Third Generation of Outlaw Family to Participate in Southern Tradition in Cinnaminson

Cinnaminson, NJ -- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Theta Pi Omega Chapter’s 15th biennial Cotillion at the Merion in Cinnaminson this weekend has a special family flavor.

Holy Cross Academy High School senior Courtney Outlaw, 18, of Burlington, 18, is the third generation in her family to participate in the typically southern tradition.

During the "Afternoon Garden Wedding," which takes place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., high school juniors and seniors from Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties, known as “debutantes,” will receive more than $30,000 in scholarships and book awards, which will be awarded at the ball. The funds were raised by the participants primarily through ticket and journal advertisement sales.

Outlaw’s mother, Riche Outlaw, her grandmother Agnes Farris-Smiley and great aunt Phedora Smiley-Lacey all were presented to society as debutantes in 1981 and 1950, respectively in Alabama.

Farris-Smiley passed away but Smiley-Lacey, who now lives in Teaneck, recalls how they both participated in their cotillion as sophomores at Alabama State University at the age of 18.

“It is a time I look back on with such wonderful memories, “ said 84 year-old Smiley-Lacey, who will attend this year’s Cotillion to see her great niece’s presentation to society. “It was one of the first African-American sponsored events held at the Montgomery City Auditorium in segregated Alabama as separate-but-equal took hold. Everyone came out to see us in our white gowns. It was all about character and grace and academics – quite a wonderful time.”

Over the past year, this year’s debutantes attended cultural, etiquette, and educational workshops, performed a mandatory community service project, competed in a talent show and compiled memory books, which depict how these young women see their past, present and future.

The cotillion will showcase 21 debutantes wearing classic white gowns and 5 junior debutantes in green semi-formal gowns. The debutantes, along with their 21 escorts, wearing black tuxedos, will perform choreographed dances that they have been practicing for nine months. The debutantes will also perform a traditional Waltz with their fathers or male role models.

The event, which combines old-school tradition and southern etiquette, is sold out.

For thosewho are going, doors open at 10:45 a.m., with the program beginning promptly at noon.

Since its inception in 1990, the Cotillion has attracted hundreds of youngsters from the region; many former participants went on to graduate from college. Several former participants are now proud members of the AKA Sorority. Two former Debutantes have daughters participating this year: Rita Wright, who was a Debutante in the first Cotillion in 1990 (daughter Carol) and Nikki Coleman who was a Debutante in 1992 (daughter Dahyo).

The Merion is located at 1901 Route 130 North in Cinnaminson.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, was established January 15, 1908, at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African-American college women. Driven by its commitment to service and sisterhood, Alpha Kappa Alpha has evolved into one of the world’s leading service organizations with 290,000 members in 993 graduate and undergraduate chapters worldwide. Its membership includes distinguished women who boast excellent academic records, proven leadership skills, and are involved in the global community through advocacy and service. The South Jersey graduate chapter, Theta Pi Omega Chapter, has nearly 200 college educated members, is the second-largest AKA chapter in New Jersey, and has been proudly serving Burlington, Camden & Gloucester Counties since 1967. For more information about Theta Pi Omega Chapter, please visit: http://www.facebook.com/ThetaPiOmega

The attached images were provided: the first two depict previous Cotillions, while the next two show debutantes practicing for this year's event