In 1981, Judith M. Davenport’s daughter, Allison, was a senior at The Ellis School.
Her friends were talking about a local debutante ball where young women make a formal entrance into society.
Allison submitted her name but was not invited.
So Davenport reached out to other members of Jack and Jill of America’s Pittsburgh chapter.
Jack and Jill of America was founded in 1938 in Philadelphia. It is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2 to 19, dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty. It is the oldest and largest African American family organization in the U.S.
Pittsburgh was the fourth chapter, founded in 1944.
Davenport, who was president of the Pittsburgh chapter, talked with the other members and suggested the local chapter sponsor its own presentation ball that recognized both young women — debutantes — and young men — beaus.
One of those members Davenport reached out to is Elizabeth Ann Haley. Her son, Leon Leroy Haley Jr., was in the group of the first presentees in 1982. Four years later, another son, Loren John Haley, and a daughter, Lisa Haley, were recognized at the 1986 event.
The ball is held every two years.
This year, Lisa Haley’s son, Jacob Tyler Huff, a junior at Shady Side Academy, was one of 17 teens honored.
“Judith Davenport and all those moms are the reason Pittsburgh has this ball,” Lisa Haley said. “I talked to my son about what this means that his grandmother was involved from the beginning and that his uncles and his mom were a part of it. I wanted my son to continue this tradition. Our family is super invested in the Jack and Jill Ball.”
The evening recognizes African American teens for their volunteerism, academic and athletic achievements and overall contributions to society. The young people engage in the community with projects, service and time at various charities. This year’s ball was Dec. 28 inside the Omni William Penn Hotel’s elegant ballroom in Downtown Pittsburgh. More than 400 guests attended. They enjoyed a cocktail hour, dinner and dancing.
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and his wife, Blayre Holmes Davis, who was a 2000 presentee, were grand marshals.
The theme was “A Tradition Like No Other.” The theme changes for each ball.
“It was a beautiful ball and the ballroom was stunning,” said Lisa Haley, who was one of the ball’s tri-chairs with Pamela Jordan of Quaker Heights in Leet Township, whose daughter, Oliva Danielle Jordan, is a senior at Quaker Valley High School, and Leslie Britton Dozier, whose son, Evan Michael Dozier, is a senior at North Allegheny High School. “It was great to see all the practicing and hard work come together. It was a wonderful and it exceeded my expectations. It is still thriving after all these years.”
The ball continues to thrive because of the family connection, said Pamela Jordan. She said it takes a village to produce such an event and it was a group effort by the entire chapter. Pamela Jordan said she enjoyed seeing the teens have their moment and showing their excellence.
“It is wonderful what they’ve accomplished,” Pamela Jordan said.
Her daughter follows her two older brothers who were presentees. Olivia Danielle Jordan also has a younger sister who will be presented in four years.
“I thought it was really nice and well put together,” Olivia Danielle Jordan said. “And it was so nice to see everyone presented. I made some friends, and we really became close through all our experiences throughout the year.”
At the event, the boys dance dressed in white tails with their mothers and the girls in white gowns with white gloves danced with their fathers in a traditional waltz.
The ball benefits the Jack and Jill of America Foundation and Homeless Children’s Education Fund, whose mission is to provide children and youth experiencing homelessness with a more equitable educational experience by partnering with students, families and schools to eliminate the barriers caused by unstable housing. The ball has raised more than $500,000 for charity since 1982.
“It feels good to help other people,” Olivia Danielle Jordan said. “Getting my dress was fun. Dancing with the dads was so nice. We weren’t nervous because we practiced a lot. I think it’s special to be recognized.”
Gretchen Givens Generett, who was chair of the souvenir journal, said it was truly a beautiful evening. Her mother-in-law Mona Norman Generett was presented in 1959 at a ball in Birmingham.
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Gretchen Givens Generett’s husband, William O. Generett Jr., and sister-in-law, Brooke Generett Ware, were presentees for the Pittsburgh Chapter in 1988 and 1998, respectively. Gretchen Givens Generett’s son, William O. Generett III, was presented in 2018.
Her daughter, Gabrielle Givens Generett, a senior at Fox Chapel Area High School, was presented this year.
“This is lovely because it’s about the teens and their work,” Gretchen Givens Generett said. “The moms work hard to make this a very special event for the kids. It was definitely emotional.”
The history of the ball is important to Gabrielle Givens Generett. She said she enjoyed all of the activities and volunteer work they did throughout the year.
“It’s a process and it gave us time to bond,” said Gabrielle Givens Generett, who helped to design a bow detail on her dress. “To get dressed up and experience this was so cool.”