“A Day to Remember”
Once upon a time, in a world filled with dreams, dedication, and dazzling young leaders, a magical celebration came to life. The Ebony Pearls Youth Leadership Academy Parent Appreciation Event was more than just an afternoon gathering it was a fairytale come true. This keepsake flipbook captures the sparkle, the sisterhood, the pride, and the passion of a day crafted with love, purpose, and beauty. Each photo and page holds a moment that made our hearts full, our eyes teary, and our spirits soar.
To our guests who were there we relive these cherished memories with you.
To those who could not attend we invite you to experience the wonder you missed and feel the joy that filled the air.
We celebrate the brilliance of our Ebony Pearls, the strength of their families, and the unity of a community that believes in the power of young Black excellence.
Welcome to our story… welcome to a day we’ll treasure forever.
With sisterly love, Soror Yvonne Elder-Logan, Chariman and Soror Roushaun Johnson , Co- chairman
g , withexcitement,andthedoorstoan enchanted afternoon opened wide astheEbonyPearlsYouthLeadership Academy hosted its Parent Appreciation Celebration a royal affair that transformed an ordinary Sunday into a page torn from a fairytale.
for them. Cameras flashed, smiles sparkled, and laughter echoed across thevenueastheyposedforphotosin front of our breathtaking pink and green balloon installations and dazzling backdrop designed by Soror AliciaPrather,ownerofCreativeTouch Evnets & Design. The energy? Pure magic.
Butthat
As guests flowed into our grand reception hall, they were greeted by a visual feast and culinary delights—a carefully curated array of savory bites and sweet surprises. At the heart of it all stood a masterpiece: a customdesigned cupcake cake bearing the Ebony Pearls logo, as beautiful as it was delicious. It was a picture-perfect moment, captured with love and shared with pride.
A hush fell over the room as our beloved Madam Basileus Deborah Davis-Gillespie, graced the stage with a powerful and heartfelt welcome. Her words paved the way for the soul-soothing meditation by Soror Deborah Williams, whose voice and presenceembracedtheday’sthemewith grace and reverence with her meditation. “LiftEveryVoiceandSing”followed,swelling throughtheroomandliftingeveryspiritin thehouse.
Andthenitwastime.
Soror Roushaun Johnson took to the stage like thunder, delivering an introduction that shook the ground and raised the roof for the stars of the day the 2025 Ebony Pearls. With style, poise, and pride, these young ladies made their entrance with a vibrant performance to Mary Mary, “Walking” coregraphed by Soror Debbie Hedgren and Katleyn Griffith-Mencik that had the entire audience on their feet. It was electric. It was epic. It was everything.
Soror Tara Cador-Turner, EPYLA
GeneralChairman,offeredawarmand inspiring greeting, which was followed bytheintroductionsoftheimpeccably dressed and polished Escorts by Soror Denise Anderson and Soror Jessica Logan. The heartfelt expressions of gratitudefromtheEscortstowardstheir parents deeply resonated with the audience,servingasapoignanttribute to the love that shaped their lives. The atmosphere was electric; it was a truly remarkable experience. The sense of unity and pride filled the event hall, creatingapricelessmoment.
And then—the performances began.
What unfolded was nothing short of breathtaking. Our Ebony Pearls lit up the stage with lyrical dances, a moving flute solo, original poetry, a stunning video montage, and a powerful African dance that shook the soul. Every performance was a gift a love letter from child to parent. There was not a dry eye in the room. Hearts swelled. Tears fell. Applause thundered.
Thefinale?Asurprisenoonesaw coming.
Soror Donna L.. Cook, EPYLA Genreal Co-chairman
shared a touching message on the history of the Ebony Pearl, leading into a final magical moment—each Ebony Pearl being presentedwithherownsebonypearl along with a variety of other beautiful and meaningful gifts. With hearts full, themomentturnedevenmorespecial aseachyoungladythenpresentedher parents with a personal gift. The tears returned. Parents were called to the stage, one by one, wrapped in love, affirmation, and gratitude. It was, without a doubt, the most beautiful moment of the day—a radiant celebration of family, love, and the unbreakable bond between parent andchild.
The event came to a close with a heartfelt message from our Ebony Pearls Foundation President, Soror Mary Castleberry. Her words echoed the spirit of the day: gratitude, pride, and unwavering support for our youth and their journeys. No one wanted to leave. And truly no one would ever forget.
“If
you weren’t there, trust us… you missed something magical.
But don’t worry this was just one chapter in our fairytale. The story of the Ebony Pearls is still being written, and we can't wait to see you at the next enchanted journey”
Soror Roushaun Johnson
