DIA News

May Donor Profile

Many of our board members and volunteers find deep and rewarding value through their work with the DIA. Emeritus board member Samuel Thomas had the opportunity to enjoy friendships with notable African American artists, such as Al Loving, Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Benny Andrews, and Gordon Parks during his ten-year tenure as the president of Friends of African and African American Art (FAAAA). Sam feels that knowing these artists enriched his life, and he was gratified to help other members of the community develop their knowledge of art and artists.

Examples of art by important African American artists were added to the museum's collection through Sam's efforts. He is proud of FAAAA's strong fund-raising capacity, which helped the museum acquire numerous examples of African American art. The warm relationships that existed between artist, museum, and volunteer sometimes affected acquisitions, such as when the DIA selected Tools from works in Jacob Lawrence's studio to add to to the museum's collection.

The tradition of welcoming African American artists into the museum family is part of FAAAA's commitment to inclusiveness, which helped make Sam's role so meaningful. He said he felt that "the welcome mat was out and people believed that they could have a voice."

Sam has always been a persuasive ambassador for the museum. While visiting the Gold of Africa exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution some years ago, Sam is said to have declared, "We have to have this in Detroit." Soon after, the DIA was added to the exhibition tour. The exhibition opening was a remarkable event highlighted by the Ghanaian King of Denkyira's attendance at Bal Africain.

As one gets to know Sam, it becomes clear that he values the legacy people leave behind. Accordingly, he was the first African American to join the Robert H. Tannahill Society. Membership in the society is bestowed on individuals who include the museum in their estate plans. There are currently 350 members of the society, and their gifts are helping to build the DIA's endowment and secure its future.

For information about making a planned gift to the museum, contact Bernadette Dore, director of majorgifts and planned giving, at 313.494.5239.