National History

Our History

In 1983, Celeste W. Burton envisioned an organization devoted to friendship, service, and the arts. She invited Davetta Madison, Dorothy Patton, and Myrtle Roane to join her as the founding circle of what would become The Society, Incorporated.

Soon after, charter members Jean Dobbins, Alyce Gaither, Carolyn Hyman, Dr. Judine B. Johnson, Ethel Lee Walker, Frances W. Moore, Anna Pendergrast, Barbara Quick, Patricia Robb, Dolores Spaulding, Patricia Stokes,and Evelyn Syphax joined, forming the foundation of an organization committed to supporting young people through the arts.

Dr. Judine B. Johnson, the first chapter president, helped establish The Society as a respected community organization. From the beginning, members worked to build lasting friendships while creating opportunities for young people to develop and showcase their artistic talents.

The Society was officially designated as a non-profit organization on October 31, 1985, and in 1992 it received its Articles of Incorporation. The organization adopted Peach and Cream as its official colors, the Peach Colored Tea Rose as its flower, and an embellished script-style “S” as its symbol.

In later years, Lady Ethel Lee suggested the Youth Arts Showcase, which became the organization’s national signature program. In 2011, the Society Song was written by Lady Alethia L. Spraggins, and in 2019 the phrase “Supporting the Arts” was added to the organization’s name to further reflect its mission.

Key Milestones

• 1983 – The Society, Incorporated is founded by Celeste W. Burton and three founding members.

• 1985 – Officially designated as a nonprofit organization.

• 1987 – The first chapter outside the founding chapter is chartered in Baltimore.

• 1992 – National Constitution and Bylaws adopted; Articles of Incorporation granted.

• 2011 – The Society Song written by Lady Alethia L. Spraggins.

• 2019 – “Supporting the Arts” added to the organization’s official name.

• 2021 – First virtual Biennial National Conference, hosted by the Greater Atlanta Chapter.

Today, The Society includes more than 600 members across 30 chapters nationwide.

Leadership

The 16 National Founders and Charter Members are:
Celeste W. Burton; Jean Dobbins; Alyce Gaither; Carolyn Hyman; Judine Bishop Johnson; Ethel R. Lee; Davetta Madison; Frances W. Moore; Dorothy Patton; Anna Pendergrast; Barbara Quick; Myrtle Roane; Patricia Robb; Dolores Spaulding; Patricia Stokes; and Evelyn Syphax.

National Presidents

• Dr. Judine B. Johnson (1992–1996)
• Dr. Freddye T. Davy (1996–1997)
• Dr. Carolyne Lamar Jordan (1997–2002)
• Dr. Jacqueline Bontemps (2002–2007)
• Dr. Alethia L. Spraggins (2007–2011)
• Antoinette Carter (2011–2015)
• Julia A. Pollard (2015–2019)
• Dr. Gwendolyn B. Lee (2019–2023)
• Kelly Whiting Esq. (2023-2025)
• Deborah Beavers Watford (Current)

Our Impact

Society chapters across the country have invested more than $60,000 in youth arts initiatives serving underserved communities.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, chapters adapted programming to virtual platforms, offering online showcases, summer arts camps, recitals, concerts, and coaching sessions that allowed young artists to continue developing their talents.

The national “Black Lives Matter” arts competition also provided young artists with the opportunity to present their work and earn financial awards.

The Society continues to build strong partnerships within the arts community. Chapters work with state and regional grant agencies to expand local arts education programs, and nationally the organization became a $25,000 Major Benefactor Contributor to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

To support future growth, conference delegates also voted to establish a national foundation dedicated to expanding fundraising and philanthropic initiatives.