ARTS & LETTERS NORTH JERSEY ALUMNAE CHAPTER CULTURAL CONNECTIONS “ BUILDING BRIDGES TO THE ARTS, CULTURE & COMMUNITY " DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
What’s inside
We are so excited to share the January edition of the ARTS & LETTERS | CULTURAL CONNECTIONS! There are so many amazing cultural events taking place. Please feel free to share the newsletter with your family and friends. This edition features a section in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As we begin a new year, we hope you take on our Arts & Letters Challenge by committing to attending an event, and/or reading a book a month.
DR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PAGE 02
VISUAL ARTS PAGE 03
Let’s continue to celebrate and support the arts!
CINEMATIC ARTS PAGE 04
We would like to wish all of our sorors a very Happy Founders Day. To learn more about Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., be sure to visit our Delta Sigma Theta National site along with the North Jersey Alumnae Chapter site .
LITERARY ARTS PAGE 05
MUSICAL ARTS PAGE 06
Share an event Know of an amazing arts-focused local event you would like to share? Please let us know by completing this simple form.
PERFORMING ARTS PAGE 07
EVENTS AT A GLANCE PAGE 08
NJAC Chapter President Renée Y. Belton
Tamara Waye & Ericka Haynes NJAC Arts & Letters Committee Co-Chairs
A & L CULTURAL CONNECTIONS | JANUARY 2023
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DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a prolific leader during the Civil Rights Movement, from December 1955 until April 4, 1968. Through his leadership he paved the way to achieve progress toward racial equality.
Dr. King advocated for nonviolence, drawing inspiration from his Christian faith and the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Even today, Dr. King is still widely regarded as a pre-eminent advocate of nonviolence and one of the greatest nonviolent leaders in history. In honor of Dr. King, we have highlighted a few community-based events and resources that help you learn more about this prolific leader beyond his inspiring "I Have a Dream" speech."
RESOURCES
King Center | Schedule of Events King Papers Publications Civil Rights Leader (recorded speeches)
Civil Rights Movement (National Gallery of Art) We Shall Overcome | The story behind the song
Did you know Dr. King spoke at a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Inc. National Convention?
Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. spoke at the 28th National Convention held at the Ambassador Hotel in 1965.
Seated with Dr. King is Dr. Geraldine P. Woods , then National President. Also shown: Past National President Dorothy I. Height at the podium, standing behind Dr. King to the left is Dr. Hilda A. Davis , and standing on the far right is Dorothy Shaed Proctor , and other national Delta leaders and guests.
A & L CULTURAL CONNECTIONS | JANUARY 2023
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VISUAL ARTS
ART FROM THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT Long before the phrase Art Activism was ever coined, art played an integral role in the Civil Rights Movement. Here are a few iconic artworks that poignantly captured the movement during times when words merely couldn‘t express themselves. If you are interested in seeing more artwork inspired by the Civil Rights movement, please check out Detroit Institute of Art’s online exhibit Art of Rebellion: Black Art of the Civil Rights Movement .
Before Yesterday We Could Fly: An Afrofuturist Period Room Ongoing Met Museum [ NY]
Charles Henry Alston Walking 1958
Spike Lee: Creative Sources Now - February 4, 2024 Brooklyn Museum of Art [ NY]
Jacob Lawrence Soldiers and Students 1962
In the Spirit of Àṣẹ Now - March 10, 2024 Newark Museum of Art
Norman Rockwell The Problem We All Live With 1964
Gordon Parks Department Store 1956
Henry Taylor: B Side Now - January 28, 2024 Whitney Museum
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CINEMATIC ARTS
Did you know that Mara Brock Akil, the creator of the show Girlfriends and The Game, is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.? Mara was initiated at Northwestern University and comes from a legacy of members. She is best known for capturing the voice of African American women while creating a lens for us to see friendships and womanhood lived on screen.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Mara Brock Akil
Recently, Mara started The Writers Colony , a screenwriting residency based in West Adams, Los Angeles, to cultivate diverse voices. During the residency, writers have an opportunity to develop an original script and will connect with entertainment professionals to prepare them to launch into the industry.
Here are a few examples of her work: Moesha Being Mary Jane Stamped from the beginning The Game
10 Movies to watch in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
4 Little Girls (1997) Boycott (2001)
Betty and Coretta (2013) Eyes on the Prize (series) I Am MLK Jr. (2018) King: A Filmed Record… Montgomery to Memphis (1969) Rustin (2023) Selma (2014) The Rosa Parks Story (2002) We Are The Dream: Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest (2020)
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LITERARY ARTS
Did you know that April Ryan, White House Correspondent for TheGrio, is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.? April is an Honorary Member, and she most notably serves as a White House Correspondent, MSNBC Political Analyst, D.C. Bureau Chief for TheGrio, author, speaker, and mother.
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT April Ryan
- De l t a
NEW HIGHLY ANTICIPATED BOOKS
As the only African American female reporter covering urban issues from the White House, she has a unique vantage and has garnered this position for over 26 years. April is also a celebrated author. Here are a few of her titles: Black Women Will Save the World (2022) Under Fire (2018)
At Mama’s KneeAt Mama’s Knee (2016) The Presidency in Black and White (2015)
Living Out Loud presents A Night with Common January 25, 7:00 PM Newark Symphony Hall And Then We Rise is an inspiring account of Common's journey to wellness as a vital element of his success. A testimony to the benefits of self-care, this book is composed of four different sections, each with its own important lessons: "The Food" focuses on nutrition.
