Imagine Etiquette, Inc. Monthly Newsletter | February 2023
Hello Imagine Etiquette's Family
The History of Black Etiquette: Debutante Balls
Imagine Etiquette was founded on providing students access to life skills that have been passed down throughout four generations of women in Bernadette Fernandez's family. One of those life skills is social etiquette. Social etiquette skills have been a part of the African American community since the 1700s. African Americans have been sharing their skills through books, classes, and debutante balls. Although a debutante ball began as a European practice to present young women eligible for marriage. Every ethnic group has adapted the event to present their young women to society.

Young Black women began making their debut in society through debutante balls in 1778. In the African American community, the event is for young women to gain etiquette skills and make community connections to further their education or career opportunities. Black debutante balls began as a way to familiarize participants with social etiquette such as ballroom dancing, dining etiquette, and how to dress. But more importantly to debunk negative stereotypes of the Black community. They used the event as well as media coverage to share positive images of the black family and highly the elegance of the young women.

Although debutante balls may not happen as frequently they are still viewed as an opportunity in the African American community to strengthen participants' self-esteem, cultural awareness, volunteer efforts, network, and etiquette skills.
Congratulations Bernadette Fernandez
Congratulations to our Founder Bernadette Fernandez on completing the UCLA Anderson School of Management, 
Management Development for Entrepreneurs program! This program has helped Bernadette initiate many plans for Imagine Etiquette, Inc.'s future. Thank you for being a trailblazer for the students and communities we serve.
Still time to join our 2023 programs
IEIC's Social Etiquette Programs:
IEIC offers three customized programs to promote "self-esteem, value, and awareness" through what is known today as social-emotional learning. It is core to all of IEIC's programming and is often combined with etiquette and leadership training. 

IEIC's students are armed with all the tools necessary for living a life of excellence. ​IEIC's programs introduce the importance of accountability while emphasizing a positive attitude, respect; appropriate social behavior; integrity and defining character; proper modeling manners; understanding of social skills; an introduction to business etiquette; social media etiquette; and lastly, dining etiquette. Students also learn the significance of high academic achievement and the consequences of academic failure.

Enrollment is open for our three programs. Sign up on our Interest List for the program that best fits your child's needs. Click below to learn more about each of the programs.
Saturday Empowerment Class:
Saturday Empowerment Class is back. Registration for the one-hour-per-week program. We want to hear what topics would best fit your child's needs. Topics include confidence building, conflict resolution, proper manners, social media etiquette, financial literacy, and life skills (resume writing and interviewing skills). 
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Monthly Inspiration
February is Black History Month. The celebration was founded by historian and author, Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1915 as the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. The organization held the first Negro History Week in February 1926. The holiday was later recognized by President Ford in 1975 and became a month-long celebration in 1976.

Take the time to explore your local African American museums, landmarks, or establishments to learn more about African American history of the past and present.