Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. celebrates local arts champions at annual Artie Awards

By Alexia Anthony

Contributing Writer

The theme of love, community and expression set the tone as Delta Sigma Theta’s Artie Awards brought together artists, performers and community leaders for an evening celebrating excellence in arts, culture and community impact on April 19, 2026, at McDonogh 35 Senior High School.

The ceremony, hosted by the New Orleans Alumnae Chapter, recognized nominees and honorees across a wide range of disciplines, including dance, writing, music and visual arts. The event highlighted both emerging and established creatives while emphasizing the importance of community-centered artistic expression. Chef Reagan Sydney, who served as the event’s honorary chair, said the Artie Awards play an important role in uplifting the city’s creative community.

“We in New Orleans need to celebrate all of the things that we have, not just music, not just sports,” Sydney said. “We need to give back to our community base of artistry. I’m really excited we had some amazing honorees today, and I’m very proud to be a part of the Artie Awards.”

The organization recognized London Walker in the field of dance, Jyna N. Roots for the field of drama and theatre, Dedorah Sanders Brown for literature, Stephanie Jordan for music, Malia Suggs with its Rising Star award, Antoine Prince for visual arts, The Cornerstone United Methodist Church as “Patron of the Arts,” Wilhemina Wanda Hogan Stroughter with its “Roses and Revolutions” award; and Vera Warren Williams with its “Public Service” award.

Throughout the evening, performances underscored the diversity of talent being honored.

Delta Sigma Theta’s Treble Clefs choir delivered a vocal performance, while Chosen Vessels Dance and Performing Arts Company brought movement and energy to the stage through dynamic choreography. Additional vocal and instrumental performances from a mix of youth and professional artists were featured throughout the program.

Among the honorees was Stephanie Jordan, a New Orleans-based jazz vocalist and educator from one of the city’s most prominent musical families. The daughter of Edward ‘Kidd’ Jordan, she built a career that reflected both tradition and innovation within the jazz genre, performing nationally and internationally.

Jordan said the recognition held special meaning because it came from her hometown. “I’ve been to a lot of places in my life; I’ve been to Russia and Switzerland but to be honored in my hometown is something that I cherish,” Jordan said.

The ceremony also emphasized the broader cultural impact of the arts in New Orleans, highlighting how artists contribute to education, storytelling and community engagement. The Artie Awards served not only as a celebration of individual achievement, but also as a reflection of the role the arts and community service play in shaping identity and connection within New Orleans. Organizers said the continued support for the event demonstrates a strong commitment to preserving and uplifting the city’s rich cultural traditions. Attendees noted the importance of creating spaces where local talent can be recognized and supported.

The event also honored community leaders whose work extends the arts to the community. Among them was Vera Warren Williams, owner of Community Book Center and a longtime advocate for literacy and community engagement. A proud native of the Lower Ninth Ward, she was raised in an era of self-sustaining Black-owned businesses that shaped her lifelong commitment to collective support.

Williams reflected on the significance of receiving the award from Delta Sigma Theta.

“I am truly honored and humbled to receive this public service award from such a powerful and historic organization as Delta Sigma Theta, whose commitment to service, scholarship and social action has long been a guiding light in our communities,” Williams said. “I accept this honor with deep gratitude, knowing that I do not stand here alone.”

This article originally published in the April 27, 2026 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.