The Ebony Suburbanites

HONORED TO SERVE.

In 1973, two women, Martha Voorhees and Louise Seawright were inspired to organize a group that would contribute and advance the development of youth in Middlesex and Somerset counties as well as promote the cultural and civic advancement of their respective communities. They set out and garnered the support of seventeen other dedicated women to form a nonprofit organization, called the Ebony Suburbanites.

Over its 50 years of existence, the mission of the Ebony Suburbanites organization is to develop character, leadership qualities, and furthering the education of Black and African American youth in Middlesex and Somerset counties. The Ebony Suburbanites have also sponsored many community events; such as the Black Arts Festival, Black Heritage Luncheons, and other educational and cultural events.

The Ebony Suburbanite’s annual premiere event, the “Silhouettes of Loveliness” Debutante Cotillion, presents high school graduating females to society where their academic and community accomplishments are showcased and celebrated. The first annual debutante ball took place on June 28, 1974 at the Edison Country Club, in Edison, New Jersey where 13 debutantes were presented to over 400 guests.

Today, the Ebony Suburbanites continues to fulfill its mission to promote education and community service. To date, The Ebony Suburbanites have presented over 750 debutantes and has presented over $1.7 million in scholarships.

OUR MEMBERS

The organization is comprised of over 30 dynamic ladies, who are pillars in the community. We are committed to promoting scholarship and developing character, civic mindedness and leadership qualities in our debutantes and escorts. 

club officers:   

Kisha Adkins, Co-President

Wanda Mitchell, Co-President

Shanice Jackson, Vice-President

Ericka Truesdale, Treasurer

Alyssa Blake, Assistant Treasurer

Jill Pressley, Financial Secretary

Dionne McMillan, Recording Secretary

Asali Guions, Corresponding Secretary

Kim Scott, Chaplain

mEMBERS:

Pernethia Arrington, Linda Belnavis, T. Ann Brown, Joyce Davidson, Lenore Davis, Laura Ford, Nanette Geeston, Dewanna Graham, Phyllis Hailes*, Elvira Harris, Mawiyah Husbands, Kiandra Jackson, Muriel Grimmett Ray, Shawn Harvey Roberson, Lola Samuel, Shavona Schenck, Diane Scott, Glenda Simmons*, Karen Simmons, Alicia Chambers Williams, Judy Williams, Nayamka Williams, Cheryll Williams, Karen Towns Worsley, Staci Yarbrough