Support Stomp the Yard but Boycott Old Gold Soul. But first, here's the link so you can up my daily hits!
We continue to have conversations about how the producers of Stomp the Yard represent Alpha Personally, I plan to support the movie. Is any concerned about how this individual that writes the blog http://rashid.oldgoldsoul.com/diary/ is disgracing our great fraternity. His lifestyle is his business, but why is he using Alpha to promote it.
J.R. Green
I'm not "this individual" -- I'm your frat. Otherwise, thanks for the free publicity!
Posted on January 15, 2007 at 9:10 PM
Homophobe
You can't be a REAL bro....it is an abomination that you
would in a not so subtle way link Alpha Phi Alpha and your
lifestyle which are totally unrelated. Was it necessary to
call it ole gold and to use our fraternity colors? What you
do is your business but it is wrong for you to use our
frat's business for your personal benefit while puttig us in
an ugly spotlight.
You should reconsider where you choose to shine the light of
Alpha.
--- From an Alpha in New Orleans.
Posted on January 8, 2007 at 9:33 AM
Damn homophobes again! LOL
So I have my irons in a few fires, and one of them is a collective of Alphas who are involved in the arts. I sent out emails inviting more brothers to join this collective. In my email signature, I have a graphic of the cover of LAZARUS and a link to my website. This is a response I got:
What's with the book about gay frat brothers? Ummm...what? Is that what we're promoting now?
This bama REPLIED ALL.....so brothers from across the nation have read it. So already I'm like this mufuckin BULLY.....
So I replied all.....
You are late.
My novel has been out since 2005. It has sold well, even among Alphas, and has earned me an award.
I was an official vendor for the 2006 Centennial Convention. Not a single Brother out of 10,000 approached me about having a problem with the content of my novel.
If you have any further questions regarding my novel, you are free to contact me directly. I would rather not spam these groups with the unnecessary promotion of my novel, but I would love to encourage discussion on how we may further support and guide Alphas who are involved in the arts, even you.
But then I got EXTRA gully, and sent him a personal message with the subject line: "That was my nice message:"
Now hear my serious message:
You don’t have to read or support a single thing I ever write. But I will not tolerate your attempts to put me on blast among the various yahoogroups you have responded to. Your behavior is unbrotherly and cowardly.
We (meaning the artists of the Alpha Renaissance) have created an opportunity for Brothers to share, grow, support, and invest in one another. We do not judge each other by the content of our artistry, but we support each other because we are artists in a fraternity that values doctors, lawyers, and public policymakers.
If your own homophobia distracts you from that goal, so be it – the Renaissance doesn’t need people like you anyway.
Hear this: I will not be bullied by insecure Brothers who make it a point to make examples of Brothers who are different from them. Perhaps you can’t help it because of the teasing and taunting you no doubt incurred as a child because of your gender-ambiguous name, or other real or perceived inadequacies.
I don’t suffer fools gladly. If I were you, I would move along and have a nice life.
Y'all know I don't take kindly to that sort of bullshit and I strive to make an example out of every unbrotherly homophobe I encounter.
But hey, the new year wouldn't start out right without an O-Ren Ishii moment!
Bless y'all who support!
Posted on January 6, 2007 at 11:13 AM
My trip to Louisville
So yeah.... even though I ain't go no job, I was lucky enough to have the presence of mind to buy a laptop and digital camera while I was employed, lol.
Sooooo...... I am recording a few things I see and here while I am chillin in Louisville for the APO national convention. Here is my test video, the view from the room.
Posted on December 26, 2006 at 5:51 PM | Comments (0)
Happy Centennial Founders' Day!
It's Founders' Day, one hundred years later!
Did you know that you are supposed to give the gift of para on Founders' Day? That's right, shower your favorite Alpha Man with gifts of the Black and Old Gold variety. For some reason, no one in DC received that memo. That makes the Jewels sad. :-( However, I am accepting gifts of paddles from the following places:
Good Wood Paddles (Preferred), Greek Orriginals,
and Nate on Myspace.
Don't let this Founders' Day tradition pass you by! Shower your favorite Alpha with 'nalia today!
And don't worry -- all gifts received by Christmas will count!
Send them to:
Old Gold Soul
Founders' Day Department
PO Box 11337
Takoma Park, MD 20913
God bless you and enjoy your Founders' Day!
Posted on December 4, 2006 at 12:20 PM | Comments (0)
Things I still don't understand about Greek life....
So, I know a really artsy craftsy type of Nupe -- VERY talented, like Martha Stewart caliber. I was on his facebook album looking at the fine craftsmanship, and then saw the para table that his chapter had during an informational. If you ever been to an informational, they usually have some sort of table set up with the org's afghan, maybe a history book, canes if it's Kappas, paddles for everyone else, a brick, a stuffed animal, etc. basically a mini shrine.
And it got me to wondering..... I don't really "get" why our orgs do this. I mean...we fill up tables with things that aspirants really shouldn't touch. Ya know?
Hell, I even know of some sororities that would glare at you if you ate the pink/green/red/white/blue/gold part of the cake, or drank the wrong color punch at the informational.
Seems to me like the stuff at the informational should be about the chapter....exhibits documenting the service projects.... photo albums of the fellowship. You know, stuff like that.
Leave the brick at home if you can't talk about it.... leave the paddles if they can't be touched.
Just observations....
***
It also ticks me off when people act like it's a PRIVILEGE to learn their "history"..... dude, everybody's history book can be found somewhere. In fact, every Alpha I knew before I crossed let me hold, touch, skim, read their history book WAY before I ever was interested in the frat. To see Brothers NOW act like it's ritual information really tickle me.
The older the orgs get, the more backwards traditions seem.
Once up a time, the orgs had no history and we just tapped who we wanted to be brothers. You earned membership by your work as a man and as a student....there was no "proving" yourself to your peers.
*sigh*
Just observations.
Posted on August 29, 2006 at 6:44 PM | Comments (0)
I never knew there was a love like A Phi A...
Wow.
This has been my most amazing fraternal experience since crossing the burning sands three years ago.
In a bit, I will post pictures and commentary.....but in the mean time I just want to say how much I love APhiA.... and yes...
I FOUND MY ALPHA MOJO AGAIN!
Posted on July 30, 2006 at 12:27 PM | Comments (3)
Day One: Off the Hook
Highlights:
Discovering that the librarian from my old elementary school is the granddaughter of a Jewel. I almost cried.
THE BAG!
The medallion!
Meeting LOTS of Brothers again or for the first time.
The Alpha Museum! (Really called the Centennial Exhibit, but I like Alpha Museum better, lol)
PARA!!!!! OMG I have the two flyest Alpha jackets in the known universe.
Not as high-lights:
Registration took two hours. :-/ And started two hours late.
More highlights:
Conversation with Brother Hill from California.
Coversation/breakfast time with Brother Carter.
Snapping a picture of a cute Alpha/AKA Couple.
Reconnecting with some chapter brothers.
The Skee-Phi Affair!
More later.....much much later.
Posted on July 25, 2006 at 11:18 PM | Comments (0)
Holy Shit!
CONVENTION STARTS TODAYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!
Posted on at 6:27 AM
Way Too Into It
My name is Rashid, and I'm an Alphaholic.
:-/
The Centennial Convention is two days away! Although I have many concerns about this event, my enthusiasm for it hasn't waned. I hope to be among the first, if not THE first to register on Tuesday. (I already paid for my early registration, I just need to sign in.)
I have plotted out nearly minute of July 25 through 30! That's crazy, right?
The good news is that I was pre-selected to be part of the Author Pavilion!!! I am super excited about that....unless E. Lynn Harris has ever participated in an Alpha concention, this may be the first time that an openly gay author has been highlighted in any National gathering of black fraternity men.
Whoa.
So I'll be signing my book for three days with Greg Parks, whom I have befriended over the past year. He's a cool cat....buy his book African American Fraternities and Sororities: The Legacy and The Vision.
I rented my tuxedo on yesterday and it will be ready this Friday. I wanted to go hardcore with it, but I just decided on the simple black tux with gold accessories.
I got a haircut yesterday....at first it was FUCKED up! But then they fixed it. It's a lot shorter than what I wanted, but it still looks okay.
I'm hoping I can wear my contacts this week. When I wear my glasses, brothers don't seem to recognize me anymore.
Only one more day of work before convention....woooo hooooo! I know I have to actually GET through the day, but what's ten hours? I can do that with my eyes closed, especially in light of recent events. I swear, anyone who works with kids in a managerial role has to learn to move from crisis to crisis. There is never a slow day.
But tomorrow will be slow. I am claiming it.
Also, I am cleaning house right now....two brothers are gonna be staying with me. There are just certain times where you have to be brotherly and hospitable. I can't let someone NOT come to DC because they have no place to stay. I mean, come on. "Let brotherly love continue," the Bible says. I forgot where though, lol.
So for all you brothers and guests coming to DC this week -- shoot me an email so we can meet up and have a grand old time!
PS - And yes, I re-watched the APhiA documentary this morning like a dork.
Posted on July 23, 2006 at 10:52 AM | Comments (2)
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Celebrates a Century of Leadership and Service
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Celebrates a Century of Leadership and Service
Nation's First Black Greek-Letter Fraternity Reflects on Rich Past, Looks Toward Bright Future
Washington, DC (BlackNews.com) - General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., announced today that the fraternity will kick off its official 100th anniversary celebration at its national convention in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, July 25, 2006. Founded on December 4, 1906 by seven distinct men at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, Alpha Phi Alpha is the first and largest inter-collegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for Black college students.
"Our founders envisioned a day when the leadership of African-American men would become widely-recognized and respected, despite challenges of social and economic inequality," said Matthews. "And since many of our members have had a tremendous impact on the nation's social and economic policies, this made Washington an ideal place to both honor our founders' vision and celebrate 100 years of Alpha Phi Alpha achievements."
Alpha Phi Alpha has not only been influential in the areas of government and business, but also in education, community affairs, sports and entertainment. The fraternity's prominent members include Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Charles Rangel, Marc Morial, Kwame Kilpatrick, Art Shell, Lionel Ritchie, the list goes on.
Over the years, Alpha Phi Alpha has lead hundreds of campaigns to uplift the African-American community, including the Million Dollar Campaign to support the NAACP, National Negro College Fund and the National Urban League. The renowned "A Voteless People is a Hopeless People" campaign was the first real organized demonstration to encourage African-Americans to vote. The fraternity's most recent campaign, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Project, has raised nearly $60 million to date.
In addition, Alpha Phi Alpha has hosted many service initiatives that have directly affected the lives of African-American men. For more than 25 years, Alpha Phi Alpha has partnered with the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation to implement "Project Alpha," a program geared toward providing education and guidance to thousands of teen males in hundreds of communities.
Alpha Phi Alphas' over 650 chapters combined have contributed an estimated 650K in scholarships annually. The fraternity's presence in the African-American community has remained unparalleled for the last 100 years, inspiring a host of other African-American fraternities and sororities.
"Alpha Phi Alpha has touched the lives of many individuals, in one way or another," said Matthews. "For us, this milestone is more than a celebration of the fraternity's 100th year. This is a celebration of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.'s steadfast commitment to improving the African-American community. As we reflect on our past, we look forward to the future, by continuing our commitment through dynamic leadership and service."
About Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Since 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is committed to developing leaders, promoting brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for the community. Today, there are over 200,000 members in 700 collegiate and alumni chapters in the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Africa.
Posted on July 10, 2006 at 8:38 PM | Comments (1)
The Centennial -- Registered!
Dear Mr. Rashid Darden:
Greetings in the marvelous name of Alpha! This letter is to acknowledge receipt of your registration and payment for 2006 Centennial Convention.
On July 25 - 30, 2006 Alpha Phi Alpha Members, Families and Friends will converge on Washington, DC to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of an organization whose members have had an enormous impact on the lives of countless human beings. The Corporate Headquarters Staff and Centennial Planning team have been diligently working and are excited about welcoming the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to Washington, DC.....
Etcetera, etcetera...... I'm registered!
I became an Alpha in the Spring of 2003 while enrolled as a graduate student at American University. I've had plenty of ups and downs in the fraternity since crossing -- several of the downs had to do with Lazarus, my work as a writer, and this website. I was even surrounded by brothers of an undergraduate chapter and harrassed because heaven's to betsy, what would our precious Jewels think about oldgoldsoul.com???
lol....negroes, please.
I have registered for the convention because 1) It's a once in a lifetime event that I want to experience full on, and 2) I need my Alpha mojo back.
I am not affiliated with an alumni chapter right now and have no plans to do so. (But for all you pricks shaking your finger at me, YES, I am financial with the General Organization.) I guess in my experiences in these short years, I realize that not everyone does it for the same reasons. Me, I pursued Alpha for the Brotherhood, and the Brotherhood alone. I can do community service by myself or with Alpha Phi Omega. I can step with an independent step team. But I wanted that intangible thing, the Brotherhood that makes my heart swell when I watch the Centennial Documentary or when I see step shows like this one:
Those are the Bros from Cal Poly Pomona.
So what do I want out of this convention?
Fellowship with Brothers who think like me.....yeah, I know they don't all think like me, and maybe not even most. But some do. And I want to find them and chill with them and trade information and uplift each other in the coming years.
I want to find the ways that I can help Alpha. I want to compare my skills set to Alpha's greatest needs then go from there.
I want to meet Alpha Authors and network with them.
I want to party with the Sorors! Cuz you know Ethel's Girls will be there in full force. :-)
I want to purchase so much para that I never have to order any more ever again, lol.
I want to learn, learn, learn.
I want to attend the Public Program and see how the other organizations gush over us.
And I want to sing the hymn with thousands of Brothers.
And though I might be getting too old to do so, I want to learn a stroll or two.
Yeah, it's an expensive ass registration....but it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. And look at how much I'm saving by the convention being RIGHT HERE in DC. No airfare....no transportation....just me and the Bros.
The hotness.
Posted on May 30, 2006 at 7:09 AM | Comments (0)
Non Black Members of BGLOs
(From an email)
My name is Matthew W. Hughey, a Ph.D. candidate in sociology at the University of Virginia and a brother of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (Rho Beta Chapter, Fall 1996).
I am looking to interview non-Black members of Historically Black Greek Letter Organizations (HBGLOs) for a chapter to be included in a follow-up volume to African American Fraternities and Sororities: The Legacy and the Vision (2004). I am looking to include the history, culture, and interactive experiences of non-Black members in HBGLOs.
