SPOTLIGHT
For those interested in supporting the library’s mission, Thomas offers practical advice: “Visit the DCDC, either in person or online. I would be very surprised if you are not engaged, enlightened, and captivated by some- thing you see.” He also calls on his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, to get involved. “Members can donate directly to the library, or if they prefer, they can support the Kappa Alpha Psi Lucian Brown Schol- arship at the University of Maryland College Park. Carla and I contribute to that as well.” As Thomas reflects on the library’s legacy, he remains hopeful for future generations. “Charity begins at home and spreads abroad. Hopefully, our children and their children will see their way to supporting the library when Carla and I are of Blessed Memory.” A LEGACY IN MOTION For Cleophus and Dr. Carla Thomas, the establishment of their library is more than a personal passion—it is an investment in the infrastructure of African American art and education. By safeguarding cultural artifacts and supporting scholarship, they ensure that the contributions of Black artists and intellectuals will not only be remembered but celebrated for gener- ations to come. For more information on how to support the Cleophus Thomas Jr. and Carla Thomas Library for the Study of African American Art, visit the David C. Driskell Center’s website. ♦
From left: Dr. Cornel West, Thomas, Pulitzer Prize-winning Author David Levering Lewis, Dr. Thomas, Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND THE FUTURE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN ART Beyond its collection, the Thomas Library actively promotes awareness and education in African American art. “The DCDC itself is an institution of learning,” Thomas emphasizes. “That’s how Carla and I were reached and, thankfully, how we reached you.” When asked how the success of the library’s initiatives is measured, Thomas offers a simple but powerful answer: “Success is acquiring and cre- ating volumes. If we create a catalog for an exhibition that would not have been otherwise documented, that is a win.” Despite its success, the library faces challenges. “As one must maintain an exercise discipline or risk getting fat, one must maintain a donation discipline, or your cultural and civic institutions will wither,” Thomas notes.
underrepresented Black artists, expanding access to works that may not have broad readerships or large publication runs. It also benefits from major collections, such as The Sandra and Lloyd Baccus Collection, which features over 280 works by prominent African American artists. “Having an art collection like the Baccus Collection informs the vol- umes we need to have in the library,” Thomas explains. The library also actively col- laborates with other institutions, scholars, and collectors. Notably, Thomas and his wife supported the exhibition catalog for the Ringgold | Saar: Meeting on the Matrix exhibit at the Driskell Center. “I very much wanted there to be an exhibition catalog and strongly urged it,” he says. “The catalog was made possible thanks to generous support, includ- ing our contribution.”
For more information, visit: https://driskellcenter.umd.edu
FALL 2024 ♦ THE JOURNAL 35
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