2020 Les Meres and Debutantes in your prayers.

04/18/2020

"Delayed but not Defeated"
Thank you friends and family for all of your support. As many of you know this was the original date of our cotillion ball. So we thought we would take this opportunity to share a little about our 2020 debutantes. Please enjoy the link below. Looking forward to seeing you on May 23, 2020.Be safe. Be blessed! 2020 Les Meres and Debutantes Kayleen Smith, Makayla Smith Laurin Thomas, Barbara Thomas, Yalonda Thomas and Jada Watson.

https://youtu.be/uV4uCp3tlxo

04/08/2020

Message From Post La Mere A Nora Smith
55th Annual Cotillion Ball Advisor

04/02/2020

Good morning I pray all of you are well and in the best of health and spirit. Queens are born in April and Lansing Les Meres would like to send birthday wishes to some very special Post Les Meres and Post Debutantes.

Happy Birthday Month to Post Les Meres:
Post LaMere and Post Debutante Angie Lewis
Antoinette Bradley
Fonda Brewer
Shirley Mitchner

Happy Birthday Month to Post Debutantes:
April Hill
Courtney Lane Maki Larvadain
Crystal Nichols
Deborah Watson
Harmonie Smith
Jay Elizabeth
Michelle Brew
Tiana Glasscoe
If we have missed anyone please inbox their names 💓 we thank you in advance

04/01/2020

Message from Les Meres et Debutantes Club President

Les Meres ‘et Debutantes – 60 Years of “Culture, Class and Elegance”
60 Years ago 9 courageous women ventured to create an organization that would expose their African American daughters to the finer things in life. Since the founding of the organization the club has introduced the greater Lansing area to thousands of dynamic young ladies.
Debutantes have reach heights and achieved levels that the founders and their mothers only dreamed of as: neurosurgeons, first in political arenas, educators, entrepreneurs, scientist, executives, administrators and attorneys to mention a few. Debutantes are changing the world.
Thank you and congratulation to all post and present La Meres and Debutantes on 60 years of excellence. I am honored and humbled to serve as the President of such an auspicious organization.
La Mere A'Lynne Dukes,
Club President
2022 Grade Level President

03/14/2020

Official Statement from the 2020 Les Meres:

Les Meres et Debutantes Club of Greater Lansing
2020 Grade Level
​55th Annual Cotillon Ball​
​​ A Vision of Beauty ​


March 14, 2020

Dear Cotillion Ball Supporter,

On behalf of the 2020 Les Meres and Debutantes, we would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you for your support for the 2020 Debutantes and the 55th Annual Cotillion Ball “A Vision of Beauty.”

Unfortunately, due to the recent coronavirus pandemic that has impacted our entire nation we must consider the health and safety of our anticipated cotillion guests. Due to these unforeseen circumstances the 55th Annual Cotillion Ball has been rescheduled and will be held at the Lansing Center on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. We continue to look forward to sharing this unique experience with you.

Please continue to pray for our communities and the families who are directly impacted by this ferocious illness.

Again, we the 2020 Les Meres and Debutantes,

La Mere Kayleen Smith - Debutante Makayla Smith
La Mere Laurin’ Thomas - Debutante Barbara Thomas
La Mere Yalonda Thomas- Debutante Jada Watson
Thank you.

Provided you have questions, please let me know.

Warm regards,
Kayleen Smith
2020 Cotillion Correspondence Liaison
P.O. Box 23156 ~ Lansing, MI 48909
Email: [email protected]

03/13/2020

Official Les Meres et Debutantes Social Media statement..

Greetings,

The safety and health of the community is first priority. As a result of the concern surrounding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Les Meres et Debutante 2020 Membership Tea is postponed. All participants will be notified immediately and informed of alternate plans. Thank you for your interest in this wonderful organization. Questions or concerns, please contact me.

Regards,

La Mere Makeva Nicholson
2nd Vice President of Membership
[email protected]

02/17/2020

Good Morning All have you purchased your ads and tickets for this years cotillion? You still have time please reach out to Les Meres Kayleen Smith, Laurin Thomas and Yalonda Thomas

02/13/2020

🌸It is now time for our Membership Tea🌸

Les Meres et Debutantes of Greater Lansing
Invite you to attend the
2020 Membership Tea

Saturday, March 14, 2020
12:00 pm-2:00 pm
Michigan Athletic Club
2900 Hannah BLVD
Spartan Room
East Lansing, MI 48823

Please RSVP by Friday, March 6, 2020 to [email protected]
❖ Prospective candidates MUST attend the Tea with a club Sponsor to receive an application for membership
❖ Sponsor may be Current or Post La Mere or Post Debutante
❖ If you need a Sponsor, please inform at the time of RSVP. A Sponsor will be assigned.
❖ Business Professional attire Black, Black & Pink, or Black and White.

Two tickets will be given away to the 55th Annual Cotillion Ball.
For questions, please contact La Mere Makeva Nicholson, Vice President of Membership at [email protected] or by phone 517 575-5842.

02/11/2020

Good morning Everyone I pray you are well.. We want to thank Post La Mere Janice Cabule for coming to teach our debutantes table setting and table etiquette. Our debutantes had a lot of fun doing this activity. Special Thank you to La Mere Danaina Bernard and La Mere Shirleen Stoudamire for assisting Mrs. Cabule.

01/20/2020

Our Club President A'Lynne Dukes and our Debutante President Sharon Davis with Senator Debbie Stabenow

01/20/2020

Good Afternoon everyone I pray you are well. Our Debutantes were out in the community today serving as hostesses at the MLK Luncheon. The Chaperones for this event were La Mere Tamorah Shareef Muhammad ( Community Service Chair),La Mere Shurline Stoudamire, Evita Bryant ( VP of Programming) and La Mere Danaina Bernard. Special thank you to Tristan Wright for allowing the debs to serve and Fonda Brewer thank you for all that you do we love you.