I am also interested in hearing from people who are Black members of HBGLOs who have experiences with non-Blacks as their fellow members.
I hope to start phone or email interviewing soon. If you would like to be kept anonymous, that is fine, and if you would like to be identified (if I include your comments in the final draft) that is fine as well.
Please contact me:
Matthew W. Hughey
Department of Sociology, University of Virginia
539 Cabell Hall, PO Box 400766
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4766
Office: (434) 924-7293 | Fax: (434) 924-7028
mwh5h@virginia.edu (or) matthewhughey@hotmail.com
Posted on February 8, 2006 at 7:36 AM
Happy Founders Day!
Today is Sunday, December 4, 2005 -- the 99th birthday of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc!
Who is your favorite Alpha man?
(Besides me, of course.)
;-)
Posted on December 4, 2005 at 4:25 PM | Comments (6)
Why did you join?
For all of the fraternity and sorority members who visit this diary, please leave your comments on this question:
How did you come to choose your fraternity or sorority?
Feel free to be as detailed as possible while exercising discretion. :-)
Posted on November 12, 2005 at 6:15 AM | Comments (12)
October 20 Round-Up
George Washington University AKAs host fourth annual "Miss Freshman Pageant"
Toochi Ngwangwa was crowned Miss Freshman 2005 out of a group of 11 contestants Sunday night during a pageant ceremony emphasizing students' academic achievements, community service participation, creativity and personality.
The Miss Freshman Pageant, which focused on the theme "Excellence: Unified through Purpose and Poise," was hosted by the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and was open to all freshmen. At Sunday's final ceremony in the Marvin Center Ballroom, students involved in the event were judged based on their talent performances, interviews and evening wear presentations.
Prior to the pageant, participants attended workshops on ballroom dancing, etiquette, professional development and money management. The contestants accumulated points by participating in these events and by making bag lunches for two local shelters and fundraising through advertisement sales.
Ngwangwa, who received a $1,000 scholarship for first place, garnered enthusiastic applause during her performance of an original poem, and the crowd cheered when, during the interview portion, she said her most prized possession was her identity. Despite taking home the crown, Ngwangwa said all of the contestants should feel proud of how far they came since the start of pageant preparations.
"We all win," she said. "We practiced hard every day and every night, and we came together. We share this crown."
Freshman Macy Jenkins was first runner-up, and freshman Nadia Sesay came in as second runner-up. They received $500 and $250 scholarships, respectively. Freshman Teiko Akufo's enthusiasm and positive disposition during the pageant were recognized by judges, and they gave her the title Miss Congeniality.
This year's contest was the fourth Miss Freshman Pageant at GW. The pageant is a tradition for the GW chapter of Alpha Kappa and was revived this year because of the chapter's return to campus last year.
Although the participants competed against each other for the crown, most said they had a great time together and enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of the pageant.
Contestants and organizers alike agreed that the pageant was far from ordinary.
"People usually think pageants are all about beauty, but this has nothing to do with that," freshman and participant Ivie Guobadia said. "At least not with outward beauty; it's more about inner beauty and the hard work that all of us put into this."
Other contestants said they enjoyed the workshop component of the event because they were able to learn new skills.
"I did think that they were very beneficial. In the one about etiquette I learned what to do in an interview, which was helpful," freshman Ursula Anderson said. "It will be good to know when I'm trying to find a job in the future."
Friends and family of the contestants and sorority members gathered in the Marvin Center ballroom decorated with pink, silver and black balloons. Several groups of students were there to support their classmates, and one group held a sign saying, "We love our ladies."
The Hilltop - Campus
Issue: 10/20/05
Ubiquity Replants After Damaged Tree Cut Down
By Keirsten Murrian
Ubiquity is a non-Greek, Afrocentric fellowship at Howard University
Members of Ubiquity, Inc. have planted a new tree where their old tree used to stand before it was knocked down by a severe thunderstorm over the summer.
Ubiquity planted the new tree earlier this week, not as a replacement for the one they lost, but as a part of their membership intake process. Discussions of a tree paid for by the University are still underway.
"I think the University should give them a tree," said senior psychology major Sheria Andrews. "It wasn't their fault that a storm came and knocked down their tree."
The loss of the tree that has stood for so long was a shock to members of Ubiquity. Some members even remember exactly where they were when they noticed or were told that their tree was being cut down.
Senior political science major Alisa Gilmore, member of Ubiquity, was on her way from class this summer when she saw the tree being cut down.
"When I walked out of my planetary sciences class in summer school, I watched them while they were cutting it down," said Gilmore. "The roots were still in the ground."
A fellow Ubiquitarian told Morgan that after the storm the tree was still standing.
Gilmore believes that the tree being cut down is a deeply rooted issue.
"Swygert didn't want it there," she said. "The tree was a problem during graduation because it got in the way," she said. "People in the bleachers sitting next to the tree were unable to see."
Senior television production major Asia Sutherland said whatever the reason, it was wrong to cut down the tree.
"I think it's wrong that they took down the visual representation of their organization," she said. "It's not as well known as the other non-Hellenic organizations."
Adam Wynn, senior public relations major, thinks Ubiquity is entitled to another tree just like Sigma Gamma Rho.
"If they gave the other organization a tree, they should give them a tree," he said. "They should be fair about it.
In September, there was a meeting between Ubiquity and Student Activities to discuss what could be done about the tree. According to Ubiquity members, there is talk of putting a sculpture in its place.
"We have mixed feelings about the sculpture or the tree," said Morgan about Ubiquity members.
Founder of Ubiquity, Donald Temple does not have a problem with the statue and said that he would pay for it himself. The tree was a very important aspect of the Ubiquity trial process.
"We have a rights of passage and the tree is used," Gilmore said. "It's nice to have a statue, but the tree can't be replaced," said Gilmore. "We knew we wouldn't get anything without a fight."
She along with other members of Ubiquity hopes that the statue that may stand in its place of the tree will be there by the end of the semester.
Several attempts were made to contact Steven G. Johnson, director of Physical Facilities Management, about this matter, however he was unavailable for comment.
Posted on October 20, 2005 at 6:35 AM | Comments (0)
October 13 Round-Up
The Hilltop - Campus
(Howard University)
Issue: 10/7/05
Multi-Million Dollar Lawsuit Filed Against Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
By Ayesha Rascoe
Two Howard Alumni filed a $10 million lawsuit against Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in US District Court for the District of Columbia on Thursday, charging that the AKAs made false allegations of hazing against them.
Joie Jolevare and Salome Tinker, both members of the sorority, claim in their lawsuit that they were unjustly suspended from the organization after assisting members of Alpha chapter in a practice in March 2005 for the group's post initiation ceremony.
The two women allege that AKA Regional Director, Joy Elaine Daley stopped the sorority's authorized practice, and began an investigation into the event on the grounds that it constituted hazing because it was held outside.
In the lawsuit Jolevare and Tinker claim that contrary to regulations outlined in the AKA Constitution, they were never informed of the allegations made against them and they were suspended without any evidence that they participated in hazing.
They are suing the organization for purposeful defamation, breach of contract, negligence, and discrimination under the District of Columbia Human Rights Act, the lawsuit said.
"The days are over when you can make false allegations against upstanding members of the community without consequences," said Jimmy Bell, the attorney representing Jolevare and Tinker.
Daley was reached at her office at 11:00 p.m., but refused to comment because she said that her office hours were over.
Bell said the actions of his clients did not warrant suspension.
According to Bell both women, who are members of the local graduate chapter Xi Omega, were asked to assist in the intake process of 2005.
Bell said that the alleged incident of hazing, however, occurred after the intake process was completed and that the new members practiced voluntarily.
"These aren't pledges," Bell said. "They are already AKAs."
He said the practice obviously was not mandatory because 12 of the 137 women who crossed last semester did not attend the event. Furthermore, Bell said it was not unreasonable for the practice to be held outside because it involved such a large group of people.
Bell also claims the allegations are frivolous because the AKA anti-hazing handbook "Just Say 'No' to Hazing" defines hazing as physical acts and or threats, none of which he said occurred according to the AKAs who were present at the practice. He said the nature of the alleged false claims made against the plaintiffs warrant the lawsuit.
"When you're saying my clients are [participating in hazing], you're saying they committed crimes," Bell said. "In the work force all you have is your integrity."
National AKA representatives were unable to be reached for comment. Alpha Chapter president Kimberely Mitchell also declined to comment.
Bell said he would like see an expeditious end to this conflict.
"I'm hopeful that the national office will resolve this matter," Bell said. "In the event that they do not we are confident a DC jury will resolve it and make my clients whole."
Alphas activate dual-membership status
Alpha Phi Alpha members participate in first meeting with National Pan-Hellenic Council; officially part of IFC, NPHC
(University of Virginia)
Becca Garrison
Cavalier Daily Associate Editor
The members of the Iota Beta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. attended their first official meeting with the National Pan-Hellenic Council Tuesday, cementing their unprecedented dual membership in two different fraternal organizations.
Alpha Vice President Gregory Jackson, Jr. said the dual membership will allow the Alphas to be involved in the general University community through the IFC and to work more thoroughly with the black community through the NPHC, an organization of African-American fraternities and sororities.
"It's important to understand we are committed to the overall University community as well as being focused on the black community," Jackson said.
The Alphas joined the NPHC when its charter became official Sept. 18. Last February, the Alphas left the Black Fraternal Council (now the NPHC) to join the Inter-Fraternity Council. They have maintained their membership with the IFC.
Jackson said the Alphas were not rejoining the Black Fraternal Council, which was the home to black fraternities and sororities at the University prior to the formation of the University's NPHC.
"It's a totally different organization, and the national support system of the NPHC is phenomenal," Jackson said. "We just felt like it was the right thing to do."
Jackson said that the Alphas are proud of their dual-membership status.
The Alphas "have historically been pioneers," Jackson said. "We've always broken new barriers and taken new steps."
IFC President Ross Kimbel said executing dual membership is likely to be very challenging because the Alphas currently have four active members.
"The two councils are structured so differently that it's kind of unknown how this will work," Kimbel said. "We understand that adjustments are going to have to be made on all fronts, but most of them are superficial adjustments."
Kimbel said the three parties will have to work out the number of meetings the Alphas will now have to attend as well as compliance with two separate sets of by-laws.
All parties involved said the decision would not change the relationship between the IFC and the NPHC.
"We are not serving as a liaison between the councils," Alpha President Thomas Mmbaga said.
Kimbel and University NPHC President Isaac Noye said the two councils have a strong relationship that will continue to grow from regular contact.
"One of the most important parts of my job is to be able to help bridge between councils, and we also have the [Inter-Greek Committee] that does that," Noye said. "That isn't [the Alphas'] job because we have many different vehicles for that."
Noye said he is optimistic that the Alphas will be able to participate in both organizations.
"Right now I'm just trying to observe and see how it goes," Noye said. "Because it's unprecedented, I don't really know what to expect."
The Alphas said they were confident in their ability to be active and productive members of both organizations.
"The chapter is committed to the IFC and the NPHC, and we expect to grow," Mmbaga said. "We will have no trouble having representation on both councils."
Mmbaga will serve as the Alphas' representative to the IFC as chapter president and Jackson will be the NPHC delegate.
Jackson said involvement in the nationally affiliated NPHC was encouraged by the national chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The national chapter was a founding member of the NPHC.
"As the NPHC, we follow a national structure of the national organization," Noye said. "APA, Inc. is part of that national organization, so joining the NPHC is in line with their national initiative."
Kimbel and Noye said the IFC and the NPHC do not have conflicting ideals that might create difficulties for the Alphas. They said the organizations have very different structures.
"NPHC fraternities are more geared towards service-oriented issues, while the IFC is more focused on governing and making sure social areas are properly addressed," Kimbel said.
Steppin’ onto campus
Newly chartered black sorority prepares to make its mark
(Northwestern)
By Deepa Seetharaman
October 10, 2005
The Daily Northwestern
Although Greek Scene, National Pan-Hellenic Council’s annual step show, is months away, at least one sorority is practicing to ensure they can step up to the competition.
Meet Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., a group of five women dedicated to service, scholarship and making their mark on Northwestern just six weeks after they were chartered.
“We have set a standard,” said Sara Sutton, Communication ‘05 and one of the founders of the Nu Sigma chapter of the sorority at NU. “What you see from us is what (is) associated with Zeta Phi Beta.”
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. is a part of the “Divine Nine,” a group of historically black fraternities and sororities throughout the United States. The sorority is the fourth black sorority to be instituted on NU’s campus. The other sororities are Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta and Sigma Gamma Rho.
While at NU, Sutton’s search for a suitable sorority proved fruitless. She had almost abandoned efforts but friends in the Zeta Phi Beta sorority’s brother fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., urged her to look into starting a chapter at NU. As a senior in college, Sutton became one of the chapter’s six founding members. The founders joined in May and received their charter in August.
Dedication to service is the sorority’s identifying mark, Sutton said. Members work with Family Focus Our Place Evanston, a local not-for-profit that helps children, teens, parents and families, and four state and national organizations.
The chapter was honored for its service at the Zeta Phi Beta state conference in September. They received one award for raising the most money of any chapter — about $400— for The Stork’s Nest Program, a philanthropy encouraging proper pre-natal care for underprivileged families. The other award was for their $200 pledge to Katrina victims.
“Once you join us, it’s not even about you anymore,” President Keyonda Evans said. “It’s about what you do for other people,”
Developing good relationships with NU’s other Greek groups is an additional goal for the group, said Evans, a SESP junior.
On Oct. 21, the group will host an all-campus party at Tommy Nevin’s Pub and Restaurant, 1450 Sherman Ave., to raise money for March of Dimes. The charity organization promotes proper infant care.
Zeta Phi Beta also hopes to sponsor a party with an Interfraternity Council fraternity, something that rarely happens, Evans said.
Achieving such goals is difficult because the Greek community is fractured, said Treasurer Jessica Carrasquillo, a SESP junior.
“We’re the same Greek system, (but we have) different cultures,” she said.
The group’s lukewarm relationship with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life also makes impacting NU difficult, Evans said. Evans was given just a one-day notice of the last NPHC meeting. The group is also the only organization without a link on the Fraternity and Sorority Life’s Web site.
“We are still out of the loop,” Evans said. “We are very new and don’t always know what’s going on.”
Kyle Pendleton, director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, could not be reached Friday for comment.
