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:
(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.
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
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 Performing Arts
 Arts And Letters Project for Visual Arts
 Arts And Letters Project for Chapter Meeting
 Arts And Letters Project for Chapter Involvement Only
 Arts And Letters Activity for Public Awareness and
Involvement
And that Sorors……
…..is How YOU Do It!