Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Commission on Arts and Letters “This is How We Do It” 2009 Regional Conference Workshop Presented by: National Commission on Arts and Letters Co-Chairs: Marcia Butler-Holt & Yolanda Rodgers-Howsie Honorary Co-Chairs: Suzzanne Douglas Cobb & Sheryl Lee Ralph

“This is How We Do It” Welcome and Introduction Mission and History Project ART Group Activity and Presentation Sphinx Presentation Summary Introduction of the Chairpersons

Mission and History Established in 1973 by National President Lillian Benbow, the ultimate goal of the National Commission of Arts and Letters has been to boldly advance the Black Experience through arts and letters and to ferret out the contributions of African American people of the past and lift them to public attention.

Mission and History Putting On The Ritz... A Special Events Planning Primer Statement of Intent Putting on the Ritz... was originally published in 2001.The intent was to provide a resource guide for Arts and Letters Committees within individual chapters to use in producing stellar events. National Committee members who have designed and implemented major events have detailed fundamental concepts integral to producing successful event production. This is a user-friendly document and will become an invaluable tool for all chapter Arts and Letters Committees.

Mission and History Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.Constitution and Bylaws 2008 Edition Article VII – National Standing Committees, Commissions and Regional Committees Section 2. National Commissions B. Arts and Letters Commission 1. The Arts and Letters Commission shall consist of members and a Chair appointed by the National President. 2. It shall be the duty of the Arts and Letters Commission to: 2. It shall be the duty of the Arts and Letters Commission to: (a) stimulate interest and educate chapters in the areas of arts and letters; and (a) stimulate interest and educate chapters in the areas of arts and letters; and (b) develop and coordinate programs and projects approved by the National Executive Board. (b) develop and coordinate programs and projects approved by the National Executive Board.

Mission and History National Arts and Letters Initiatives Roses and Revolutions (1975) Double CD of spoken word and song about the black struggle. Poetry and song blending seamlessly together. Countdown at Kusini (1976) Directed by Ossie Davis. With Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, Greg Morris. Story of the transition of an African country from colonialism to independence. Putting on the Ritz (2001) Originally published in 2001.The intent was to provide a resource guide for Arts and Letters Committees within individual chapters to use in producing stellar events. Occasions to Savor (2004) Our Meals, Menus, And Memories, Recipes menus and entertaining tips from the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Basic Ideas for Collecting African American Art (2007) A 30-page handbook that covers topics such as how to get started in collecting written by Commission on Arts and Letters member Laurel Tucker Duplessis.

Project A.R.T. Actively Redefining Together Project A.R.T. Actively Redefining Together Together promoting positive images - Together supporting works that uplift our world - Together challenging today’s standards The National Commission on Arts and Letters is proud to present its major initiative for the 2008–2010 Biennium, Project ART: Actively Redefining Together. With its three part thrust; Together promoting positive image, Together supporting works that uplift our world, Together challenging today’s standards; Project ART is a collective effort to support, nurture and uplift positive programming while rejecting demeaning and harmful images in all forms of entertainment and media: music, film, radio, television and print. Delta Red Carpet Delta Bookmark Delta Speaks Out Delta Authors on Tour

Group Activity and Presentation Goal: To develop a program in a specific area for a specific group. At the end of the activity each group will make a presentation. The participating groups will judge the presentations. Various kind of events a chapter can develop Each group has been given one of the following: Arts And Letters Project for Delta Authors On Tour Arts And Letters Project for Delta Authors On Tour Arts And Letters Project for Performing Arts Arts And Letters Project for Performing Arts Arts And Letters Project for Visual Arts Arts And Letters Project for Visual Arts Arts And Letters Project for Chapter Meeting Arts And Letters Project for Chapter Meeting Arts And Letters Project for Chapter Involvement Only Arts And Letters Project for Chapter Involvement Only Arts And Letters Activity for Public Awareness and Involvement Arts And Letters Activity for Public Awareness and Involvement

And that Sorors…… …..is How YOU Do It!