Zeta Phi Beta’s first chapter was founded Jan. 16, 1920, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The sorority became the first Greek organization to charter a chapter in Africa and to form auxillary groups to support young girls and women who had not yet or never attended college.
Despite the sorority’s history as a black organization, most of the group’s members come from different backgrounds.
“We’re not particularly looking for specific races or anything,” Evans said. “If you have it, you have it.”
The group has not scheduled “membership intake,” a recruitment program. What they do know is that the incoming class of Zetas will be held to the highest possible standards, Carrasquillo said.
“You have to want it, not just wear the letters but know the letters,” she added.
JSU Suspends Campus Fraternity After Shooting
POSTED: 8:03 am CDT October 7, 2005
UPDATED: 8:15 am CDT October 7, 2005
JACKSON, Miss. -- Jackson State University has suspended a national fraternity chapter after a campus shooting in September.
Investigators said graduate student Ryan Mack shot Omega Psi Phi member Ben Hart during a fight with Hart and two other fraternity members.
Hart spent weeks in the hospital with his injuries.
JSU has suspended Omega Psi Phi from the campus for three years.
The Hinds County district attorney is investigating the shooting.
The Chanticleer - News
(Jacksonville State)
Issue: 10/13/05
Greeks: Making the Grade
By Kimberly Davis
Greeks strive toward academic excellence by making their grade point averages their number one priority on campus. Many of the Greek organizations have reached their academic goals while others are still working hard to maintain their status.
The Greeks' overall GPA average is calculated by adding all the members of each chapter together and dividing it by the total number of members. The chapters are ranked in order according to their GPAs every spring semester from the previous fall grading period. The rankings for spring 2005 place Alpha Omicron Pi with the highest GPA on campus. Their overall GPA is a 3.08 and, they were honored by the university for their academic achievement.
"There are many incentives we have to maintain academic achievement like Pi Club, Panda Pal, Academic Center for Excellence, and our special Ruby 'A' badge," said AOPi President Lindsey Brown.
AOPi's "Pi Club" honors and rewards members who attain a 3.14 GPA. They also have a "Panda Pal," named after their mascot that matches up members in the same field of study.
The panda pals help each other throughout their college career. Alpha Omicron Pi sorority members are all required to visit the Academic Center for Excellence each week. The number of hours they are required to spend there depends upon their GPA.
The special Ruby "A" badge is rotated to the sister with the highest GPA in the sorority.
"Alpha Omicron Pi is founded on friendship and, we uphold everything we work for. Our GPA is above average over all the other women and, we will work harder this fall to maintain our number 1 spot," said Brown.
Delta Zeta ranks number twelve overall with a 2.35 GPA. They are improving their GPA by developing a class that will teach each member how to study.
"I am making sure that the girls are aware of how important our grades are, and we will try our best to improve individually for our entire chapter," said Delta Zeta President Jessie Owens.
Owens is encouraging her members to maintain a beneficial relationship with their professors, so their grades will improve for spring, 2006. Delta Zeta's goal is to improve their GPA to a 3.0.
Sigma Nu ranks number four with the highest GPA in the InterFraternity Council and over all the other fraternities on campus.
"We help guys focus on what they are in school for by making our grades priority and, we excel by having study groups," said Sigma Nu President Drew Wagner.
Sigma Nu fraternity prepares young men for the future by making their academics a priority with a 2.85 GPA.
Pi Kappa Phi ranks number sixteen overall with a 2.17 GPA. They are striving toward a higher GPA for spring 2006.
"We are working harder to improve our grades this semester by having a mandatory study session twice a week," said Pi Kappa Phi President Woody Rozier. Pi Kappa Phi goal is to improve their GPA to a 2.65 for spring 2006.
Delta Sigma Theta ranks number five with the highest GPA in the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Their overall GPA is a 2.82.
"We are striving for academic excellence as a whole by staying on top of our studies, attending classes, and talking to professors if we have problems around midterms," said Delta Sigma Theta President Marshonntri Reid.
Delta Sigma Theta maintain their grades through their Scholarship Committee which helps implement programs and develop study sessions.
They have received other rewards for their academic success, such as the Presidential Bronze cup for their accreditation program.
"Our goal is to regain that number one spot that we had in previous years," said Delta Sigma Theta President Marshonntri Reid, referring to the number one overall ranking the sorority held in fall 2003. They are aiming for that number one spot in spring 2006.
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity ranks number 18 with a 1.73 GPA, and they are taking steps to improve their GPA by having brotherhood study sessions.
"We have implemented a brotherhood study session where each brother helps each other with their weakness, so we can excel as a whole," said Iota Phi Theta President SirArthur Edwards. " Our grades decline last semester because of personal problems within the fraternity, but we are now focusing own personal problems and academics so each brother is a brother to his brother."
Iota Phi Theta goal is to maintain a 2.0 GPA for spring 2006.
Many of the Greek organizations are hitting the books hard with study groups, tutoring sessions and classes, so they can maintain higher academic standards for their chapters. They have set goals to achieve, so their academic improvement for this semester will show in the spring 2006 rankings.
Students show off bodies at Fit Body Contest
(Indiana State)
By Leslie Wills Staff writer
October 10, 2005
Students lined up outside Dede II on Wednesday to get a look at the participants of the 2005 Fit Body Contest.
The fifth annual Fit Body Contest was hosted by Sigma Gamma Rho sorority to give students the opportunity to show off their bodies after following a strict food regimen and hard work in the gym.
The criteria the participants were voted on were confidence, presentation, and response to the question, "Why should you be Mr. or Ms. Fit Body?"
The event began with a casual scene where contestants introduced themselves.
The swimsuit competition followed and audience members were so enthralled with the contestants that they lined the stage with cameras and video cameras.
All the contestants answered the same question, "Why do you feel you should be Mr. or Ms. Fit Body?," during the formal wear portion of the contest.
Runner-up Lydia Thomas, a junior child development and family life major, replied with humor by saying, "I think I should be Miss Fit Body because I don't work out, and I eat all fatty foods but my body is still slim."
Dada Yarmento, Ms. Fit Body 2005 and a senior business management major, said she should be Ms. Fit Body because she has lost weight and was very comfortable with her body.
"When I was in high school, females always told me I was fat," she said. "Now that I'm in college, I lost 20 pounds, eat healthy food and drink a lot of water."
Male contestant Raidu Allen felt that he should be the new Mr. Fit Body because he is from another country and he had a special surprise.
"I wanted to represent the West Indies and Jamaica," Allen said. "Also, it takes confidence and that's what I have, pure confidence... and one last thing."
Allen then stepped off of the stage and gave roses to the female judges.
Mr. Fit Body 2005 Paladin Jordan, a junior public relations major, said he should be crowned because he was fit without being really muscular.
"I think I should be Mr. Fit Body because not everybody has the football players' build to represent health and fitness like myself," Jordan said.
Hanif Muhammad, Mr. Fit Body runner-up and a junior finance and marketing major, said his dedication to track and personal fitness made him the perfect candidate for Mr. Fit Body.
"I put in long hours of dedication on the track team and on Mondays and Fridays lifting weights and my body is the best."
After the formal wear portion of the competition, Jamie Dearman performed a song while the judges formulated the score.
Jordan said that he didn't expect to win.
"I'm surprised. I really didn't think I was going to win," he said. "I prepared by running track which got me as fit as I am."
Judge Adeola Adediran, a senior communications major, said judging was difficult because all of the contestants were very fit.
"I think it was a tough decision and it was very close," he said.
Judge Tyanna Jackson, a junior radio/TV/film major, said the event was a success.
I think that it went very well," she said. "The males were extra confident but I really enjoyed myself and it ended up being a well-put together event."
Sigma Gamma Rho president Mayreena Turner said that she thought all the audience had fun and can't wait until next year.
"It's always a fun event that we look forward to every year. Once again we had a lot of fun with it," she said.
Posted on October 13, 2005 at 8:18 PM | Comments (2)
"Bruh" and other traditions
I hate the word "Bruh."
There, I said it.
It doesn't sound distinguished to me and it reminds me of the Ques. I am not saying they own the rights to the word "Bruh" at all, I am just saying that where I am from, "Bruh" is just one of those words that is reminiscent of the Ques.
Also, a "bruh" to me is just any man at all...you know, country/urban slang or whatever.
Personally, I prefer the word "frat" if another brother is going to use slang to refer to me at all.
What Greek traditions irk you?
Posted on at 4:26 PM | Comments (2)
I don't suffer fools gladly.
From the mailbag:
Let me start off by telling you, I'm glad you're a young positive brother doing your thing. Congrats and I wish you much success. My only concern is you using the image and the colors of Alpha Phi Alpha to market yourself. How are the two interconnected? There is already a stereotype of Alphas being gay, and obviously your work is perpetuating it. You didn't start it, I'm not postulating that you did, I just don't get why you don't use your talent and not have to "lean on the letters" to sell books. Is it marketing, do you think it brings you more fans, more controversy? I'm an Alpha, a raving, raging heterosexual and I'm sickened when people equate Alpha with gays. Our legacy is one of strong powerful black men, exceptional men, and we are being defamed. To each his own, I don't necessarily agree with homosexuality but, I don't think anybody can tell another person who they can or should love, but, this is ridiculous. Using the fraternity colors, using the colors in your pen name? Old gold and your novels are about homosexuals? This is out of pocket brother and I wonder if Tandy, Kelly, or any of the founders would approve of your violation of the crest. You can chuck this in your hate mail box, but, hate it is not. Be blessed brother and I hope you realize what you're doing.
Your email is full of contradictions. You say that I am a positive brother, yet I'm not. You wish me much success, but have you purchased the book?
How am I using the image of Alpha Phi Alpha to market myself? I AM AN ALPHA. I cannot and will not turn off my Alphaness for those of you (if you are indeed my Brother) who are not "comfortable" with those of us who are comfortable with ourselves.
What makes YOU the voice of Alpha? Why target me for my gayness? Have you sent similar emails to those members who might be abusing drugs, abusing women, failing out of school, not taking care of their kids, or hazing? PLEASE....you want to talk about defamation? Let's start talking about dead and maimed Sphinxmen -- THEN we can talk about who is really defaming my fraternity.
My work doesn't perpetuate a stereotype...if you READ my work, you will see that it doesn't. It actually attempts to destroy quite a few stereotypes -- one being that all heterosexual men are homophobes. That should be the one you're working on, but so far, you're failing.
And you know what.....NIGGA PLEASE! If you only knew how much I do NOT lean on my letters when it comes to my work! "Old Gold" is a color..... do you know how many fraternities and sororities use old gold as a color? Hmm, I can think of one...Alpha Phi Omega. I'm a member of that too, genius, and I probably mention it a lot more than I do Alpha. One reason is because the raging homophobes in APO generally keep to themselves. (Take a lesson from them.)
It's presumptuous of you to think that I am using Alpha to promote my book. If I was, don't you think I would have been at all types of regional conferences and the general convention to promote this mug? I WASN'T. People expected me to, but I didn't.
You being sick of people equating Alpha with homosexuality is really and truly your personal problem. I was gay before I was an Alpha. Alpha doesn't stop my gayness and being gay doesn't stop my Alphaness.
Not to mention....gay men can't be strong? Gay men can't be powerful? Get a fucking grip -- a gay man organized the 1963 March on Washington!
And for the record, I don't have a pen name -- my real name is Rashid Darden. That's the name I write my books with, and it's real.
And why do mofos ALWAYS fall back on the Jewels when it comes to this issue? Why fall back on seven dead men who never made any public statements for or against homosexuality? That's...that's....what's the word... a cop out? Obviously we can't just ring them up and ask their opinion. So you don't know and neither do I.
In short...don't email me with this bullshit anymore. When you enter MY space by emailing me your ill-conceived opinions on how YOU feel I am representing the fraternity, prepare to be ripped a new one. You don't know me and you don't have to support me -- but IF you are indeed my brother, do the brotherly thing and keep your opinions to yourself.
I mean seriously -- did you REALLY think I'd change the name of my entire domain AND my business because YOU think I am "representing" Alpha? PLEASE believe that what an "Old Gold Soul" really is will be lost on you.
Now...if any of you sons of bitches got anything else to say, now's the fucking time!
(That one's for you, FratMan1906 *wink*)
Posted on October 6, 2005 at 7:55 PM
Why Alpha? II
OMG, I TOTALLY forgot to write the rest of my Alpha Story. Unless I already did and mis-categorized it. (Part I is here.)
Well, here it is....
So I became crazy active with Alpha Phi Omega as an undergrad. Became Vice-President of Communications (Second in Command) and then Pledgemaster. I LOVED my Alpha Phi Omega experience at Georgetown. It is one of the best things I did. (Along with living in the Black House and founding the GU Step Team.)
Speaking of the Black House.... it was there that I lived with Justin McLaughlin-Williams, who was an Alpha and very close friend of Maya Buseman-Williams. At first I was like "OH LAWD I'MA HATE THIS NEGRO." But it wasn't like that AT ALL. This was one of the coolest, funniest, smartest dudes I had ever met at Georgetown. And the BEST part was that he FULLY accepted me. I had this notion that he might be this ultra macho homophobic man's man -- well, he was everything but homophobic.
Justin, to me, IS Alpha Phi Alpha. Not because he's all super active in the fraternity, but because he was the very first person in Alpha that I looked up to. He was my friend first. Then, through his life, he showed me what Alpha was all about. He never once recruited me...nor do I think he thought I was remotely interested.
And truthfully, I wasn't! I was so wrapped up in APO that I wasn't even thinking about my NPHC quest.
When Justin graduated, I wrote an article for The Georgetown Academy, which was a conservative, traditionalist, Catholic, pro-freedom of association magazine/newspaper. I was not into the conservative aspects of the rag, but I loved the fact that all of the articles were well-written. Hell, I like anything that opposes the norm, whether it is on my side of the argument or not. Well argued debates.
At any rate, this article I wrote was titled "Shuttered Legacy" and it was about how Georgetown's non-recognition of black greek orgs was hurting the university. My "hook" was how much of a shame it was that Georgetown's ONE Alpha had graduated without leaving behind a legacy. How Georgetown itself had a role in killing that legacy.
Damn that was a great article. And to think, I wasn't even interested in Alpha when I wrote it! (I don't think most people believe that, but I really wasn't.)
But this is what happened....as I was researching and editing the article, I had a conversation with myself. It went something like this:
"Hmmm...W.E.B. DuBois is an Alpha. That's hot."
