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Steeped in community: A look at tea gatherings over the years

   April 27, 2025  Leave a comment
Steeped in community: A look at tea gatherings over the years


By AFRO Staff

Over the years the AFRO has had the privilege of capturing a range of tea events in Black society. Whether to honor mothers in the community or simply fellowship and reassure social bonds, gathering for tea has long been a favorite Spring pastime.

Take a look below to see how the AFRO has covered tea events in the Black community through the decades. 

November 1932

In Philadelphia, Black residents meet regularly and host tea events. Shown here, AFRO articles on two different teas that took place in November 1932. (Left) November 1932 – Phyllis Wheatley. (Right) November 1932 Willow Green

June 1934

March 1951

Baltimore women attend the Friendship Tea of the National Council of Negro Women in Washington, D.C. Shown here (left, front) Charlotte Downing; Dora Hutchinson; Delsie Smith, Irene Dotson; Dr. Dorothy Ferebee, president of the Council in Washington; Mrs. Olga Rodney, Dr. May. Belle Weaver; Catherine Mayo; Verda Welcome; Vivian Alleyne; Miss A. Dukye Woode (second row, left); Mae Allen; Cordtland Brown; Marione Croxton; Pearl Ward; Hilda Higgins; Jennie Goldring; Muriel Jenkins; Martin Jenkins (back row, left) Elizabeth Farmer, Waltye Doles and Odelle Payne.

May 1959

July 1961

Showing off their best tea fashions, these ladies serve as models for the grandmother’s fashion show and tea, held in July 1961 by the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs. Shown here, Mrs. Pearl Dobbins (left), Mrs. Gertrude Harley, Mrs. Annyallie Gilliard, Mrs. Harriett Lane, Ms. Bertha Samuals and Mrs. Louisa Tompkins.

April 1964

The annual Easter Monday bridge-luncheon is hosted by the Baltimore Chapter of The Links in April 1964. The usual contingent of chic ladies included Miss Catherine Quarles (left), Miss Emily Peck, Miss Margaret Beeman and Mrs. Claire Peck Parker.

September 1964

Members of the Baltimore Chapter of The Girl Friends initiate the first project of their cotillion season at the Madison Avenue Branch of the YMCA in September 1964. Shown here are Eliza Robinson (front, left), Elizabeth Stewart and Francis Vessells with Georgiana Chester (back, left), Catherine Law, Irma Roy and Bernice Chapman (back, right).

September 1968

Among the 25 young women in the Baltimore Chapter of The Girl Friends are Josette B. Douglass (left); Gail Jones; Cheryle Stovel; Sandra Lamont; Charlene Douglas; Bettye McLeod; Sarah Clements; Cicely Hall; Jocelyn Douglas and Marcia Hall. They, their parents and sponsors were guests of the chapter for tea, Sunday afternoon. The other prospective debutants were in colleges across the country and were represented by their parents at the affair.

April 1982

Jack and Jill committee members are pictured during their ‘Spring Happening’ held at The Forum in April 1982. Jacqueline Chambers (front, left); Faye Burnett; Marion Patterson; Chairwoman Sarah Gray; Gladys Bragg and Shirley Hill; Mabel Hubbard (back,left), Arnette Hargrove; Ruth Hunt; Frances Pennington; Flossie Johnson; Dolores Sykes and Geraldine Desbordes.



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