Page 7 - Spelman50thReunionBook

The White Dress

by Adrian Burrell Blount

We all know that white dresses signify something important: graduations, May Day, funeral attire for children and now-
White Dresses for Spelman Founders Day.

It was a MUST to have a white dress for Founders Day-and the sight was beautiful and an unforgettable
occasion! Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors marched to Sisters Chapel and sat together in their class section in an
array of beautiful white dresses, wearing flesh-tone stockings, pearls, and black shoes. I'll always remember the
occasion.

Seniors wore for the first time their cap and gown. They were proud and glowing in their accomplishment of becoming
seniors; ready for the next step. Now that's some motivation for underclass women!!

When possible, I attend Founders Day here with Sisters from the Columbia and Southern Maryland, District of
Columbia and Northern Virginia Chapter. This is not only traditional, but a chance to reminisce and fellowship and also
bond with women from other classes. It's like a Reunion for Sisters who have either worked on a committee in the past
or have attended Chapter meetings or just haven't gotten together for a long time. Once I attended, I won two prizes for
knowing Spelman history. Once Reverend Norman Rates was the speaker and I bought his book.

Through the years, I have enjoyed going through the Alumna Arch again wearing a white dress or suit. We march
according to class with someone holding your banner for your graduation year. This is also the time when the tears
flow because they know they are graduating and they may be leaving friends as they embark on a new journey. A
great occasion for all.

I feel that wearing white means community, cohesiveness, and of course, bonding in Sisterhood.
This is something Spelman instilled in me—to be correct in my journey through life, to have a sense of community and
to know the proper way to dress and carry yourself—AS A SPELMAN WOMAN