Delta Sigma Theta, 'Black Sorority Project' reach settlement agreement on film, painting
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Posted By: T. Money on July 05, 2007 NEW YORK - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., the largest African- American sorority representing more than 200,000 college-educated black women, recently inked a settlement agreement with Derek & Jamar Productions, a Brooklynbased production company and makers of "Black Sorority Project: The Exodus," a documentary film and painting about Delta and their participation in the Women's Suffrage March. Frances Murphy, 85, a lifetime sorority member and daughter of Delta Founder Vashti Murphy, applauded the decision. "Now that the controversy is resolved, it really clears the air and allows us to move ahead in bringing forth one of the greatest pieces ever created on sorority life to the world," she said. Last fall, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority filed a complaint with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against Derek & Jamar Productions LLC. This spring, Derek & Jamar countered by filing a Motion to Dismiss with the U. S. District Court. "We never sought to offend the very people this project was created to honor. For this reason, we were interested in resolution from the beginning," explained producer Derek Fordjour regarding the settlement. David Kaufman, legal counsel for Derek & Jamar echoed the sentiment. "D&J has always professed the highest possible regard for Delta, its president and its executive board," said Kaufman. "My clients believe that settling this dispute amicably can only be seen as a victory for both sides." When asked about the legal challenges, Producer Jamar White said, "Today we live in a litigious society, understandably these organizations are highly sensitive. While it's important that they protect themselves from exploitation, it's also important that we [artists] are able to use media to help redefine the black Greek experience [beyond hazing and stepping] in a more positive light. We're happy that our agreement with Delta can accomplish both of these things through 'Black Sorority Project.' "We were just glad to learn that Delta was primarily concerned about their trademarks and an apology, not to ban the project," said White. "They [Delta] were very clear in communicating to us the fact that they never encouraged their members not to support." As part of the proposed settlement, Derek & Jamar have posted a public apology on their website. Delta has also posted a statement on its website which acknowledges the apology and clarifies their position on the participation of its members. "We're excited that everything is finally straightened out and people can participate guilt-free," concluded Fordjour. On June 29, the DuSable Museum in Chicago was scheduled to host a screening of "Black Sorority Project: The Exodus," displayed the painting Oriented To Serve and hold a Q&A sessions with the filmmakers. For more information, visit www.blacksororityproject.com -- (Black PR Wire) If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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