Staff Report

Oak Park’s historic Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Community House provided a wonderful setting for the official start of the 59th Annual Debutante Ball Season. Both the house and the Debutante Ball are long-time staples in Sacramento’s African American community.

Home to the Oak Park Preschool and hub for local community meetings and special events, the AKA Community House was transformed into an elegant tea room for the Introductory Tea, the first opportunity for this year’s prospective debutantes to be introduced to one another and to the chapter as a group.  Hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Eta Gamma Omega Chapter, the Tea was attended by this year’s class of prospective debutantes, along with their families, and Eta Gamma Omega Chapter members.

Standing left to right, parents of the prospective debutantes, Elizabeth Jackson, Cephoni Jackson, Detra Jackson I, Tiffany Johnson, and Renee DeBose Seated left to right, Alicia Angelique Jackson, Saniya Makai Jackson, Kelsey Alexandria Johnson, and Ava Olivia Levermore. Russell Stiger Jr., OBSERVER
Standing left to right, parents of the prospective debutantes, Elizabeth Jackson, Cephoni Jackson, Detra Jackson I, Tiffany Johnson, and Renee DeBose
Seated left to right, Alicia Angelique Jackson, Saniya Makai Jackson, Kelsey Alexandria Johnson, and Ava Olivia Levermore. Russell Stiger Jr., OBSERVER

Eta Gamma Omega Chapter president, Carrie Malenab, reflected on the occasion. “I am honored to be here at such a special time and in this beautiful space, as we begin the Annual Debutante Ball Season and celebrate the lives and accomplishments of the 2025 Prospective Debutante Class,” Malenab said.

The prospective debutantes being presented this year are: Alicia Angelique Jackson, John F. Kennedy High School; Saniya Makai Jackson, West Park High School; Kelsey Alexandria Johnson, Inderkum High School; and Ava Olivia Levermore, Sacramento Country Day School.

Carrie Malenab, Eta Gamma Omega Chapter President (seated third from the left), Latrice Madkins, Chapter Vice President and Ball Chairman (seated second from the left), and Tanisha Worthy, Ball Vice Chairman (seated fourth from the left) pictured with the Introductory Tea Committee. Russell Stiger Jr., OBSERVER
Carrie Malenab, Eta Gamma Omega Chapter President (seated third from the left), Latrice Madkins, Chapter Vice President and Ball Chairman (seated second from the left), and Tanisha Worthy, Ball Vice Chairman (seated fourth from the left) pictured with the Introductory Tea Committee. Russell Stiger Jr., OBSERVER

As they heard about the upcoming season filled with community service, informative workshops, and dance instruction, the prospective debutantes excitedly began getting to know one another during the special event.  The Tea closed with acknowledgements and special gifts for each of the young ladies, who will be presented at the 59th Annual Debutante Ball, to be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Doubletree by Hilton, Sacramento.