How Debutante Culture Became Part of Black Life in L.A.

“With African-American debutante culture, the goal was always to get these young ladies educated and to prepare them for what lies beyond high school, especially around the ‘40s and ‘50s, when Black debutante organizations and social clubs were being formed. The focus was always on education, giving back to the community, raising money, and forming a network. What they’re learning is not necessarily just beauty and etiquette. They’re learning so much more than that and they’re really giving back. They’ve definitely changed and adjusted the information they’re providing young ladies.” - says Taylor Bythewood-Porter, curator of the California African American Museum’s new exhibit, Rights and Rituals: The Making of African American Debutante Culture

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