Friends of African and African-American Art

Celebrating the artistic legacy of indigenous Africans and peoples of African Diaspora in the Americas

A visitor standing in front of "Something You Can Feel" by Mickalene Thomas
Friends of African & African-American Art logo

The Friends of African and African American Art (FAAAA) originated as the African Art Gallery Committee in 1962. Its initial mission was to acquire art for the establishment of a new gallery dedicated to the traditional art of Africa. By the late 1980s, the auxiliary’s purview had been expanded to include African American art and officially became Friends of African and African American Art in 1992. 

The auxiliary is committed to raising public awareness and appreciation for the artistic legacy of Indigenous Africans and peoples of the African Diaspora. 

FAAAA is well known for its outstanding and innovative programs and events. Each year, it honors individuals who have demonstrated dedication to the promotion and understanding of African American culture at the Alain L. Locke Awards program. The Margaret Herz Demant Award for African Art is presented yearly to a distinguished scholar, artist, or collector for contributing to the study, collection, and appreciation of African art. 

In 2025, the FAAAA celebrated the opening of the African American Art galleries in a new location within the museum. The galleries feature approximately 50 objects, spanning the years from 1846 to 1986.

Membership Benefits

  • Enhance your knowledge of African and African American art
  • Contribute to the growth of the DIA's African and African American art collections
  • Network with other art enthusiasts
  • Attend lectures by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and art scholars
  • Attend select FAAAA events and receptions at reduced or no cost

Join/Renew Membership

In order to be eligible for membership in FAAAA, you must be a member of The Detroit Institute of Arts.

Executive Committee

  • Roderick Hardamon, Chair
  • Tiffany J. Jackson, Vice Chair & Fundraising Co-Chair
  • Kimberly Hoyle, Treasurer
  • Sherida DuBose Parsons, Secretary
  • Jerome Watson, Programming Chair
  • Robert Lockett, Membership Chair
  • Kelvin Squires, Acquisition Chair

Directors

  • Brandon Lockhart
  • Conrad Egyir
  • Deneen L. Garrett
  • Gabrielle Sims
  • Jon Croel
  • Julie Egan
  • Tyler Hardy

Advisory

  • Barbara Whittaker
  • Juliette Okotie-Eboh
  • Nettie Seabrooks
  • Reuben Munday

Emeritus

  • Dexter Fields
  • Ellen H. Kahn
  • Hon. Charles W. Anderson, III
  • Paralee Day
  • Vivian Pickard

DIA Staff

  • Valerie Mercer, Curator and Head of the Center for African American Art
  • Nii O. Quarcoopome, Ph.D: Co-Chief Curator & Department Head- Africa, Oceania & Indigenous Americas
  • Rosemarie Gleeson, Director of Development
  • Azzah Smith, Auxiliary Officer, Development
  • Rachel Higinbotham, Administrative Assistant, Arts of Africa, Oceania and Indigenous Americas

GM Center for African-American Art: 313-833-4004