EPYLA — The Ebony Pearls Foundation of San Diego Inc.

MISSION STATEMENT

The first Epsilon Xi Omega (EXO) Chapter Debutante Ball was in 1955 and founded by Sorority member Barbara Anderson under the leadership of Anna Smith as President. The initial purpose of the Ball was to enrich the cultural opportunities for Negro girls. Through the Ebony Pearls Youth Leadership Academy (EPYLA) that purpose has been expanded to develop leadership skills, encourage and cultivate high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among high school females and their escorts, to enhance the social skills, of youth between the ages of sixteen and nineteen, and to contribute monetary resources for maintaining an interest in college life.

WHAT IS AN EBONY PEARL?

An Ebony Pearl is a young woman who is “coming of age.” The coming of age ceremony is one of the oldest celebrations in human society. It is usually a time when a young girl makes the transition of becoming a young woman and is presented to society in a formal celebration. During this time of transition and learning, the young woman is designated as an “Ebony Pearl Candidate”. The evening of her presentation, she is referred to as an Ebony Pearl.

Over a period of more than 70 years, EXO has mentored over 1,200 future scholars and community leaders in its Youth Leadership Academy program. For more information, view our online application.