By La’Crystele Brown
FWIS Contributing Writer

From bottom left: Jade Henry, Kimora Banks, Designah Woods, Ka’laya Coleman.
2nd row: Mahkai Harris, Nevaeh Wattley. Zariah Auxier, Trinity Jackson, Tani Hairston, Emory Majors, Jamiah Martin. 3rd row: JaMaya Green, Ryleigh Masterson, Jace Brooks, Na'Kayla Williams

The Fort Wayne Cotillion has long been a cherished tradition, celebrating young African American women as they transition into adulthood with confidence, leadership, and grace. For years, Mrs. Anita Dortch and her team have played a key role in shaping the event, mentoring young women and helping them develop valuable life skills. Now, as she steps back, the cotillion is entering a new era under the leadership of Dawn Smith, who will take over as the primary organizer after this year.

Dawn Smith, formerly known as Dawn Brooks, is no stranger to the cotillion. A past participant herself, she has spent years learning from Mrs. Dortch and is now prepared to take on the responsibilities of leading the program. “She has been under my tutelage for a long time,” Dortch said. “She just knows what to do.” Smith, a mental health therapist at Courageous Healing, is excited to continue the legacy and help guide the next generation of young women. Smith will now oversee the event with the support of a team of seven dedicated members. “She will basically be in charge of operations after this year,” Dortch explained.

The cotillion has deep roots in Fort Wayne, dating back to the early 1960s when it was first led by the Fort Wayne Urban League to celebrate and uplift young Black women. In 1991, Jack and Jill named the cotillion “An Affaire Extraordinaire” with Dortch and Linda Davis playing a major role in its success. After a brief hiatus, the cotillion was revived and has continued to grow under, Ladies With Purpose Inc., where Mrs. Dortch and her team, oversee the event, ensuring it remains a vital tradition for young women in the community.

More than just a formal event, the cotillion is a months long journey designed to prepare participants for the future. It includes mentorship sessions where the debutantes engage in discussions about self-esteem, cultural identity, and professional development. They also receive etiquette training, learning everything from dining manners to how to present themselves in professional settings. Community service is another key component, with each debutante completing volunteer hours and working closely with mentors. “A lot of the girls don’t realize how much they’ll enjoy it until they’re in it,” Dortch said. “At first, some are hesitant, but by the end, they love it.”

While cotillions traditionally have European origins, Fort Wayne’s event incorporates African American cultural elements. Over the years, the program has included shawls, and historical discussions that connect debutantes to their heritage. Research shows that the first Black debutante ball in the U.S. was held in New Orleans in 1895, thirty years after slavery was abolished. “In the midst of the struggles of Jim Crow, our community needed something positive,” Dortch reflected. “And we still do.”

The cotillion is also a time to recognize the achievements of the participants through several prestigious awards:

• Cotillion Participation – Given to all debutantes who fully engage in planned cultural and social events.

• Scholastic Achievement – Awarded to the debutante with the highest GPA in both the junior and senior classes.

• Community Service Project – Recognizes a debutante who completes at least 30 hours of service at two or more locations and presents a project about her experience.

• Perfect Attendance – Given to the debutante who has attended all scheduled events on time.

• Miss Congeniality – Awarded to the most supportive and friendly debutante, as selected by her peers.

• Tickets – Presented to the debutante who sells the most event tickets.

• Ads & Patrons – Given to the debutante who secures the highest number of ads and patrons for the event program.

• Mr. Personality – Awarded to the most congenial escort, as voted by his peers.

• Escort Award – Given to the escort with the highest GPA in both junior and senior classes.

• Miss Cotillion – The highest honor, awarded to the debutante with the highest overall achievement across all categories.

Family and community support are crucial to the success of the cotillion. Each debutante has a network of loved ones, whether it be family, church members, or mentors, who come together to encourage and celebrate them. At the last cotillion, Dortch asked attendees to stand based on their relationship with a debutante. “The result was a powerful display of Ubuntu.” Dortch said. Ubuntu is an African philosophy meaning “I am because we are.”

“We are all here collectively as a community, supporting our young women,” Dortch said.

With Ladies With Purpose Inc. continuing to lead the cotillion and Dawn Smith stepping in as the new organizer, the event is expected to continue growing. With strong community ties and a commitment to empowering young women, the cotillion remains a beloved and impactful tradition in Fort Wayne. “We just keep working hard and making sure each new generation has this opportunity,” Dortch said. “And I believe it’s only going to get bigger and better.”

For those interested in participating in the future, information is shared through schools, churches, and community organizations. While social media is an option, word-of-mouth remains one of the most effective ways to get involved. The next Fort Wayne Cotillion will take place on April 19, where this year’s debutantes will step into the spotlight, marking an important milestone in their journey toward success. As Dortch says, “It’s their time to shine.”

If you would like to support the debutantes, contact them or email Anita Dortch at dortchanita45@gmail.com.