Masking and Merriment

The Bounty of the Ball

The Authentic Illinois Membership held its Debutante Cotillion and 121st annual Carnival ball within the College Middle of Xavier College with the title “Black Masking Tribes.” All hailed King Illinois 2023 Christopher Langston Hammond and Queen Illinois 2023 Grace Felice Hammond. She is the daughter of his majesty and Ms. Jeanne Claire Oubre.

Final 12 months, the throne was occupied by Dr. Robert Reece Newsome and his daughter, Miss Melody Cherise Newsome. The theme was “Rising From the Rails” and the royal debutantes had been Misses Chelsea Religion Webb, Rori Jackson, Web page Jordan, Mackenzie Maline Morgan and Alyssa Daria-Aldine Hoey.

To launch the 2023 ball, the Leroy Pero Orchestra struck up the music. Grasp of ceremonies Tracey L. Thibodaux Sr., speedy previous membership president, and ball captain Walter Lee Dixon with heralds Bentley Christian Gowdy and Demetrese Phillips II had been the subsequent to seem earlier than the sounding of trumpets for “Mad Bear” and the lighting of the OIC Crest. Membership president Darren Patin launched the OIC members and their girls. Acknowledged, too, had been in-attendance widows of members and OIC deceased members.

King Illinois Hammond made a powerful entrance within the firm of his private pages Marie Danielle White and Evan Lake Joseph and escorts Lynn J. Dedeaux and Charles F. Webb Sr., respectively King Illinois of 2013 and 1993. To introduce the 2023 debutantes, the honors befell debutante chairman Darren Patin and narrator the Rev. David Hoey.

Gowned in the identical type and demonstrating admirable curtsies, the Royal Debutantes had been Misses A’keya Louise Davis, Akasha Zaire Williams, Torie Ann Joseph, Annalise Cecilia Loud, Clark Kennedy-Haydel, Blair Simone Smith, Peyton Morgan Reine Johnson and Miya Janai Castro. The presenters and dancers had been Messrs. Mark Joseph, Bobby Duplessis, Colbert A. Clark, Tony Dean, Robert Buford, Andrew Harris and Patin, Thibodeaux and Webb.

The Coronation Ceremony limelighted Miss Hammond, whose former-king escorts had been Mr. Clark (2014) and Dr. Reginald Rigsby (2020), whereas sisters Brooklyn Michelle Duplessis and Sydney Rose Duplessis had been the pages. Queen Melody Newsome of 2022 handed the scepter to her successor, thus marking the top of her reign. Then King Hammond joined Queen Illinois for the normal Royal Promenade directed by the above ball captain Walter Dixon.

Recognitions and shows adopted to Messrs. Omar Mason (president) and Lawrence Robinson of the Younger Males Illinois Membership; Bettye Johnston, Marion Maheia and Chanttell Patin, OIC debutante consultants; Rogerwene Duncan Washington, marketing consultant for the pages and heralds; and to their 2023 majesties, proclamations, certificates and keys to the town from New Orleans and Louisiana. All the time a spotlight, “The Chicago Glide” targeted on the dancing of debutantes and escorts. “Dance, Dance Queen Illinois…This Is your Evening.”

Angelle McConduit designed the closely beaded queen’s robe, fashioning it in trumpet type. Embellished with lace, it additionally was enhanced with emerald brilliants and Swarovski crystals. His majesty’s ensemble was additionally a McConduit design. The “English gentleman’s coat” was adorned with emeralds, together with matching trousers, to match the queen’s royal gown. Queen mom Jeanne Oubre selected the sophistication of black for her ruffled and embellished robe.

Among the many many applauding “Black Masking Indians” and the class of the ball had been the above Decide and Mrs. Omar Mason, Gregory Perrault Jr., Renee Gill Pratt, Irma Muse Dixon, Diana Bajoie, Derek Bardell, Rudy Gorrell, Darren Isabelle, Dr. and Mrs. Christopher Richards, Mr. and Mrs. James Cosey, Ann Roussell, Keisha Reid, Mr. and Mrs. Huiet Joseph, Sarah Corridor, and dozens extra, together with officers and members of the membership.

In the end the evening, which closed with dancing by OIC members and their wives and girls (callouts) to “The Final Waltz,” concluded royally with the king and queen’s parade finale. Sure, the curtain got here down at midnight, however the honored Hammonds will treasure their Carnival glory for ages.

Hibernal Wonderland

Throughout a season of many enchanted evenings, one stood out by title: “Enchanted Winter Evening.” This was a celebration in Harvey’s Royal Palm to honor OIC debutante Torie Ann Joseph, daughter of Mr. Francis Joseph and Ms. Cherie Renée Roussell Joseph, and a member of the OIC ball’s court docket.

Torie made a beautiful image in a flowing white robe adorned with tender lace and sequins, which shimmered like snowflakes. She was sartorially reflective of the setting, a winter-themed look with a chromatic palette of blue, white and silver.

The get together’s mistress of ceremonies Essence Harris Banks gave the welcome and event, which was adopted by Donald Joseph Sr.’s invocation and the introductions. The primary ones had been of the honoree’s household. Then got here these of the 2023 OIC debutante president and chair (Darren Patin), the OIC members, the season’s debutantes, and the radiant honoree. After the Toast & Waltz portion, there have been shows and shutting remarks.

Friends loved the handed hors d’oeuvres of crispy catfish and Creole crawfish truffles, together with points of interest of scorching buffet dishes. Amongst these famous had been deb brothers Dominic, Daniel and Donald “DJ” Joseph and grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Donald Joseph Sr. and Ann Roussell. Additionally, Dr. and Mrs. Christopher L. Richards, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Reece Newsome, Mr. and Mrs. Darren Patin, Anthony “Tony” and Marion Maheia, Mr. and Mrs. H. Kenneth Johnston, Mr. and Mrs. Sean Joseph and Mr. and Mrs. Donald Joseph Jr. Many danced to the tender jazz, R&B and widespread alternatives.

For Torie, the music was a part of the magic, when all issues had been brilliant and winter great!

La Vie en Rose

A’keya Louise Davis, daughter of Mr. Kyle Anthony Clark and Mrs. Devonia Davis Cockburn and an OIC royal debutante, was honored at a celebration in LaPlace with, as program principals, Marcelle Wallace, Decide Madeline Jasmine, Anthony F. Maheia, OIC president Darren Patin, Karanell Tassin, Dr. Elliot M. Jessie, Colbert Clark, Kyle Clark, Kason Clark and the deb herself. Serving as hostesses had been Robin Bailey, Veronica Cambre, Brannetter James, Janelle Jessie, Tara Lennix, Sybil Lipps and the above Marcelle Wallace. They and others joined festive forces to present A’Keya “A World the place roses bloom.”