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It is with great pride that the Owl Club has presented a group of extraordinary women every year as debutantes since 1951.

It is with great pride that the Owl Club has presented a group of extraordinary women every year as debutantes since 1951.

The Owl Club of Denver remembers The Rev. Jesse Jackson

Mr. Robert B. "Bob" Pratt III Memorial

Mr. Bob Pratt III was called home on January 16 to join his loved ones who preceded him with open arms.


Mr. Pratt joined the Shorter AME Community Church and the Owl Club after retiring from the U. S. Air Force where he served with courage and integrity. 


He faithfully served as a Trustee, Property Manager, and the Caregivers Support Group alongside his beloved wife Dorothy, whom he met and marrie

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Heavenly Father,


Thank you for the gift of life, for your grace and mercy, and for every step you ordered along my way. Thank you for my family and friends who loved me, stood beside me, and made my life full.


To those I love, please do not worry for me. I am at peace, resting safely in God's presence, reunited with loved ones who went before me. This is not goodbye, only farewell for now. I will s


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WHEREAS, Robert Pratt III was an outstanding leader and highly respected member of the Owl Club;


WHEREAS, Robert Pratt III demonstrated unwavering commitment through his consistent engagement and participation;


WHEREAS, Robert Pratt III served in various capacities including Officer, Member, and essential contributor to numerous committees and functions;

  

WHEREAS, Robert Pratt III was acknowledged a

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WHEREAS, by resolution, the Owl Club of Denver deems it appropriate to formally honor Robert Pratt III;


NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT on this 9th Day of February 2026 the Owl Club of Denver recognizes and honors Robert Pratt III for his exceptional skills, discipline, and dedication to service within the Owl Club of Denver.

The President's Message

Mr. Alonzo Butler

  

I am very pleased to represent the members of the Owl Club of Denver. This is an outstanding social club that has provided brotherhood, fellowship and community service for over 70 years. 


One of the Owl Club's most notable programs is the Debutante Ball, which is a stellar event where we honor intelligent young women in a public forum for their character, scholarship, leadership and community service .


The Owl Club of Denver is made up of members who are local leaders in the Denver area. This high profile membership and long history of community service has made the Owl Club highly regarded as one of the premier organizations in the state of Colorado. 

Owl Club History is Colorado History

Sandra Dillard Scott (Watson) Journalism/Theater Critic 1955 Debutante Denver, CO

What was your favorite memory from your time as a Debutante?

Just being noticed and chosen by such a distinguished group.

How did your Debutante experience uniquely contribute to the woman you are today?

 It gave me confidence. 

What achievements are you most proud of and why?

As the only black student ever to win the Colorado-Wyoming spelling bee and advance to represent both states in  the
National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., was life-changing. Being a founder of the National Association of Black Journalists which has just celebrated its 50th anniversary and has become the largest professional journalism organization in the world. 

Signed while still in graduate school by the Denver Post I was the first Black woman to be hired by a major Colorado daily
newspaper. During my 29 years at the Denver Post, I became the first Black woman to be sent to Washington D.C. to cover Congress and the White House. Later, thanks to my Masters in Dramatic Arts from University of California at Santa Barbara, became the Theater Critic and consequently, the first Black woman to become a member of the American Theater Critics Association. 


More achievements I am most proud of include being inducted into  the Denver Press Club Hall of Fame; Denver Newspaper Guild Award for Excellence in  Journalism - Commentary;  the Hall of Fame Award from the National  Association of Black Journalists, and  the  Lifetime Achievement Award from the Colorado Association of Black  Journalists. 

What does the 75th Anniversary of the Owl Club Debutante Program mean to you?

It's wonderful to see such a stellar group still continuing to flourish. 

Owl Club Debutante Community Profiles

    Download PDF

    Debutante Candidate Form for Diamond Anniversary Cotillion

    Download PDF

    Heritage for All: History Colorado seeks to amplify underrepresented voices

    Please Click to View Penfield Tate III Interview

    The Owl Club of Denver 74th Debutante Cotillion June 7 2025

    Our Story

    In 1951, the first Owl Club debutante Ball was held at the Park Hill Country Club. It was the first such cotillion in the City and County of Denver. From 1951 through the current year, The Owl Club of Denver has been pleased to present over 1,000 of Denver's finest African American young ladies as Owl Debutantes.

