Arts & Letters
ARTS & LETTERS
Igniting Impact Through the Celebration of Culture and Creativity
The Arts & Letters Committee of the Washington DC Alumnae Chapter (WDCAC) is dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and advancing the artistic and cultural contributions of African Americans—a vision established in 1973 by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.’s National Commission on Arts & Letters. Through music, theater, dance, literature, visual arts, and other creative expressions, the committee serves as a dynamic platform for amplifying Black voices and experiences.
Honoring Black Artistic Excellence Through National Initiatives
Established by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., these National Commission of Arts & Letters initiatives guide chapters nationwide in promoting artistic excellence and cultural preservation by honoring the past and present contributions of African Americans in film, television, music, and literature through diverse artistic platforms.
Delta Red Carpet
Celebrating films produced, directed, or performed by African Americans, this program showcases positive and empowering stories on screen while encouraging community engagement through shared cultural experiences.
Delta Authors on Tour (DAOT)
Highlighting the literary achievements of African American writers, this program offers an opportunity for readers to connect directly with authors through readings, discussions, and workshops that bring Black literature to life.
DSTv
A platform that promotes African American television and cable programming, DSTv helps connect audiences to powerful Black narratives on mainstream screens.
Music Ministry
Recognizing the contributions of both emerging and established Black musicians, this initiative offers a platform to celebrate and share their artistry with broader audiences.
WDCAC Initiatives: Bringing Arts & Letters to Life in the Community
The WDCAC Arts & Letters Committee prioritizes a diverse range of programming that resonates across generations. We offer events tailored for sorors of all ages, while also welcoming families and youth from the broader community—deepening connections to Black arts and culture.
Our annual programming is thoughtfully curated to reflect this commitment, delivering rich cultural experiences that appeal to a wide array of interests and backgrounds. Our signature events include:
Delta Red Carpet
WDCAC’s Delta Red Carpet program, aligned with the National Arts and Letters Commission, celebrates the creative achievements of African American artists. Through film screenings, stage productions, artist panels, and cultural events, it promotes positive Black images, amplifies diverse voices, and uplifts talent within our community.
Delta Night at Alvin Ailey
A celebration of Black excellence in dance, this annual outing offers members and guests an unforgettable evening of cultural appreciation and artistic brilliance, featuring the world-renowned Ailey American Dance Theater.
Performing & Visual Arts
Curated interactive programming that showcases the richness of African American creativity across stage, screen, and gallery spaces. From exhibits and performances to workshops and panel discussions, these events immerse participants in the Black artistic experience—fostering dialogue, reflection, and creative exploration. Whether featuring local talent or nationally recognized artists, we honor the legacy of Black cultural contributions and inspire new generations to engage with the arts.
Literary Engagements
Our literary programming celebrates African American literature through festivals, workshops, and exhibits that spotlight both emerging and established authors. These events offer immersive opportunities to explore creative expression and engage directly with writers—discussing the craft of storytelling and the power of narrative.
Delta on the Town (D.O.T.T.)
A weekly go-to list of Black-owned restaurants and cultural experiences throughout the Washington, DC area. Sorors use this guide to explore the city, support local businesses, and celebrate Black culture—individually or together.
Engaging Our Membership and Broader Community
In addition to large-scale community programming, WDCAC remains intentional about meeting the evolving needs of our members. By seeking feedback and assessing program effectiveness, we aim to enhance participation across generations—particularly by offering events that reflect the interests and priorities of sorors at every stage of life.
By partnering with renowned local venues and institutions, the committee offers enriching, relevant experiences that honor and reflect the African American experience. These partnerships allow us to provide free or low-cost programming, ensuring broader access to the arts across the community.
Legacy in Art. Join Us in Celebration.
By advancing the cultural richness of African American artistry, we help bridge communities and create lasting impressions that extend far beyond the stage, page, or canvas. WDCAC remains dedicated to creating meaningful cultural experiences that reflect the richness of Black artistic expression. From film screenings to live performances, we welcome all to take part in programming that educates, uplifts, and celebrates our community’s creativity and resilience.
Join us in supporting this vital work, as we continue to shine a spotlight on the Black artistic experience.
For more information on upcoming Arts & Letters events or partnership opportunities, please contact us at artsletters@wdcacdst.org.