"Wow....Thurgood Marshall, MLK, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Cornel West, Kelley Miller, Hubert Humphrey...."
"Hmmmmm...... 'Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind'......those are some tight cardinal principles."
"Justin is really cool. So are his chapter brothers."
"You know....those Alpha teachers I had in high school weren't THAT bad."
Then I started to internalize the history.... seven men at Cornell University, a school not unlike Georgetown...racial isolation...daring to start something that had never been done before.... those men sounded like me, kinda.
So, I had decided that the history resonated with me, and the prominent members were people I aspired to be like....but what about the programs?
Go-to-High School, Go to College. Hmmm. I believe in that.
A Voteless People is a Hopeless People. You damn right!
Project Alpha. Yeah...that's a right program.
So, the national programs were projects that reflected my personal values.
But what about the BROTHERHOOD? Could I stand in a room full of Alphas and feel comfortable? Could I feel PROUD? Are these men in line with what I believe in socially, politically, morally? And if we differ, can I respect those differences.
The answer was yes.
So during my senior year in college, I chose Alpha.
Two years later, in Spring 2003, through the oldest alumni chapter in Washington, DC, Alpha chose me.
Posted on October 3, 2005 at 8:23 PM | Comments (2)
What Would They Be?
In this edition of "What Would They Be?" I post fictional characters from Days of Our Lives and then tell you which fraternity or sorority they would pledge.
Alphas
Jack Devereaux
Lucas Roberts
TEK (Thomas Edward Kramer)
Tony DiMera
Frankie Brady
AKAs
Marlena Evans Black
Belle Black Kiriakis
Lexie Carver
Kate Roberts
Kappas
John Black
Victor Kiriakis
Philip Kiriakis
Mickey Horton
Omegas
Roman Brady
Bo Brady
Shawn Douglas Brady
Abe Carver
Deltas
Jennifer Devereaux
Hope Williams Brady
Mimi Lockhart
Sigmas
Doug Williams
Shawn Brady
Zetas
Sami Brady
Julie Williams
Caroline Brady
Alice Horton
SGRhos
Celeste Perrault
Billie Reed
Maggie Horton
Nicole Walker
Iotas
Patrick Lockhart
Phi Mu Alpha
Brady Black
Sigma Alpha Iota
Chloe Lane
Posted on October 2, 2005 at 7:27 AM | Comments (3)
Pastors address inclusion of gays in churches
And now for a little positivity....
Forum focuses on gays in churches
Pastors address inclusion of gays in churches
by Kacie Foster
Indiana Daily Student
Published Friday, September 23, 2005
Pastor Robert Ferguson tried to "pray and fast his gay away." He was engaged to be married, and wanted to change. But, it didn't work.
He began to question his religion, but never questioned his faith. Ultimately, Ferguson said he decided to leave his church and attend one that reached out to gay African Americans.
A panel of Indiana ministers met Thursday night in a packed hall at the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center to discuss ways to create spaces for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people within church and community settings.
Minister Ryon Cobb, Pastor Kelly Oglesby and Pastor Robert Ferguson all sat on the panel to discuss how to welcome the GLBT community in faith.
"I am not a representative of any denomination or group," Oglesby said. "However, we need to look congregationally and individually on how we can be approachable and reachable (to the GLBT community)."
Some audience members felt they should address personal beliefs questioning homosexuality as a sin. One woman said she believes homosexuality is a choice that could be corrected, and that church members should treat gays as sinners.
But facilitator Tahirah Akbar-Williams steered the discussion away from the subject of "sin" and geared it toward how the church can help gays and lesbians grow in their faith.
"We are here to talk about how we can respect one another," Akbar-Williams said in response to a comment about homosexuals being considered "sinners." "We need to create a space for GLBT people in churches or religious institutions. I hope and pray to start a dialogue of respect and begin the process which helps us acknowledge that we are all different and we practice our faiths differently. However, within these differences, we can respect one another and move forward."
Cobb explained a Biblical story about a community wanting to condemn a woman caught in an act of adultery.
"'Let him who is without sin cast the first stone,'" Cobb quoted. "Regardless if we agree or disagree with someone's lifestyle, they are being oppressed."
The evening began with a prayer that was meant not to serve as an endorsement of any religion, but for the audience to "start with peace and love," Akbar-Williams said. A 20-minute screening of the film "All God's Children" served as an introduction to the topic.
"God loves me just how I am, because that's how God made me," said one woman in the film.
Cobb said people must support others who are marginalized.
"The Bible calls for us to stand by those that are oppressed, even those whose lifestyles we may disagree with," he said. "Discrimination is a human rights issue (and we need to) stand up against oppressive structures."
Philip Thomas, secretary of Iota Phi Theta, said his fraternity co-sponsored the event to educate people and end discrimination.
"We're here to learn in the classroom, but also to learn from the diversity of others," Thomas said.
Eric Love, adviser for the student group Blacks Like Us, said a lack of dialogue leads to "a lot of ignorance" toward marginalized groups. BLU is the first black group on campus for GLBT people.
"Ignorance leads to fear, and fear leads to hate," Love said.
Love said he was "thrilled" with BLU's efforts and proud of the Iotas for taking a step toward increasing understanding.
Ferguson asked the group to take positive steps towards accepting those who are gay or lesbian into the church.
"We need to separate the man-made stuff from the God stuff," Ferguson said. "That's when you find the truth."
"Forum focuses on gays in churches"
http://www.idsnews.com/story.php?id=31284
Posted on September 29, 2005 at 6:54 AM | Comments (1)
Kappa Alpha Psi gets new house (Minn.)
September 7, 2005
GREEK LIFE
Kappa Alpha Psi gets new house
By Elizabeth Cook
Kappa Alpha Psi president Jerome Stewart, center, and former members David Stibbins, left, and Nicholas Hooks, right, gather in front of the fraternity’s new house on University Avenue Southeast.
For the first time at the University, a historically and predominately black fraternity has a house on fraternity row.
Theatre arts senior Anthony Brown, the campus relations chair for Kappa Alpha Psi, said the fraternity just returned to campus last fall after taking a five-year leave of absence due to low enrollment. Having a house is expected to increase membership, he said.
The fraternity currently has 15 members living in a house on the 1000 block of University Avenue.
While the fraternity is predominantly black, membership is not limited by race.
The fraternity does not discourage anyone from joining, Brown said.
Fred Thomas, the adviser for the chapter said he is excited for the fraternity and the University.
Thomas said that having this diversity will increase socialization within the community.
There has already been talk of collaborating with other fraternities to help with activities such as community service, Thomas said.
Both Thomas and Brown mentioned that members of other fraternities on campus have already come to see the new location, and that everyone was very excited to see Kappa Alpha Psi get the house.
“I think this will be great news for the University,” Thomas said.
Jerome Stewart, a marketing student and president of Kappa Alpha Psi, said having the house on fraternity row will be a great way to bridge the gap between predominately black fraternities and other fraternities, which are traditionally white.
“I think it will create a better understanding (between diverse groups),” Stewart said.
Stewart also said the house is a place for minorities to feel comfortable.
“The house provides a safe haven as a place to socialize,” Stewart said.
Chad Ellsworth, a student activities adviser at the University, said it was mostly financial issues that prevented a black fraternity house from landing on fraternity row until now.
There are nine national fraternities and sororities in the National Pan-Hellenic Council, a body made up of predominantly black organizations. As of last year, five were registered with the Student Activities Office. But these fraternities and sororities are much smaller, Ellsworth said.
When there are only five members, it doesn’t make sense to have your own house, he said.
Ellsworth said a Kappa Alpha Psi house will break down some of the images of fraternities and sororities being predominately white.
“I think they will be real great for the community and (will help) break down some of those stereotypes,” Ellsworth said.
Ellsworth also said that this will bring a lot of different options to the greek community.
Eric Butz, a member of Beta Theta Pi and the vice president of public relations for the Interfraternity Council, said he is excited about a Kappa Alpha Psi house.
Butz said it is great because it makes people reconsider stereotypes of fraternities and will increase diversity.
“They’re as greek as everyone else,” Butz said.
For those interested in becoming members of Kappa Alpha Psi, there will be an informational session at 6:11 p.m. on Sept 21 at the house. The reason for the odd time is that the fraternity was founded in 1911, Thomas said.
Interested students can attend the session in a shirt and tie, Thomas said.
Posted on September 8, 2005 at 7:15 AM | Comments (0)
Introducing....
Brother Archie Andrews
Ace Club (Solo)
Spring 2005
Riverdale University
(Moose and Jughead went Que....)
Posted on August 31, 2005 at 8:03 AM | Comments (4)
Another hazing lawsuit....
Ex-SLU student sues sorority over initiation
BY ELIZABETHE HOLLAND
Of the Post-Dispatch
Thursday, Aug. 18 2005
A former St. Louis University student has sued one of the nation's oldest and
most prestigious African-American sororities, claiming a hazing ritual prompted
a car accident that resulted in permanent injuries to her.
The woman, Courtney Easter, filed the suit Wednesday in St. Louis Circuit
Court. Easter is claiming that the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, its top officers
and several of its members had roles in a car accident on Oct. 31, 2003, in
which she was severely injured.
Easter was being initiated into the sorority along with several other area
college students. She was a passenger in a car driven by fellow initiate and
SLU student Tracey Randall, the suit says. James A. Fox, Easter's attorney,
said the two were among a group of women being hazed by sorority members.
That hazing, according to Fox, included sleep deprivation. Sorority members
made the initiates stay in the same apartment and then repeatedly called their
cell phones over five consecutive nights, forcing them to stay awake.
"They hadn't slept in days," Fox said.
When four of the women, all SLU students, got into a car to go to classes early
that Halloween, each fell asleep - including Randall, the driver, Fox said. The
car crashed into a traffic control box at or near Grand Avenue and Delmar
Boulevard, he said.
Easter, a senior at the time, nearly died, Fox said. She suffered head and
chest injuries, including brain damage, he said. She now lives with her parents
in the Chicago area and is enrolled in a community college, Fox said.
In addition to those believed to be directly involved in the accident and what
led up to it, Easter is suing the Chicago-based sorority, the sorority's
executive director, Betty N. James, and other officials.
The sorority's national officers "haven't chosen to accept responsibility," Fox
said. "They just said our investigation showed . . . that there was no improper
behavior.
The suit also names the sorority's St. Louis-based Beta Delta chapter, some of
its officials and several members, including Randall.
A call to James in the sorority's Chicago office was not returned Thursday.
Randall returned a phone call but said she could not comment on the case.
A SLU spokesman said the sorority is not considered a SLU organization, nor is
it associated with the university. A Washington University spokeswoman said the
university does recognize the sorority, along with three other citywide,
historically black sororities and five such fraternities.
Alpha Kappa Alpha, which claims Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison and Jada Pinkett
Smith among its alumnae, was the subject of a hazing-related lawsuit settled in
November.
The sorority was sued after the deaths Sept. 9, 2002, of two Cal State-Los
Angeles students who drowned in what their families claimed was a hazing ritual
at a beach. Kristin High and Kenitha Saafir drowned during what police
detectives and coroner's deputies concluded was a group exercise involving
sorority members, according to the Los Angeles Times. High's mother believed
that sorority members led her daughter and the other victim into dangerous
waters tied and blindfolded.
Angela Reddock, the attorney who represented High's family, said the sorority
had agreed to settle with the families for a confidential sum of money and with
the understanding that it would make anti-hazing and initiation-related
reforms.
The sorority's Web site details an "anti-hazing policy," which says anyone who
violates the policy risks suspension or permanent expulsion from the
organization. The Web site also lists suspended chapters; Beta Delta chapter is
not among them.
Reporter Elizabethe Holland
E-mail: eholland@post-dispatch.com
Phone: 314-340-8259
Posted on August 25, 2005 at 7:59 AM | Comments (0)
Kids for King
If you work with children, the Kids for King program will be an excellent ongoing project!
Students to raise money for MLK memorial
By KRISTIE A. MARTINEZ
Cox News Service
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
WASHINGTON — Backers of a permanent monument for civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. kicked off a program Monday challenging students across the U.S. to raise money for the project.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation unveiled the "Kids for King" program less than a week after King's widow, 78-year-old Coretta Scott King, suffered a stroke in Atlanta. It also came in advance of the 42nd anniversary of King's "I Have a Dream" speech, which he made Aug. 28, 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
The "Kids for King" program encourages elementary and secondary school students across the U.S. to collect donations and write 75-word essays about their "dream for a better America." The foundation will choose 12 of the students to fly to Washington D.C. for the memorial's ground breaking next November.
The monument will be a granite boulder with an image of King emerging from one side of the rock, said Harry Johnson, president of the foundation. The monument memorializes the sentence, "With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope," from King's "I Have a Dream" speech. The monument will also feature 24 panels with King's words written on them, Johnson said. He expects the project to be finished in 2008.
The King memorial, which will stand near the Lincoln, Jefferson and Roosevelt memorials, will be the first on the National Mall — the area stretching from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, and from the White House to the Jefferson Memorial — that does not honor a president or a war. It also will be the first on the Mall to honor an African American.
"I feel personally that once this memorial is complete, that the Mall itself will be reflective of America," Johnson said. "I believe it's just right to have him there with the other heroes."
Sheila Johnson, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television and owner of the Washington Mystics women's basketball team, announced she is donating $1 million dollars to the project on behalf of her children.
"Martin Luther King is not with us physically," Johnson said at a press conference at the Tidal Basin, "but standing here on this memorial site, he will continue to speak to all of us, to all the children and the generations to come, to challenge you to become leaders and to love not only yourself, but all mankind."
The memorial will cost $100 million to complete, and the foundation has raised $39.5 million in private funds so far. General Motors is currently the memorial foundation's lead sponsor.
Last month, lawmakers in Congress agreed to provide $10 million in matching funds if the foundation raises $10 million in the next two years. Johnson said he expects the "Kids for King" program to bring in at least $3 million by next June.
Some lawmakers opposed the matching funds, saying they should be used only for presidential memorials.
Judy Scott Feldman, chairman of National Coalition to Save Our Mall, a group seeking to preserve the National Mall's "historical and cultural integrity," said the group does not oppose the construction of the King memorial.
"I don't think there is any opposition and I think everyone feels that this kind of memorial is deserved," she said of the King monument. "We're just going to be watching as the design develops. That's going to be the only concern."
