The first week of March in Chicago signals the advent of spring. That is when the members of the Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated host their annual Gallery D’Estee arts event. Now celebrating its 14th year, the two-day affair features 20 of Chicago’s finest artists — some well-known and some are rising stars. Deborah M. Douglas is the chapter’s president and this is what she had to say about this year’s occasion.
How important is this event to artists?
This event is not only important to the featured African American artists, but also to the communities we serve [in the] city of Chicago and the suburbs of Evergreen Park and Oak Lawn. So often, we don’t realize the value of art; however, over the past 14 years, we have seen Gallery D’Estee feature new or unknown African American artists and help them to become more accessible to new art buyers. For example, when the artist Samuel Akainyah was featured, he were on the heels of being a nationally-known and recognized artist. Gallery D’Estee helps of the community purchase quality, affordable, and one-of-a kind pieces of fine artwork.
What is it like being president of this chapter?
It is a gift from God to be granted the opportunity to lead this illustrious organization. The Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta has over 690 members and 30 committees that align with a five point programmatic thrust – Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.
As part of our commitment to economic development, we address housing, employment, and tax preparation. Under educational development, we have unique programming for the youth — youth initiatives — such Delta Academy and Delta Gems — both designed for young ladies. We also develop programming for young men called EMBODI. The youth initiatives programming includes math, science, and technology, art, employment and college applications. We also plan a college tour every year to HBCU (historically Black colleges and universities). Under international we have featured the Lost Boys of Sudan and donated birth kits to Africa. Physical and mental health we develop community wide programming that address health and well-being, cancer, heart disease, mental health and domestic violence. Our Political Awareness and Involvement consistently sponsors voter registration drives, voter registrar training conducts voter rights seminars at Cook County jail, and Political Forums. These are just a few highlights of the programs we provide to the communities we serve.
Since your involvement with this event, what has been your favorite piece of art?
One of my favorite pieces is one I purchased from Debra Hand — I love that piece. It is about 4 feet tall and it is quite statuesque. It is an awesome statue of a Black woman, a black woman who appears to be knowledgeable — very classy — she is wearing a hat and it looks like she’s a diva. It’s a very warm piece.
