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DMEF

Delta Memorial Endowment Fund (DMEF), Inc. is a nonprofit, 501c(3) organization. It was organized in 1980 exclusively for charitable, literary and educational purposes. The organization’s goal is to increase public interest and knowledge of literary works by people of color, and to provide scholarships to qualified and deserving high school seniors who are planning to attend college.

The annual Literary Luncheon is the major fundraising activity of DMEF, Inc. The main purpose of the luncheon is to increase visibility in the literary discipline through a focus on books, arts, theatrical, or film. In the past DMEF has sponsored authors such as Moneta Sleet, Wallace Terry, Nikki Giovanni, Alice Walker, Maja Angelou, Dr. Arnold Rampersad, Barbara Reynolds, Kimberly Lawson Roby, and E. Lynn Harris, just to name a few High School youth participate in a literary write-off activity in which essays are submitted based upon a chosen theme. The write-off winners are introduced at the luncheon and excerpts of the essays are read. Another highlight of the luncheon, also spotlighting youth, is the announcement and introduction of the scholarship recipients. Since its inception, DMEF has provided over $100,000 in scholarships, book awards and gifts to community youth. April 24, 2004 will mark the 28^th year of this annual event.

DMEF, Inc. is also recognized for its charitable contributions to other 501(c) 3 organizations. Contributions include support of the arts, community programs for youth, and in activities and programs to increase the knowledge of their community in issues concerning, health, education and political awareness through voter education and registration. Some of the organizations and programs that DMEF has provided support to include the Milwaukee Art Museum, YWCA of Greater Milwaukee, Milwaukee Public Library, Children’s Theater, Ko-Thi Dance Studio, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, America’s Black Holocaust Museum, LaVarnway Boys & Girls Club, Strive Media Institute and My Home/Your Home (a transitional home for women 18-21 who are coming out of foster care), and DREF.