In addition to the "Kids for King" project, the foundation is raising money by selling blue "Build the Dream" bracelets similar to Lance Armstrong's yellow "Livestrong" arm bands. And in New York, Texas and Illinois, the organization is airing commercials featuring black celebrities, including actor Morgan Freeman and rapper Nelly.
In 1996, King's fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, set up the memorial project foundation and former President Bill Clinton authorized the building of the memorial two years later.
Posted on at 7:08 AM | Comments (0)
Grade Changing Scandal at Miami HBCU
I post good news all the time. Now it's time for a good, old-fashioned scandal.
HERALD EXCLUSIVE
Two FMU employees accused of changing grades
By SUSANNAH A. NESMITH
snesmith@herald.com
Florida Memorial University student Tricia Lockhart wanted to raise her grades and turned to a sorority sister whose boyfriend was more than willing to help.
Some $600 later, 14 of Lockhart's grades magically went up.
But there was no magic involved, according to Miami-Dade police, who say Lockhart was one of 122 students who paid to have their grades changed in a long-running, grade-fixing operation at the small university in Miami Gardens.
A pair of Florida Memorial employees and five students, using employee passwords to break into the school's computer system, bolstered grades for basketball players, friends and fraternity brothers. Four of the seven were arrested last month; police are still looking for the others. They all face racketeering charges.
Students wanting better grades paid anywhere from $150 to $2,000 to improve their report cards. One woman twice had sex with an employee in exchange for raising seven of her grades enough to allow her to graduate, according to court records.
REGISTRAR'S DISCOVERY
The scam began to unravel three years ago when the school's registrar noticed that some grades had been changed after 5 p.m., according to the school's vice president, Harold Clarke. ''The registrar brought the matter up to senior leadership and we determined that yes, indeed, something was certainly going wrong,'' he said.
After interviewing several students and employees, the school brought in an independent auditor, Robert Leopold, to investigate in October 2002. The audit found the 122 students who had grades fixed and identified the two employees who were responsible, Clarke said.
Ellis Peet, 37, a former Florida Memorial student who worked in the admissions office and the campus computer center, was fired by the university, Clarke said. Clifton Franklin, 22, also an alumnus who worked in the registrar's office, resigned during the investigation, Clarke said.
Peet changed a total of 580 grades, including seven of his own, according to court documents. Franklin changed 73, including three of his own.
Peet and Franklin acted independently, Clarke said, although police said that both were members of a campus fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha. Two other fraternity members William King, 25, and Terrance Bell, 28, were also charged in the case for allegedly finding students willing to pay for better grades.
Ben Simmons, 22; Eric Marshall, 24, and Quabinor Campbell, 25, all students but not members of the fraternity, were also charged with allegedly rounding up students who wanted better grades.
Peet, Simmons, Marshall and Bell have all been arrested. Police are still looking for Franklin, Campbell and King, police spokesman Juan DelCastillo said.
None of the seven could be reached for comment, nor could any of the students who had their grades changed.
Simmons had 12 of his own grades changed, King had 19, Campbell had 20 and Bell had nine, according to court records, which do not say whether Marshall had any of his own grades changed.
After the school discovered the problem, officials suspended some of the worst offenders and set up a system to discipline all students involved, Clarke said.
Clarke said school officials at the historically black university were extremely dismayed by the scam, especially since the two employees are Florida Memorial graduates.
''I think disappointing is an understatement,'' he said. ``We were very disappointed that folks that we entrusted with that level of responsibility decided to take this course of action.''
`INVOLVED YOUNG MAN'
Peet was once featured in The Herald for his work in a Florida Memorial role-model program for young black men.
''He was a very involved young man when he was here as a student,'' Clarke said. ``And a very accomplished young man I might add. That's why when he graduated, he was able to get a job in our [information technology] office.''
Clarke said the information technology office set up a series of safeguards, seven steps in all, to make sure no one can get into the system to change grades in the future.
''I think we were all taken by surprise that a student would take advantage of something like this. Whether it was nine or 109 it would still be a shocker and a surprise to us,'' he said. ``Keep in mind it was 122 and we're talking about a student body of 2,100 to 2,200. But yes, we were very disappointed that the 122 would be involved.''
Herald staff writer Scott Hiaasen contributed to this report.
Posted on August 18, 2005 at 10:27 AM | Comments (6)
Why Alpha?
I don't generally write about my fraternal experience in my blog. It's a rather personal thing to me and most of the time off limits. However, since my fraternity has been mentioned so much in the past few weeks lately, I wanted to share with you why I chose Alpha and how Alpha chose me.
My mom is a Delta. One of my earliest memories of my mom's life as a Delta involves me seeing these weird symbols that looked like they COULD be letters of the Alphabet, but not quite. I asked her what they meant and she said "Delta Sigma Theta -- my sorority." I'm sure I asked he what a sorority was and she probably said something like "A club just for women and girls." That was enough for me.
Later, when I transferred to Keene Elementary School, I noticed that sometimes, different teachers would wear t-shirts with the same letters on them. So I would go up to them and say "My mommy is a Delta!" and their ENTIRE demeanor changed. This one teacher, Ms. Gilchrist, had to have been the meanest lady I had ever met to that point. Well, not mean, but definitely not a friend, lol. She smiled SO WIDELY when I told her that. Well, this other teacher that was with her, Ms. Washington (the first grade teacher, not fourth) said "Oh, so you're gonna be a Que?"
Ms. Gilchrist said "YOU BETTER NOT BE!!!!"
Confused, I went home and asked my mom what a Que was. She said it was a fraternity, Omega Psi Phi.
Neat-o.
In high school, I was exposed to Greek life more, mostly through teachers. And let me just be honest -- teachers at Coolidge were PRESSED! Not all of them, but there were always a handful that just took it too far. (I found out recently that one of them is a licensed vendor for their sorority!)
By too far I mean the art teacher (who happens to be frat) made door signs for all the teachers with their names in really big letters. Instead of the school colors, he made them in that person's sorority colors. So it's like mentally, the "battle lines" were drawn in the sand any time a kid walked around the school. And (in my 14-year old mind) all the "cool" teachers were Deltas and all the bitchy teachers were AKAs.
Which actually wasn't always true -- Ms. Griffin was one of the strictest teachers in the school (higher level math) but she was so down to earth. She was also the Athletic Director and, at the time, Vice President of the Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. Whenever we had short periods (45 minutes as opposed to 90 minutes) we knew a GREAT way to get out of doing real work. (Too bad she's moved on up in the world and isn't in the classroom anymore, I'd tell all Coolidge kids to try this out.) This plan was great when more than one student was on board:
Random student: Ms. Griffin, what does that elephant mean?
Griffin: That's one of the unofficial symbols that means I'm a Delta.
Student 2: A sorority? Don't you have to be HAZED to be a member?
Well, the hazing conversation always set Ms. Griffin off into a tangent about Greek life. It was GREAT! We wouldn't NEVER get work done on those days. We'd do the warm-up and that was it. Okay, so that didn't happen all too often, but she taught us some really good life lessons and ALWAYS told us we never ever had to be hit in order to be someones frat or soror. So responsible, that Ms. Griffin.
Then we had the AKA teachers. Let's just say I ain't like them too much.
We had more Alpha teachers than anything else, but there were only two, and frankly, I thought they were a little saditty. No, not arrogant. But saditty. We had one Que, one Kappa, and one Sigma. To be honest, the Sigma was the absolute coolest man in the school. He was the track coach, Adrian Dixon. Everyone love him and his wife Alice, who teaches business classes.
Anyway....gosh, you know how long my stories are.
So the Alpha/AKA teachers used to always plan this step show and they ONLY invited AKAs and Alphas! I thought this sucked and was blatantly biased! True, they were just exhibitions and not all-out step shows, but come on -- I was sick of seeing Alphas and AKAs at our talent shows. What about the Deltas? We liked those teachers better anyway.
So, when I became class President, we had our own talent show and we invited the Alpha Chapter Deltas and Ques. Well, in 1996-97, the Deltas were just beginning their four year suspension, so they were out. But the Ques were down! Let me tell you, those were some of the greatest guys I had ever come in contact with in my youth. They were all about mentoring youth and making them feel like yes, YOU can go to college and yes, YOU can be what you want. They were laid back, but still about business. They used the opportunity to really "Uplift" the youth.
Some cool dudes from Alpha Chapter took me under their wing as I made the transition from high school to college. Although I was at Georgetown, I knew that La'Mont Geddis was only a phone call away. And in fact, when I had an issue with one of the white boys at Georgetown, I really think I had to keep La'Mont FROM coming to campus to beat his ass. I was like "Naw, please stay at Howard, I am cool!"
So Freshman year, I am bitten by the brotherhood bug. I know that being part of a black fraternity was for me! I wanted that unconditional brotherhood that I saw the Ques from Alpha chapter exhibit toward one another. So logically, Omega Psi Phi was the first organization I researched -- and I researched it HARD.
By the end of my freshman year, however, I knew that Omega wasn't for me. There were lots of reasons why that was, but mostly, it just wasn't in my heart. I wanted brotherhood, but not necessarily theirs. Had I been in another place at another time, maybe.
All in all, and no offense to the Greeks who were at Georgetown at the time, I just really wasn't impressed. I didn't see them doing much on campus, so I couldn't make a decision on where I felt most comfortable. And forget the hype -- you can't make a life-long decision on a fraternity based on a website. So I was like "Eh, maybe a grad chapter."
When I least expected it, Alpha Phi Omega, the national service fraternity came into my life. That's another story all together, but the point is that I had finally found something to fill my time, to create brotherhood with a diverse group of people, and new people to socialize. And of course, performing service that I didn't physically see other Greeks performing, though I believed they did it.
APO and school took up lots of my time, so my "quest" for a black fraternity was postponed.
Okay this is too long now, the rest will have to be in a Part II. Maybe later!
Posted on August 17, 2005 at 9:53 AM | Comments (6)
Justice Still Sought in Murder of Iota
The Iota Phi Theta member in question, Damon White (aka "Sermon" #1-Beta Tau-Spring '95), is thought to have been murdered by his lover, Anthony Jackson, in 1999. Jackson was recently convicted of murdering his more recent lover, Rahmaan Belton, in 2003.
Read more here: Sisters still hope for resolution in tragedy.
In doing additional research for this story, I found some interesting tidbits. The above, 2005 article portray's White's sexuality as an afterthought, if that. It simply reports the facts. But apparently, in 1999, his campus didn't know that he was gay -- the campus paper that featured an interview with his mother, essentially "outing" him, was stolen right off of the stands to the tune of $1,500 in losses.
From Newspaper Thefts Multiply on Campuses:
At the University of Missouri at Columbia, thieves stole 6,000 copies of the Sept. 9 issue of the student newspaper, The Maneater, that publicly outed a missing student as a homosexual.The stolen issue featured a controversial cover story about the missing student and a theory behind his disappearance.
Jake Wagman, editor of The Maneater, said the newspapers were stolen sometime during the weekend after Friday's publication. The stolen papers were worth approximately $1,500.
The feature piece, "Six Months Later," which Wagman believes may have prompted the theft, told the story of the disappearance of Damon White, the former president of the university's Legion of Black Collegians and Iota Phi Theta fraternity, through an interview with his mother, Janet White. The story included the progression of the case since White's disappearance on March 2.
Janet White told Maneater reporters that her son's boyfriend, who claimed White gave him the HIV virus, may have had some responsibility for Damon's disappearance.
"The campus did not know [he was gay]," Wagman said. "As far as we know, we outed him [by publishing his mother's comments]."
Wagman said The Maneater does not know who stole the papers.
"It's not a stretch that [the groups White was involved with] were unhappy about the article," Wagman said.
The Maneater is not planning to pursue the case.
"The next day is a new day and a new issue," Wagman said. "Rather than focus on the past, we are just going to keep publishing."
This is an article from before Damon was found and there was still hope he could be alive. In it, his sister describes Jackson as an "ex-friend."
Another article was published last year -- called The Search for Closure. Please be advised that it is very disturbing.
This is one of the saddest stories I've heard in a long time. You all know I have a soft spot in my heart for gay Greeks, even if this man didn't outwardly identify as gay to his campus. I've been there. Adrian Collins has been there.
I hate that I never heard about this before.
The whole thing makes me think about public and private lives of gay black men on college campuses. What if I had died before I had come out? What if Damon White was me? Although I can only speculate on what happened to those missing newspapers, had I been an Alpha at the time, would the Bros have tried to destroy evidence of my sexuality in order to "preserve" my image? How about the Black Student Alliance? My close friends?
I hope that now that the murderer of Rahmaan Belton is behind bars, maybe he will confess to murdering Damon White. Maybe new evidence will be found.
I hope....I hope so hard...that this statement from Damon's sister isn't true, that ..the Kansas City Police Department mishandled her brother's murder case. 'They botched it,' Dulin said. "It was like they didn't care. It seems that they were like, "He's gay, he's black, he's poor, so what?"'
Posted on August 4, 2005 at 7:14 AM | Comments (11)
August 4 Round-Up
Delta Sigma Theta: Minneapolis/St. Paul Wins Midwest Alumnae Chapter of the Year!
Alphas in Houston Battle Prematurity
Oklahoma AKAs get License Plates
Posted on at 7:03 AM | Comments (0)
Stuck in a haze
Central Florida Future - News
Issue: 6/15/05
Stuck in a haze
By Sean Lavin
The odor of burning flesh permeated the air as two blazing hot irons seared the Greek letter Omega into both sides of Byron Washington's chest two years ago. Minutes later, a third and final Omega was scorched into the fraternity member's upper arm.
What Washington endured is known as branding. And Washington was not the only UCF student that allowed a red hot Omega-shaped iron to leave a lasting impression across his body. Twelve brothers of Omega Psi Phi also asked to be branded alongside Washington that night.
Washington, who is currently serving as president of his chapter, says branding in this context isn't hazing because it's not performed as a condition of membership. Nearly 80 percent of Omega brothers choose to get branded on their own accord, he added, pointing out that branding is only permitted after someone pledging his fraternity is initiated as a fully vested member.
But a tough new law that criminalizes violent hazing in Florida directly cites branding as a form of hazing, referencing the popular activity as type of "brutality of a physical nature."
The Chad Meredith Act, crafted by Rep. Adam Hasner, R-Delray Beach, is considered by many as the strongest anti-hazing statute in the nation. The law is named in honor of a Kappa Sigma pledge that drowned as a result of hazing at the University of Miami in 2001.
