Page 4 - NewsletterDecember

Arts & Letters Update

Submitted by
Soror Tonia Stephens

Under the leadership of Soror Jo McCall (MAC Maryland and Ferlisa Dotson to select one of the
Chapter President, 1982-84), the Arts and Let- two books to read as a self-initiated book club
ters Committee hosted a “Delta Author”/ member. For those sorors interested, there is
Cupcakes and Conversation event after the still time to sign-up to “bid” on your book of
th
Chapter Meeting on November 18 . The fea- choice after the rush and to expand our reading
tured author, Soror Deborah L. Bernal, presented horizons with a sister!
her book, “Self-Mothering: My Mother’s Coun-
cil.” The book which explores personal growth Continuing its charge, the committee reminds all
through mentoring and role modeling; overcom-
ing the superwoman syndrome; and raising our- sorors of the planned 3Q’s (Quilts, Quilting and
selves and mothering ourselves was a perfect Quilters) event. Soror Alma Freeman (MAC
book for introduction to the holiday season. Chapter President 1989-1991) will serve as the
event facilitator. Soror McCall explained,

“Soror Freeman has shared that she has a pro-
Soror Bernal, a medical doctor and relative of gram and exhibits for 3Q’s. It is images of
Soror Marguerite Barber-Owens, welcomed a quilts, African American women, and why their
group photograph (taken by Soror Kim Dunston quilts are unique, non-traditional, and are a part
Willis) with chapter members before discussing of folk art.” The committee will host 3Q’s on
her book. Approximately 30 sorors were in at- Saturday, December 16th at 10am at the Forti-
tendance for the 45-minute book discussion.
Soror Teumbay Barnes noted that Soror Bernal’s tude Building. As Soror McCall mentioned, the
book encourages women to be “empowered to making of quilts is a good option for preserving
self-care and not feel guilty about it….to seek those out of service and or out of size old
mentorship and give mentorship.” Delta shirts.

After lively discussion and interaction, Soror The Arts and Letters Committee is work-
Bernal shared personal exchanges while book ing diligently to keep all sorors actively
signing and happily stopping to pose for candid engaged. ‘Hope to see you in the arts…
photographs with sorors. Providing a casual at- #ActiveintheArts.
mosphere for interacting, a reception followed
featuring pasta salad, cheese, crackers, fruit, des-
serts, punch, and of course, lots of sisterly laugh-
ter.

In line with the National Arts and Letters Com-
mission, MAC’s Arts and Letters Committee
was proud to shine a spotlight on the work of
Soror Bernal as an African-American Delta au-
thor. Soror Bernal’s book is available on Ama-
zon.com.
Staying actively engaged, the committee also
kicked off a spirited “Book Rush” of “A Colored
Woman in a White World” by Mary Church
Terrell and “We Were Eight Years in Power” by
Ta-Nehisi Coates. Sorors were “teased” respec-
tively (and respectfully) by Soror Kimberly

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