    Our Values

    Education has always been a high priority for the Owl Club membership. Recognizing the financial needs of many talented Owl Club Debutantes, William Kirk established the first Owl Club Scholarship Fund. Today, the Owl Club of Denver Scholarship Foundation annually awards scholarships to Debutantes who best meet the academic and financial requirements set up by the Foundation.

    Debutante Candidates

    The Debutantes are selected on the basis of academic achievement, morals, character, leadership and outstanding community achievements. The young ladies are not presented on the basis of their parents' social status or economic background, but rather, are required to qualify on their own merits.

    Our Values

    At The Owl Club of Denver, Inc., we are committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and respect. Our events and activities are designed to create a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of background or identity.

    The Owl Club of Denver's 74th Annual Cotillion

      Positively Colorado with The Owl Club of Denver

      Gary Shapiro interviews Owl Club President Mr. Alonzo Butler and Owl Club Historian Mr. Ronald Washington

      Mr. Penfield W. Tate III

      Chair of History Colorado's Board of Directors

      Mr. Penfield W. Tate III,  has broken new ground as the first person of color to serve as History Colorado's Chair of the Board of Directors in the 144-year history of the organization. Mr. Tate has served on History Colorado's Board of Directors since 2020. Mr. Tate brings experience in public finance and municipal law from his time working in government and as an advisor to government fostering wide-ranging expertise in representing public entities, lenders, and underwriters engaged in the process of financing essential public improvements and advising local and state governments in the exercise of their administrative responsibilities.


      Mr. Penfield W. Tate III joined the Owl Club of Denver Social Club in 1994 and is currently a member of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Membership Committee.  As a government official, Mr. Tate III was elected to both the Colorado Senate and House of Representatives.  He has also served as executive director of the Department of Administration for former Gov. Roy Romer, as well as on both the State of Colorado Banking Board and the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Board.

                    Please click on picture for link to 

                       History Colorado's Press Release

      Moments From the 2025 College Experience and Expectations Workshop

        Owl Club Members' Social Media Interviews

        Matt Hinderman with Elevating Denver

          

        Elevating Denver: Owl Club

        For over 80 years, The Owl Club of Denver has been empowering African American youth to soar high by providing invaluable support and opportunities through brotherhood and community service. 

        The club also works to elevate and highlight young women in the community through their annual Debutante Cotillion, their signature event of the year. 

        Their legacy is immense, and count many

         local and national leaders amongst their membership. 

        Join us to hear about their significant impact they've made on Denver over the years. Don't miss it! The Owl Club Members latest social media appearance is with Matt Hinderman, Multiplatform Producer for the City and County of Denver.
        https://youtu.be/wevazLDX2Bc

        Janelle Finch & Anne Herbst with 9News

          

        9News Recognizes The Owl Club of Denver Legacy of Service. 

        Please click on the link below to watch the first of several Owl Club members' interviews by 9News Janelle Finch and Anne Herbst as we celebrate 83 years of community service.

        https://www.9news.com/video/news/local/storytellers/historic-owl-club-in-spotlight-after-83-years-of-service/73-871df87a-5d40-4a1d-9605-551e2865f11c 

        Jessica Porter with Denver 7 News

        Jessica Porter with Denver 7 News

          

        In the spotlight this Black History month: The Owl Club of Denver. 

        Please click on the link below to watch Jessica Porter's interview with Owl Club member Mr. Ronald Washington and Terri Gentry, History Colorado's Engagement Manager for Black Communities. 

        https://www.denver7.com/news/black-history-month/in-the-spotlight-this-black-history-month-the-owl-club-of-denver551e2865f11c 

        The Owl Club of Denver, Inc.

        Our Values

        Volunteer Opportunities

        Volunteer Opportunities

        At The Owl Club of Denver, Inc., we are committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and respect. Our events and activities are designed to create a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of background or identity.

        Volunteer Opportunities

        Volunteer Opportunities

        Volunteer Opportunities

        Want to give back to the community and make a difference? Join our team of volunteers! We're always looking for passionate African American men to help us plan and execute events.

        Owl Club Members

        Volunteer Opportunities

        Owl Club Members

        The Owl Club of Denver is made up of members who are local leaders in the Denver area. This high profile membership and long history of community service has made the Owl Club highly regarded as one of the premier organizations in the state of Colorado.

        Honoring Our Past and Dedicated to the Community

        Download PDF

        Moments with The Owl Club of Denver, Inc.

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          The Owl Club of Denver, Inc. officer's installation dinner


            Copyright © 2023 The Owl Club of Denver, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

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