When Gov. Jeb Bush signed Hasner's bill last week, high school and college hazing resulting in serious bodily injury or death became a third degree felony. Hazing that doesn't cause an injury - but could have - is now classified as a first-degree misdemeanor throughout the state.
When asked about the Chad Meredith Act's effect on branding, Hasner acknowledged that "it could be prosecuted" under the new law. But he stressed that, "cases like that, if they were prosecuted, would probably be determined on a case by case basis."
"Each case is going to have to be looked at on its own merits by the prosecutors," Hasner explained.
The very prospect of seeing his fraternity brothers prosecuted and potentially put behind bars for carrying out the age-old tradition of branding, which has been alive for generations within the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, has Washington concerned.
"I would be worried if they want to take it that far to prosecute members of my organization," Washington said. "I'll never risk my personal freedom or college education for anything."
If prosecutors do start bringing charges against students for branding their fellow fraternity brothers, Washington says he and his brothers will launch a campaign to change the law.
Citing the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of expression, Washington said members should not be restricted from bearing their fraternity's symbol on their body in the form of a brand, much like they wouldn't be restricted from having the symbol tattooed onto their skin.
The state should "at least define [branding] a different way," he said, suggesting a distinction be drawn between incidents of forced branding and the consensual branding that his fraternity brothers enjoy as a symbol of pride in their organization.
But while Washington says branding is "not that big of a deal," and compares it to getting a tattoo, other UCF students see it as unnecessary.
"I can't even think of a reason why people would do it, I really can't," said senior Ashley Sturm, who feels the law should stay the way it is. "Because if the arm gets infected, then they can throw it back on the fraternity and say they were pressured into it."
"It just creates more harm than good," the criminal justice major continued. "There are going to be those issues you just can't escape."
Looking beyond the branding issues, Hasner called hazing an "epidemic" plaguing the state, and condemned the recent rash of incidents - including a high school soccer player from Deltona who was dropped on her head during a hazing incident - as "senseless and heinous acts that lead to physical injury and sometimes death."
"I think there is a much more positive way to impart brotherhood and sisterhood and team-building," added Hasner, who explained how he spent much of his life working to achieve just that as a chapter officer, advisor, and ultimately national officer of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
"By increasing the penalties and criminalizing hazing in the state of Florida, I'm confident that we're going to put more students on notice that the state will no longer tolerate this type of behavior," Hasner said.
A major intent behind the law appears to focus on preventing what Hasner describes as hazing incidents that "may seem like fun and games," but instead "result in serious injury or sometimes even death."
Victims often consent to activities that seem harmless or fun, but unfortunately end in tragedy.
"Willing participants sometimes aren't willing participants," Hasner said, while pointing out how it was difficult for prosecutors to obtain a conviction in battery criminal cases related to hazing before his bill became law, because perpetrators used the victim's consent as a defense in court.
"This new law prevents the perpetrators of hazing from using the victim's consent as a defense," Hasner said. "It's an important new distinction in the law."
Aside from increasing the penalties for hazing, the bill only slightly altered the definition of hazing, which in part reads, "any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student ... "
The law cites the following as further examples of hazing: "pressuring or coercing the student into violating state or federal law, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor or drug ... or forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student."
And in addition to consent no longer being a valid defense against the crime of hazing, members of campus organizations hazing others can no longer escape culpability even if the activity resulting in the death or injury of the hazing victim wasn't part of an official organizational event.
Prosecution can now occur even if the fraternity's leadership or general membership had no knowledge the action was taking place, and only a handful of members violate the law on their own.
Another key addition to the definition of hazing is the language providing that hazing occurs for "purposes, including, but not limited to, initiation" into a campus organization. This language also throws out another frequent defense organizations use when trying to beat accusations of hazing - that the act was not required as a condition of membership to enter the organization.
Prior to Hasner's bill, hazing plaguing Florida's universities was handled by university and fraternity judicial boards. The biggest punishment previously dished out for hazing was expulsion from school - a slap on the wrist compared to the five years in jail violators now face.
Hasner says he is "very positive about the outlook of fraternities and the role they play in society." Hasner says his commitment to the Greek system will not end now that the Chad Meredith Act has passed.
"I've made myself available to all the state universities," Hasner said. "I will travel to any of the schools - at my own cost - to speak to student groups and the Greek system and explain why it was so important to make hazing a criminal act in the state of Florida."
Posted on June 16, 2005 at 7:20 AM | Comments (1)
Frat/Soror Round-Up for May 26
Grambling set to give degree to late student
By TIMOTHY P. BUSH
Staff Writer
Though Shanita Sharmaine Shine was unable to finish her last semester of college because of her death, Grambling State University plans to award the former Beauregard Parish resident's degree to her mother this Sunday morning at the university's fall commencement. The ceremony will take place at Eddie G. Robinson Stadium beginning at 8 a.m.
Rosa Cole, Shanita's mother, received a letter from the university saying that the senior would be awarded her degree posthumously.
"I didn't think they were going to give her the degree since she had not been in school since December," Cole said.
The 3.8 GPA student left school on December 2nd after being confused and disoriented. She died on March 21, 2005.
Cole said she wasn't aware of the impact her daughter had on so many people in her short life. Since her death, a tree has been planted in her memory at GSU. She was honored with an award from the GSU chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants. The award will be named in Shine's honor and given to a deserving member within the organization.
Shanita was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Society, Beta Phi Society, Student Mentor, Big Brother Big Sisters and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.
"It really gives my heart joy that even though she's not here physically, she is leaving a legacy behind," Cole said. "It pleases me to know that she touched so many people's lives. She was so focused and hard working, so it pleases me that her hard work is being recognized.
Delta Sigma Theta recognizes community work
By Jennifer Peltz
Staff Writer
May 22, 2005
WEST PALM BEACH · Delta Sigma Theta is a sisterhood and a distinguished one, counting congresswomen, a presidential cabinet member and noted activists and artists among its members.
But the Deltas aren't chary about giving men credit, too. In fact, the predominantly African-American sorority's West Palm Beach Alumnae Chapter alternates its annual community-leadership awards between men and women every year.
"We don't recognize the men enough, not in our community. So we have made a concerted effort," explains awards chair Allyson Smith. "It's a very proud thing, I think, for a man to say, `The women think that I'm doing something that's contributing to their lives.'"
If Saturday's Men of Excellence Awards gala was any indication, she's right. As honoree Alfred "Zack" Straghn put it, "It does make me feel that I have touched people that I thought I hadn't."
The gathering at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts recognized the men for their work in fields ranging from arts to business, but above all for their commitment to community service. The sorority evaluates not only nominees' achievements, but their zeal.
And it does not consider elected officials, aiming instead to recognize "the everyday person who's doing great things," Smith said.
The Deltas did make a bit of an exception for one very recognizable honoree, actor/producer/director Tim Reid. He said the sorority had impressed him since his days at Virginia's Norfolk State University.
"I know the power, prestige and the dynamics of the organization," said Reid, whose 30-year career includes starring in WKRP in Cincinnati and writing and directing the critically acclaimed film Once Upon A Time ... When We Were Colored.
Reid's fellow honorees may not have screen credits, but they are luminaries in their own respects. Straghn, for instance, is an esteemed Delray Beach community activist. The owner of Straghn and Son Tri-City Funeral Home, he headed his hometown's Human Relations Board and led South Palm Beach County's branch of the NAACP for 10 years, among many other civic endeavors.
Elder Robert J. Hendley Jr. has worked to make Greater Bethel Primitive Baptist Church a resource for those in need, in ways as diverse as starting a school and making buses and buildings available to disaster victims. The pastor's work at the Riviera Beach church dates back decades.
James J. Jefferson of West Palm Beach is a retired educator and seemingly tireless volunteer. He calls bingo at a nursing home, provides advice and referrals on a 211 crisis-line shift, helps staff his neighborhood's citizens patrol and that's just the beginning.
Orville Lawton started and directs the Ebony Chorale of the Palm Beaches, a highly regarded volunteer chorus that centers on preserving black spirituals. Lawton also teaches at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts, a public arts magnet school.
Joseph Orr spent more than 40 years as a teacher, principal and high-ranking administrator in Palm Beach County's public schools. He's now working to start a Montessori-method charter school, a public school run by a private group, in Palm Beach Gardens.
The Responsible Fatherhood Initiative of Palm Beach County, led by director Kevin T. Irvin, works with fathers and potential fathers, some as young as 9. Offerings range from afterschool programs to support groups for dads.
For more information about the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, see www.deltasigmatheta.org v or call 202-986-2400.
Jennifer Peltz can be reached at jpeltz@sun-sentinel.com or 561-243-6636.
Copyright © 2005, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Local students learn valuable lession
By Kerry Batey
The Daily Sentinel
Published May 18, 2005
Students from the Alabama A and M University recently paid a visit to Scottsboro thanks to Coordinator Tiajuana Cotton. Members of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity visited and performed Step Shows for students at the Scottsboro Christian Academy and the local Boys and Girls Club.
The students enjoyed the Step Show, but they also learned some valuable advice. Advisor, Kevin Walker, told students a little about his childhood experience and involvement with the Boys and Girls Club. Walker said that he had tried becoming a part of other groups and organizations. However, he found that the Boys and Girls Club organization really cared about him and helped him succeed in life. According to Walker the Boys and Girls Club aided him throughout high school and even his first year in college by teaching him valuable skills.
NPHC Event To Step Up Black Culture Week
by Jason La - Staff Writer
Friday, May 20, 2005
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) will host its annual Yard Show tomorrow on the UCen lawn as part of the 2005 Black Culture Week celebration.
The free event will last from 12 to 2 p.m. with a live DJ. The Black Student Union will host a raffle with prizes, and the show will feature performances from the Black Reign and Skyline dance troupes. Third-year law & society and black studies major Karen Everett, NPHC president, said the show is meant to serve dual purposes.
"It's not only a form of entertainment -- it's a time for us to educate the community about different aspects of black culture," she said.
Everett, who is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority, said the Yard Show drew about 200 people last year. She said the NPHC used to host the show in Storke Plaza, but as the number of people attending grew, the organization had to relocate the event to the UCen lawn.
The dance routines at the event are called "stepping," where performers dance, clamp and stomp to create a beat.
"Stepping is a dance form that derives from African culture," Everett said. "It began as a song and dance routine, and it evolved into a more acrobatic or rhythmic performance."
Zakiyah Shepard, Black Reign dance team president, said the group performed at the Yard Show in previous years and drew a large crowd. She said last year's celebration was fun and is one of the last performances for Black Reign this year.
"We're going to do a hip hop dance -- real funk -- lots of flavor like we always do," Shepard said.
Rounding out the 2005 Black Culture Week celebrations, the Delta Sigma Theta sorority will put on the "Red Hot" barbeque from 2 to 4 p.m. in the UCen courtyard today. The Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity will host a bowling event Saturday night at Zodo's. On Sunday, Zeta Phi Beta is having a three-on-three basketball and dunking tournament Girsh Park in Goleta from 12 to 4 p.m. The winning three-person team will receive a $350 cash prize, while the dunking champion will be awarded a $50 prize.
Posted on May 26, 2005 at 7:17 AM | Comments (0)
I really want this paddle!
Isn't this a nice paddle?
I soooooo want this paddle when I grow up, LOL. That joint is 65 bucks! It's good workmanship though. If you want it for yourself, click here to be directed to the ebay auction for it.
Posted on May 21, 2005 at 10:46 AM | Comments (2)
Round-Up for May 14, 2005
NPHC handles outdoor dispute: Northwestern
Kappa Alpha Psi and Alpha Phi Alpha fraternities engaged in an altercation near Bobb
by Marcy Miranda
May 10, 2005
Several altercations early Friday morning involving two rival fraternities were provoked by a non-Northwestern student at a fraternity initiation ceremony Thursday night, said the president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the organization that governs the historically black Greek system.During Thursday's Alpha Phi Alpha probate, where new members of the fraternity were presented to other NPHC fraternities and sororities, a balled up piece of paper was thrown in the direction of Alpha neophytes -- the new members of the fraternity -- on the basketball courts outside of Bobb Hall and McCulloch Hall, witnesses said.
NPHC President Jonathan Reynolds said witnesses thought that a member of Kappa Alpha Psi threw the paper -- a disrespectful gesture that "Alpha Phi Alpha had a right to question," he said. But after five NHPC organizations held a meeting with university administrators, they decided that the paper probably was thrown by a student who is a member of another university's chapter.
After the probate, members of Alpha Phi Alpha and Kappa Alpha Psi were involved in four to six disturbances with four to 10 people involved in each altercation, said Asst. Chief Daniel McAleer of University Police.
A resident assistant called University Police to report unauthorized people in the area around 11:06 p.m. Thursday, according to McAleer. UP sent four officers to the basketball courts, where they estimated the crowd to be about 80 to 100 people. After noting that nothing was happening, three of the officers left the scene and left one officer behind to monitor the event.
The altercations broke out around 12:39 a.m. Friday. More UP officers arrived, and the crowd moved out of the basketball courts and into the Sports Pavillion and Aquantic Center parking lot. After the altercation, UP estimated the crowd grew to 150 people.
Evanston Police Department officers were called to assist with crowd control, McAleer said.
UP officers gave verbal warnings and were able to contain the altercations with "minimum or no police intervention," McAleer said. There were no reported weapons or injuries, and no arrests.
Because the incident probably was started by a student outside of NU, Reynolds said, there will be no repercussions or penalties for either of the fraternities.
Kyle Pendleton, director of fraternity and sorority life, could not be reached for comment Monday.
It is not uncommon for members of fraternities from surrounding chapters to attend events like probates in support of their organizations, said Reynolds, who is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi. He also said there have been no other instances where non-NU chapters caused trouble.
There are other Alpha Phi Alpha chapters at Roosevelt University in downtown Chicago, Chicago State University and a joint chapter for the University of Illinois at Chicago and Loyola University Chicago. Kappa Alpha Psi has another a chapter at the University of Chicago.
"I think it was a misunderstanding, and all the police that came escalated the attention drawn to it," said Weinberg junior Ketica Guter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, who witnessed the event. "There was miscommunication between the frats."
Reynolds agreed that the police response magnified the situation.
"The nature in which the police responded to the situation sent the perception that it was a much bigger thing," Reynolds said.
NHPC hopes to initiate a forum with UP to discuss the way in which the police responded to the situation.