For more information, visit: newarksymphonyhall.org .
A & L CULTURAL CONNECTIONS | JANUARY 2023
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MUSIC ARTS
Recommended Playlists
In honor of Founders Day, we could not resist sharing a selection of playlists featuring a few noteworthy melodic Deltas:
Shirley Caesar | This is Shirley Caesar (Spotify) Natalie Cole | Greatest Hits (YouTube) Andra Day | This is Andra Day (Spotify) Roberta Flack | Essentials (Apple Music) Aretha Franklin | This is Aretha Franklin (Spotify) Lena Horne | Greatest Hits (Spotify) Nancy Wilson | Jazz Essentials (Apple Music)
We Insist!: Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite January 26, 8:00PM NJPAC
The revolutionary 1960 album We Insist!: Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite explored issues of social justice and racial inequality through the lens of jazz and poetry. In celebration of the centennial of Max Roach — drummer, bebop pioneer and civil rights activist — this landmark work is reimagined for today’s world. Featuring Cassandra Wilson, Ravi Coltrane, Sonia Sanchez, Saul Williams, Nasheet Waits & more. For more information, visit njpac.org .
A & L CULTURAL EVENTS ROUNDUP | DECEMBER 2023 A & L CULTURAL CONNECTIONS | JANUARY 2023
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PERFORMING ARTS
Did you know that Emmy award winner Sheryl Lee Ralph is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.? Sheryl is an Honorary Member, and has graced the stage and screen in hit shows like Moesha, most recently taking home the award for her work in Abbott Elementary, where she plays a teacher. She recently made history by becoming the second Black woman to win an Emmy in the category of
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Sheryl Lee Ralph
outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series.
Here are a few examples of her work: Abbott Elementary (2021) Dreamgirls (1981) Moesha The Mightly Quinn (1989)
Purlie Victorious Now - February 12 Music Box Theater [NY]
AFTER MIDNIGHT Papermill Playhouse January 31 - February 25
Get transported back to the Cotton Club of the Harlem Renaissance, an unparalleled time in New York City. After Midnight intertwines the poetry of Langston Hughes with songs from big-band legends Duke Ellington, and more. For more information, visit Papermill.org .
Once on this Island Feb 16 - 24 Kean University
Black Broadway: A Proud History, A Limitless Future [Watch]
Celebrate legendary performances and roles made famous by Black artists as well as the new generation of Black Broadway stars. An acclaimed cast performs classic songs from “The Wiz,” “The Color Purple” “Porgy and Bess” and many more that honor the rich history and evolution of Black roles and voices on Broadway.
Jelly’s Last Jam Feb 21 – Mar 3, 2024 New York City Center [NY]
A & L CULTURAL EVENTS ROUNDUP | DECEMBER 2023 A & L CULTURAL CONNECTIONS | JANUARY 2023
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EVENTS AT A GLANCE
NJ/NY MLK Events Various locations and times
Community Jazz Jams Jan 18 & Feb 15, 7:30 PM NJPAC
Igniting Civil Rights Talks in the Classroom Jan 17, 3:30 PM (zoom) NJPAC
18-21 JAN
ONGOING
Newark Winter Village Various dates and times Newark
Samara Joy Thur, Jan 18 - 21, 6:00 / 10:00 PM Blue Note [NY]
21 JAN
ONGOING
Stephanie Mills & The Whispers Sat, Jan 13, 8:00 PM NJPAC King Center | Events Schedule Various dates and times Virtual
Miki Howard Tue, Jan 23, 8:00 PM City Winery[NY] Audra McDonald Sun, Jan 21, 7:30 PM State Theater
13 JAN 13 JAN
23 JAN 25 JAN
Will Downing Sat, Jan 13, 8:00 PM Sony Hall [NY]
Living Out Loud Presents: A Night with Common Thur. Jan 25, 7:00 PM Newark Symphony Hall
13 JAN
26 JAN
Uptown Hall: The Inconvenient King Sun, Jan 14, 2:00 PM Apollo Theater [NY] Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Lecture featuring Dr. Tanisha C. Ford Sat, Jan 13, 2:00 PM Newark Public Library
From Victoria to the Village: A Visual History of Black Creative Spaces Thur, Feb 1, 6:30 PM Apollo Theater Freedom Now Suite: Celebrating Max Roach’s Centennial Fri, Jan 26, 8:00 PM NJPAC
15 JAN 15 JAN 14 JAN
1 FEB
16-24 FEB
Apollo Apprentices: MLK Young Changemakers Mon. Jan 15, 4:00 PM Apollo Theater
Once on this Island Feb 16 - 24, various time Kean University
26 FEB
Community Day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: Vision in Action (Free) Mon, Jan 15, 12:00 - 5:00 PM Newark Museum of Art
29th Annual Oratory Contest In Honor of Black History Month Feb 26 - 29, various times Jersey City Hall
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