Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Tau Omega Chapter Awards over $20,000 at Inaugural Cotillion in the Bronx

The Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. presented 16 debutantes and awarded more than $20,000 to participants at its Inaugural Cotillion, held April 26, 2026, at Marina del Rey in the Bronx, New York. The evening drew family, friends, community leaders, and educators together to celebrate youth achievement, leadership, and culture.

The cotillion was led by Chapter President Valerie M. Henderson alongside Cotillion Co-Chairs Iris Springer-Elkerson and Katherine Acevedo. The program was built to give participating young people mentorship, personal development, cultural enrichment, and leadership opportunities throughout the experience.

Set along the waterfront at Marina del Rey, the evening carried a tone of sophistication and community pride. Participants were formally presented in a display of confidence and poise, and guests took in presentations, tributes, and reflections marking each participant’s growth.

The chapter’s Legacy of a Century debutantes were:

Amara Bruton, Amelie Clermont, Asia Bruce, Aurora Morgan, Azariah Joseph, Deanna Reid-Hawkins, Jullian Ciera Donaldson, Makiah Arrington, Maya Clarke, Maya Hammond, Madison Seaborn, Naomi Jordan, NiMyah Richardson, Summer-Zaire Bell, Trinity Bowen, and Tymaia Jones.

Each debutante was escorted by a young gentleman who shared in the milestone:

Bryce Blot, Christopher Banks, Amari Joseph, Ade Hooks, Brandon Dow, Reed Harris Butts, Jahdell Bulgin, Aschur Holly, Salvador Pena, Terrell Barnes, Aneudy Taverez, Zahir Thacker, J. Chase Lucks, Joseph Bernard, Chase Dinham, and Thierno “Theo” Mbengue.

One of the evening’s defining moments was the presentation of more than $20,000 in awards to participants, recognizing their hard work, leadership, and achievements across the program.

The cotillion also stood as a celebration of Black excellence, sisterhood, and service, values central to the mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The Tau Omega Chapter plans to build on its inaugural year and continue the cotillion as a signature program for the Bronx and surrounding communities.

Photo by Warren K. Thompson.