"Responses like that take the focus away from the positive things these communities do," Reynolds said. "They put the focus on the one minor incident that is completely magnified."
The rivalry between the two fraternities is healthy, Reynolds said. It is comparable to the rivalries between other fraternities on campus, he said.
"Everyone has an affinity to their organization," Reynolds said.
First-Ever Children's Book Published About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Atlanta, GA (BlackNews.com) - Fresh Publishing, LLC has done it again with the release of its forthcoming title My Mommy Is An AKA due to release on Mothers Day, 2005. Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority will be impressed with the dynamic portrayal of their great organization in this first-ever children's book about the first African American sorority ever established.Fresh Publishing and Teach Me Greek continue with their mission of releasing educational periodicals about the positive influences of the Divine 9 African American greek lettered organizations and author Audra P. Jackson continues to depict all organizations at the highest levels of excellence in her vibrant, colorful children's book series.
When asked how she can write about other organizations, Audra simply states, "All of our organizations were based on the same premise, public service and the cultural, social and civic betterment of our communities. The historical information of all of our organizations is public domain, and since I am a writer, I do extensive research, have focus groups from each of the organizations to help keep me in line and I let my natural, creative talent and ability do the rest."
Her natural talent continues to pay off as the resounding appreciation for this trend setting idea is noted throughout the African American greek community to the music industry where she was a publicist and marketing executive for many years. Audra has also received many accolades for her literary contributions including those from New Jersey's Secretary of State, Regena Thomas as well as a congressional recognition and an official proclamation from Dr. Joyce Beatty from the Ohio House of Representatives just to name a few.
Audra's unique delivery of information about fraternities and sororities continues to keep members in the greek community happy as they struggled to find periodicals to explain their organizations to their children.
Fresh Publishing has managed to fill a void in the marketplace for positive children's books about African American fraternities and sororities and honestly boasts the originators of the Divine Nine children's book series. "All of my sorority sisters will be really proud of My Mommy Is An AKA, it is truly a one of a kind, literary masterpiece and an heirloom to pass down to our children that is done in a cute and colorful format promoting literacy," states AKA member Cheryl Bell from the Atlanta Tribune.
Interested parties will have a one-of a kind opportunity to meet the author and personally get their book signed on Saturday, May 7th at Tarrazu Gourmet Coffee Bar located at 265 Ponce DeLeon Avenue, N.E., in Midtown Atlanta from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Executive Realty Group and A Class Scholars Day Care are sponsoring the event, which will prove to be an exciting and fun filled afternoon for those patrons receiving their books one day prior to the release date of Mothers Day, Sunday, May 8th. The only other way to receive a specially autographed copy of the book is to be one of the first 100 pre-ordered copies at www.teachmegreek.com or call 1-866-302-2669. The retail price is $18.99 plus tax.
The first-ever children's book series chronicles the nine existing, also known as the Divine 9 African American greek letter organizations in an inspiring light that will educate young children and youth about the positive influences of sororities and fraternities and their historical contribution to African American culture and history as we know it today. Other titles in the series include: My Mommy is a Delta (www.mymommyisadelta.com), My Mommy is a Sigma Gamma Rho (Mothers Day 2006), My Mommy is a Zeta (Mothers Day 2006), My Daddy is a Kappa (Christmas 2005), My Daddy is an Omega (Christmas 2005) My Daddy is an Alpha (Fathers Day, 2005), My Daddy is a Phi Beta Sigma, (Fathers Day, 2006) and My Daddy is an Iota Phi Theta (Fathers Day, 2006). Visit www.teachmegreek.com for these other titles.
Stanford: Alpha Kappa Alpha hosts 11th Dating Game
By Jenny Allen
Senior Staff Writer
Friday, May 6, 2005
Even though the participants of Stanford’s 11th annual Alpha Kappa Alpha Dating Game were not alive when the original show aired in the 1960s and 1970s, the event’s popularity rivaled its vintage namesake. Manzanita Dining Hall, artfully decorated with the sorority’s colors, green and pink, was packed with by the time the program began at 8:30 p.m. yesterday.The game consisted of three rounds — two with three bachelors competing for one eligible bachelorette, and one with the situation reversed. Audience members participated as eligible bachelor and bachelorettes, and off-campus contestants were included for the first time in the event’s history.
Questions posed to the potential suitors included: I just won a trip for two to the Bahamas, why should I take you with me? Describe the perfect meal you would cook for us. If I were in a candy shop, what kind of sweet would you be? And do you wear boxers or briefs and can you please show the audience?
Contestants’ voices were scrambled so that the selector could not identify them. Audience members assisted during the decision-making process by applauding for one of the three contenders.
“People need to know that there is dating at Stanford,” said senior Shani Fregia, co-chair of AKA’s Dating Game. “We just wanted students to come out and have fun, which they clearly did.”
Co-chair Taurean Brown, a senior, said, “This is my third time being involved with this event and even though I knew what to expect, it’s something I still find very entertaining, especially after a long week of midterms. Participants get an all-expenses-paid date and possibly meet a new friend and maybe make a love connection.”
Fregia noted that AKA’s Dating Game falls under the sorority’s national goal of promoting healthy relationships.
The winning couples received gift certificates donated by nearby Cecila’s Mexican restaurant, California Pizza Kitchen, Nola Restaurant and Bar and Pasta? for a romantic dinner date. Other participants had the opportunity to meet someone special during the mixing and mingling party held before and after the show.
“A lot of people may think our programming is only for the Black student population, but it is really catering to the entire Stanford community,” Brown said. AKA is one of Stanford’s black-interest sororities.
The Dating Game is one of the highlights of AKA’s programming week. Today, the Greek group is organizing a barbeque at the Caravan House, a residential group home for at-risk teenage girls. A discussion about the history and achievements of black women is planned for this Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in Tresidder Union.
U. Texas - Arlington Ques: Doing it For the Children Comedian Rickey Smiley helps make charity game a success
By Princess McDowell
The Shorthorn Staff
Comedian Rickey Smiley stole the show at Thursday’s Omega Psi Phi fraternity-sponsored basketball tournament, but he did it without telling jokes or performing his signature imitation of preteen “Lil’ Darrell.”Smiley attended the event benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Arlington and played for a few minutes in the featured game between the Mu Beta chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity and 97.9 FM. He also took time to sign autographs and pose for pictures.
The tournament is part of the weeklong series of events held by the fraternity, which will also include a comedy show and picnic. The group went on Smiley’s radio show Thursday morning to invite people, and Smiley expressed his plan to attend every function.
Jason Hamilton, music business junior and Omega Psi Phi member, said this year’s event was more successful than last year in terms of donations and attendance.
“We did a better job of publicizing it,” he said. “Rickey Smiley definitely brought more people.”
Some from the crowd played basketball in the Activities Building while the latest hip-hop music blared from nearby speakers.
Once the game got underway, both teams kept the audience entertained with hustle plays and dunks that rattled the backboards. Delton Diggles, who played for team 97.9, said he enjoyed playing on the same court as Smiley.
“He made some good passes,” he said.
Through the attention Smiley garnered, the event raised close to $175 for the Boys and Girls Club. Hamilton said that was a big jump from the $30 earned last year.
Smiley, who is a member of the Psi Rho chapter of Omega Psi Phi, said the main reason he came was to help the fraternity’s donation efforts.
“I came to support and raise money for the kids,” he said. “And to hang out with the frat.”
Omega Psi Phi eventually won the game, 68-61, and all members present celebrated by strutting at center court.
Graphic design junior Melissa King said events that benefit charities are a positive thing.
“I think it was a great event and a good way to bring people together,” she said.
Princeton University confronts Greek life
Monday, May 9, 2005
CAMPUS LIFE
Christian Burset
Princetonian Senior Writer
About a year ago, in a second-floor classroom in Frist Campus Center, there was a meeting that would have been unthinkable only four years earlier.The Committee on the Freshman Experience, chaired by Dean of Undergraduate Students Kathleen Deignan, had called a meeting with representatives of the campus' fraternities and sororities.
The leaders of Greek life came reluctantly, not seeing much to gain from such a meeting and fearful they could become targets of University action.
Though the University does not recognize fraternities and sororities, about 15 percent of the student body joins them. For several years, a silent conflict had developed between proponents of Greek life and administrators worried about its impact on undergraduate life — from social division early in freshman year to hazing and alcohol abuse.
A chief concern of administrators was the timing of rush, Greek organizations' recruiting and admissions process durimg the first month of school.
At the meeting, the Committee asked fraternities and sororities to delay rush to January or February.
The fraternity and sorority leaders soundly rejected the request. The meeting went nowhere.
After this, the conflict between the groups and the administration became much sharper.
That summer, without consulting students, Deignan and Vice President for Campus Life Janet Dickerson sent a letter to incoming freshmen to discourage them from joining fraternities and sororities. The move incensed Greek leaders, though they said it had a negligible impact on membership. The administration plans to send a similar letter this summer.
"It was like they were saying, 'thanks for coming to the meeting, we're glad we talked — and screw you,' " said Evan Baehr '05, who attended last spring's meeting on behalf of a fraternity he asked not be identified.
The University's interest in minimizing the role of Greek life comes during a major revamping of the undergraduate experience. The appearance of four-year residential colleges in two years and other efforts to divert attention from the Street — some students and administrators see fraternities and sororities as feeders into selective eating clubs — emphasize the administration's desire to make undergraduate life as inclusive as possible and largely based inside the colleges.
While administrators currently do not plan to have an official policy on Greek groups, which were banned from 1855 to 1940, many students believe the University is waging an increasingly overt war against them.
The administration's interest in Greek life became public in October 2000, when Dickerson broke with the University's previous silence by announcing her intention to talk to fraternity and sorority leaders about their role on campus. "When I came to Princeton, they told me there were no Greek organizations," Dickerson said in an interview.
Five years later, it seems that little has been accomplished.
"There was no relationship" between Greek organizations and the University before last year's meeting, said a former fraternity president on the condition of anonymity. "There is still no relationship."
Speaking specifically about the letter, he said, "Typically the kids who are going to rush fraternities are not going to be swayed . . . by any kind of letter from the administration."
When to rush
At last year's meeting, fraternity and sorority leaders adamantly defended early rush, citing their desire to maximize interaction between freshmen and upperclass members. Recently, however, some sorority and fraternity members have relaxed their opposition to delaying rush.
Kerry Willoughby '05, a Pi Beta Phi member and former president of Princeton's Panhellenic Council, suggested late last month moving rush to November as a compromise.
When told about it, Deignan welcomed the idea.
But some students and administrators doubted that Greek organizations would delay rush. Rush is timed, they said, to capitalize on freshmen's social inexperience.
The former fraternity president agreed that the goal of holding it early in the term is to attract as many freshmen as possible.
"I really enjoyed my fraternity experience. But in leadership positions, you formulate strategies where you want to get to kids early and influence their opinions because you want to build your organization," he said. "You could say it's manipulative."
The administration's concern is that freshmen feel pressured to join Greek organizations when they are socially vulnerable. They also worry that early rush restricts exploring social and extracurricular activities.
Dickerson said she'd like "the first hundred days of the freshmen experience [to] be relatively free of hazing and pledging and enticing events that distract students from what we think are some of the more engaging aspects of freshman year campus life."
Greek life on campus
Fraternities and sororities play a unique role in Princeton's social scene. Unlike the frat houses seen on other campuses, Princeton's social scene is dominated by eating clubs, which have 100 to 200 members each. Rather than forming a separate center, fraternities and sororities mainly help students navigate Princeton's larger social life through lunches and dinners with members, off-campus excursions and community service.
Greek organizations vary in size and attitude. The campus's three historically black sororities — Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta and Zeta Phi Beta — hardly fit into Princeton's model for Greek life. They emphasize community service and delay rush until sophomore year, which makes administrators more positive about their impact on campus life.
In most of the other Greek organizations on campus, alcohol plays a large role in many parts of Greek life. That deeply concerns the University administration.
"[W]hile we recognize that some students join fraternities and sororities primarily for the opportunity to participate in a smaller community of friends," Deignan said, "we know that others join primarily because they perceive a readily available access to alcohol."
Deignan said hazing — banned under New Jersey law and University policy — presents another danger.
"I am aware of many situations where freshman pledges (mostly in fraternities) were put at physical risk or were subjected to humiliating hazing rituals as part of their pledging," Deignan said. "This is very distressing, not only to those of us who are charged with the wellbeing of undergraduates, but also to roommates and others who often worry about their friends."
Fraternities and sororities have tried to get around some University policies that restrict alcohol consumption. Some members said their organizations tend to use hard liquor in response to the ban on kegs in dormitories. Though rush is officially dry, alcohol flows freely at many recruiting events. "Greek life is just one big pre-game," said a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, about the practice of drinking before going out to the eating clubs.
"They always respected whether or not you wanted to drink, but they encouraged drinking a lot," said a freshman who pledged a fraternity and dropped out. "Then again, if you're pledging, you're probably looking for good guys to drink with."
The pledging process varies widely. One visible example is the sight of new fraternity members standing outside McCosh Hall all day dressed like Secret Service agents. Some pledging activities are more strenuous — Dickerson said she heard reports of pledges having to walk home from Lawrenceville or go as far as Buffalo, N.Y., for a scavenger hunt.
But some observers don't agree that Greek life is as problematic as the administration suggests.
Nitesh Paryani '05, an RCA in Wilson Collge, oversaw a group of fraternity members who lived in a large suite in Dodge-Osborne Hall last year. He said the group was respectful of its neighbors and of University policy.
"They make an honest effort to integrate themselves into University life and obey all the rules of the University," Paryani said.
Recognition and concern
About 700 students are in fraternities or sororities at any given time. This year, 138 students rushed sororities. Each of the three sororities that participated in rush this fall — Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma and Pi Beta Phi — offered 36 bids, so that 98 percent of those who completed rush received a bid. Delta Delta Delta, whose charter was revoked this year, did not participate in formal rush. About 200 students rushed fraternities, with a little more than half receiving bids. Sororities all generally have more than 100 members, but fraternities range in size from 10 members to 50.
With that kind of membership — and the funding that comes from dues — fraternities and sororities don't have much interest in University recognition.
"It's pretty clear to me that these organizations don't want full recognition as a student organization," said Associate Dean of Undergraduate Students Thomas Dunne. "With recognition comes a whole host of responsibilities, such as registering all events, and maintaining all financial records in the dean's office."
