About Us

​​In 1983, Celeste W. Burton dreamed boldly as she envisioned a unique group of ladies coming
together to share the goals of friendship and service. Her dream and persistent dialogue
inspired three friends: Davetta Madison, Dorothy Patton and Myrtle Roane, all educators, to
share in the vision of organizing a group of professional women who shared common goals. The
interest in such an organization grew and included twelve additional professional women. The
outcome of their efforts was the establishment of The Society as an organization to promote
friendship among members and serve as a resource in the arts for young people.

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The sixteen-chapter members were Celeste Burtonn, Jean Dobbins, Alyce Gaither, Carolyn
Hyman, Judine B. Johnson, Ethel R. Lee, Davetta Madison, Frances W. Moore, Dolores
Spaulding, Patricia Starks and Evelynn Syphax. The first organizational meeting was held in June
1983 at the Vista Hotel in Washington, DC. Judine B. Johnson served as the first president of the
Founding Chapter, as well as the first national president. Her exceptional degree of
commitment and her level of service to the organization assured its success.

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The name, The Society, was chosen because by definition, it is “an organized group of persons
associated together for similar benevolent, cultural or other purposes”. Because of the
responsibilities of its members as role models and mentors for young people who will be
leaders of the future, The Society chapters have focused on supporting youth who are talented
in the arts. The work of the organization thus provides the opportunity to enhance youth
appreciation for a knowledge of the excited dimensions of artistic expression. The members of
The Society, Incorporated are dedicated to the intellectual, social and cultural development of
youth in the arts, and are therefore committed to personal participation and involvement in
cultural activities in their cities and states.

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The Society was incorporated as a non-profit organization in Washington DC, October 31, 1985.
On Saturday, April 25, 1992, The Society officially became a national organization and currently
has 32 chapters and continues to expand. Chapters across the nation support a variety of
projects in the community and work collectively and individually to achieve the organizational
local and national initiatives, which are as follows:

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• To provide opportunities to strengthen the bonds of sisterhood through service.​

• To provide opportunities for the development of fine, expressive and performing arts,
  especially but not exclusively for the African American youth

• To support the larger art community, both nationally and locally

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In 1984, the Washington DC Chapter presented the first Youth Arts Showcase and Brunch held
at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Rockville, Maryland. The noteworthy activity was followed in
successive years by Awards Teas paying tribute to adults who have supported young people in
the arts, as well as other showcase projects.

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The Washington DC chapter hosted the first National Conference and Gala in April 1988.
Thereafter, the National conference and Gala was hosted biennially each April.

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