Dues vary from organization to organization, but most charge around $500 per year.
"It's difficult for me to resolve the relationships the students have to their national organizations, in which they are charged what I see as very high membership dues, that go off-campus to support the national organization," Dunne said.
Administrators still point to public incidents where they think the problems with Greek life are evident. Pi Beta Phi recently had to pay $4,155 to compensate the Nottingham fire company for damages the sorority caused to the firehouse during an event last month.
"This behavior was clearly disrespectful of the property and sensibilities of others," Deignan said. "We have had complaints before from other establishments and bus companies who called to report vandalism and disorderly and disrespectful conduct displayed by fraternity and sorority members toward their property and employees ... It does not surprise me that colleges and universities with recognized Greek systems are frequently required to impose disciplinary sanctions or periodically take steps to remove them from their campuses."
Deeper questions
Underlying the debate over the place of Greek groups is a deeper question: Are fraternities and sororities antithetical to the residential atmosphere Princeton wants to support?
Other Ivy League institutions' attitudes toward Greek life vary widely. Cornell has an official Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, whose website reports that 30 percent of the student population belongs to a Greek organization. The University of Pennsylvania also has over a quarter of students participating in Greek life.
Harvard, however, does not recognize Greek organizations. Fraternities at Harvard are largely seen as alternatives to the exclusive, all-male finals clubs.
At Princeton, administrators recognize that fraternity and sorority members believe their organizations offer a chance for underclassmen to form unique bonds with upperclassmen.
"Many students have told me that their sororities and fraternities have provided smaller communities of friends that helped them quickly feel 'at home' within the larger University," Deignan said.
But she questioned whether Greek groups, with their focus on alcohol and exclusivity, are the best way to accomplish this.
"At a time when the colleges are working hard to create a welcoming environment for all students and a sense of unity among the newest members of our community, these organizations are rushing and selecting some students and not others," she said.
Dunne worried about the effect of rush on students who don't get in. "[It] is different from not getting a bid for an a capella or dance group," he said. "It's different to be told, 'you're just not a good enough singer,' from a more amorphous, 'we just don't want to hang out with you.' "
Frances Schendle '06, a member of both a sorority and the freshman experience committee, said membership in a Greek group doesn't dominate a member's life. Greek members, she said, are involved in many other activities.
"Students at Princeton aren't going to be defined by three Greek letters," she said. "They know when they join that this is just one part of who they are, and rush isn't going to change that."
Some students and administrators also expressed concern that Greek life could compound the exclusivity of Bicker, the selective process used to gain admission to some eating clubs.
"I don't think its any secret to students that certain frats and sororities are feeders to certain eating clubs," said Leslie-Bernard Joseph '06, current USG president and a member of the freshman experience committee. "It funnels you into a social clique for perhaps the rest of your four years on campus."
But Baehr, the fraternity member, disagreed with that view.
"It's just like if you're a member of a sports team," Baehr said. "The more people you know, the more who can support you."
SGRHo: Sorority members gather to honor mothers
Margaret Lampley chosen as group's mother of the year
BY CAROLYN P. SMITH
Posted on Sun, May. 08, 2005
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EAST ST. LOUIS -- Just as they had for 56 years before, members of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority gathered for lunch Saturday to tell their mothers how much they were appreciated."Mothers are our link to the past, and they help direct our future. They represent the ultimate sacrifice," said Raquel Farmer-Hinton.
Farmer-Hinton is the daughter of Edna Farmer, a retired East St. Louis Senior High School English teacher. Farmer-Hinton is an English professor.
"I thank God for my mother. She's like a good reference book. I can go to her with work-related issues, or questions about my friends," Farmer-Hinton said.
"She always has good advice. She's also a source of inspiration and my greatest support."
Margaret Lampley was chosen mother of the year during the lunch at the Garfield Hubbard complex, 5801 State St. The 75-year-old is mother of Brenda Bush, former East St. Louis Mayor Gordon Bush's wife.
"My mother is my stabilizer. She means everything to me," Bush said.
Guest speaker Joyce McKinney said mothers leave legacies of laughter, loyalty, energy, encouragement, enthusiasm, giving, advocacy, admiration, caring and conviction.
Although her mother has died, McKinney said the luncheon gave her a chance to discuss her mother's life and show what she taught.
Brenda Hicks said her mother, Nellie Lowery, also is deceased, but she still cherishes the love and affection her mother gave. She said the wisdom her mother imparted was passed to her children.
The most important message her mother gave her was to "have love and compassion and to love God, herself and others," she said.
Posted on May 14, 2005 at 7:22 AM | Comments (0)
Friday, May 6 Round-Up
UVA Alphas that left the Black Fraternal Council in favor of IFC are doing just fine:
Alpha Phi Alpha Director of Membership Intake Jaron Carter is shown at the APA house. APA, the only black fraternity with a house, decided to join the IFC earlier this year.
Alpha Phi Alpha looks to the future
Alpha members say they are pleased with their decision to join IFC
Becca Garrison
Cavalier Daily Associate Editor
After the Iota Beta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. transferred from the Black Fraternal Council to the Inter-Fraternity Council in February, some members of the University community debated whether the Alphas had made the right decision.Two months later, the Alphas are active members of the IFC and continue to feel positive about their decision, according to Alpha Secretary Cameron Webb.
"It worked out well, and I think we're definitely still exactly on track with our original vision for joining the IFC," Webb said.
In reference to the debate over their decision, Webb said, "I think that as time has gone on we really had the chance to talk to our peers and the administration, and we've really garnered support from the community."
Webb said he thinks the interaction between the BFC and the Alphas and the other IFC chapters has improved significantly since February. IFC President Ross Kimbel said no conflicts have occurred within the IFC since the Alphas became members.
"Contrary to what people may have thought, the switch from the NPHC has actually strengthened communication and ties between myself and Isaac [Agbeshie-Noye, BFC President]," Kimbel said.
Agbeshie-Noye said there has not been any substantial change in the relationship between the IFC and BFC.
"I can honestly say whatever the Alphas do, we will support them because we are historically bound to them," he said. "We hope that they will support us, too."
African-American Affairs Dean M. Rick Turner said he continues to maintain that the Alphas made a wrong choice in switching organizations.
"I thought it was a mistake then, and I still think it's a mistake," Turner said.
Although he said he is opposed to the Alphas' decision, it has not affected his interaction with the IFC, Turner said.
"I have no animosity towards the men in the Alphas," he said. "I still love those young men like they were my own sons. This is not about being mad at them."
Turner said enhancing the relationship between the Office of African-American Affairs and the IFC is entirely separate from the Alphas' switch. He said he currently is working on a program with Kimbel for IFC members to tutor inner-city students.
"The catalyst to strengthening the relationship between the IFC and the Office of African-American Affairs was the Alphas joining the IFC," Kimbel said.
As for any hard feelings from the BFC, Kimbel said he maintains that there are none.
"Isaac and I meet on a regular basis and there are zero hard feelings between us," Kimbel said. "We are collaborating more closely than every."
Kimbel said the Alphas contribute more community service hours per man than the other members of the IFC, and the Alphas' goals of community service are a great contribution to the organization's success.
Structurally, a large difference between the Alphas and the rest of the IFC is their rush process. Organizing an open house for the Alphas during the IFC rush weeks is a possibility as an effort for the Alphas to become a part of a broader Greek community, Webb said.
The BFC is going through its own structural changes as it heads towards becoming a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. The change began to take place before the Alphas switched organizations and now is in the final stages of paperwork, Agbeshie-Noye said.
"We did realize altogether that there were some things we wanted to change," he said. "So we made some changes and organized the Council so that we could more efficiently serve the community."
Webb and Kimbel said the Alphas and the IFC are looking forward to the next year.
"We really want to thank everyone for their support both with the African-American communities and the University community at large and the brothers are all very grateful," Webb said. "Everything is definitely looking up. Keep your eyes and ears open for big things coming from the Iota Beta chapter next year."
Black Student Life at 'Bama, Frats Included
Article published May 4, 2005
Segregation Remains at Ferg
Why the University's student center is divided with a racial line.
Chad Hullett, staff reporter
A little more than 40 years ago, former Alabama Gov. George Wallace proclaimed Alabama would remain a segregated state for eternity. While time has proven Wallace wrong, the University is still a segregated place -- at least at lunch.Every day around noon, the University's Ferguson Student Center becomes segregated. A large percentage of black students who choose to eat in the Ferg tend to congregate near the theater, while their white counterparts mingle outside Starbucks.
One of the main reasons the segregation of the Ferg is accepted and popular is that a large number of black Greeks tend to congregate in that area.
"When I was in school a lot of times the Alphas, Kappas, AKAs and Deltas would all be sitting over there at different tables," said Derrick Pugh, an alumnus of the University. "It was really a cool thing because everyone seemed unified and friendly."
Brandon Murray, a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, said it's become a tradition among a lot of the campus organizations.
"From time to time, black Greeks have mini-step shows called 'step teases' at the Ferg Theater," Murray said. "They are very popular events among the black students on campus and many of the Greeks and students sit over there to grab a bite to eat before they go to the step tease."
APA threw the most recent step tease at the Ferg Theater. Immediately afterwards, some of the members of Omega Psi Phi stood outside the theater and had an impromptu step show. A large group of black students stood outside to watch.
"Back when I was there, we used to get dressed up to go to the Ferg during lunch time," Pugh said.
He said the "black" side of the Ferg was more of a way to meet students of a similar race.
"It was never a negative thing," Pugh said. "I know some people used to plan their schedules around being in the Ferg. We called it 'Black Power Hour.'"
What some would call black students' "self-segregation" essentially began as a sort of self-preservation.
"I think when it started, black people just needed a place to come and be comfortable," Murray said. "Just because a lot of black people sit over there doesn't mean that no one else can."
Murray, a senior TCF major, said the black side of the Ferg has been there since he came to school in 2000.
"It probably won't ever go away," he said. "It's a place to meet, mingle and have fun with people you know."
Anti-Hazing Law Gets Final Approval in Florida
Anti-hazing law gets final approval in Legislature
By Anthony Man
Staff writer
May 3, 2005
TALLAHASSEE · Spurred by the death of a University of Miami student, Florida legislators gave final approval Monday to a measure that would strengthen the law against hazing.If it receives the governor's OK, the Chad Meredith Act would make high school or college hazing a crime that could bring time behind bars.
Its namesake, Meredith, wound up with a blood alcohol level of 0.13 one night in November 2001 after attending a concert and drinking with members of the fraternity he hoped to join. He drowned while attempting a predawn swim across Lake Osceola on campus.
The legislation (HB 193), sponsored by state Rep. Adam Hasner, R-Delray Beach, and state Sen. Skip Campbell, D-Fort Lauderdale, received nearly unanimous support.
Hasner, 35, was a member of Phi Delta Theta as an undergraduate at the University of Maryland at College Park, a chapter adviser during law school at Florida State, and a national officer.
Hasner said his legislation would make sure "there's a price to pay for participating in hazing activities that result in serious bodily injury."
The only "no" vote in either the House or Senate came from House Minority Leader Chris Smith, D-Fort Lauderdale, who said a new law isn't necessary because serious conduct could be prosecuted under other laws.
Smith, also 35, was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, N.C.
"I volunteered to pledge," he said. "Anything that did happen to me, I was an adult and allowed it to happen." That included suffering a fractured hand, explaining only, "I fell."
The measure provides for up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine for an act of hazing that creates a substantial risk of physical injury or death and five years in prison and a $5,000 fine if the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death.
Tyler, TX AKAs plan Art Alive!
The local Tyler chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., will present Arts Alive! at 6 p.m. Friday, May 13, in the Jan E. Jones Fine Arts Center on the Robert E. Lee High School campus.Arts Alive! is an area-wide youth arts competition in which youngsters (grades 7-12) will showcase their talents in art, dance, drama and music, organizers said. Tickets are $5, and may be purchased from sorority members and at MOM Record Store. Proceeds will benefit Alpha Kappa Alpha's scholarship fund.
Co-hosts for the event will be Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority member Constance Jones, KETK 56 reporter/anchor; and Darryl Bowdre, minister of South Central Church of Christ, editor-in-chief of Ebony News Journal, and executive director of the Tyler Metro Chamber of Commerce.
Guest performers include the "Debonair Divas" Step Team of John Tyler High School, under the direction of Nancy Taylor.
The Tyler Parks & Recreation Department Intermediate Jazz Dance Group under the direction of dance instructor Pam Erwin, also are scheduled to perform.
Greta Moore-Dixon, a retired New York City teacher and music Coordinator, initiated the AKA Youth Arts Showcase in Tyler in 2003. Her goal is to foster confidence in young artists and to give them the opportunity to be recognized for their creative achievements, organizers said.
Previous first place winners from the 2003 AKA Youth Arts Competition will be inducted into the "Marian Anderson Hall of Fame" during the May 14 Arts Alive! presentation. Marian Anderson, an internationally acclaimed opera singer, was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She was the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera on Jan. 10, 1955.
Other notable sorority members in the arts have included Maya Angelou, BeBe Moore Campbell, Suzanne de Passe, Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen Delavellade, Alicia Keys, Gladys Knight, Ntozake Shange, Jada Pinkett Smith and lyanla Vanzant.
The 2006 Marian Anderson Hall of Fame inductees are DeMonica Banks, Dominqu-etrex Brewer, Mercedes Bush, Blair Caldwell, Tikilya Caldwell, Katherine Davis, Damian Hawkins, Adrian Hilburn, Stephanie Idio, Jameson Minter, Jasmine Session, Ifiori Umana and Ruby Washington.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., encourages its chapters to sponsor innovative arts projects as part of their ongoing service. Other program targets are Economics, Education, Health, and The Black Family.
Linda White is the 2002-2006 national president of the sorority. Darlene M. Lewis is president of Gamma Omicron Omega Chapter.
Members of the Arts and Culture Committee are Berdine Craddock, Winifred Johnson, Constance Jones, Martha McCormick, Tijuana McDonald, Patricia Norman, Sonja Watson, Carolyn Williams, and Greta Moore-Dixon, chairperson.
Posted on May 6, 2005 at 9:51 PM | Comments (0)
Round-Up for April 28
Alphas and AKAs Get Down to Business in Pittsburgh
For the next four days, the camaraderie and time-honored traditions usually shrouded in secrecy on leafy college campuses will be out in the open.A legion of 500 men will march upon the Hilton Pittsburgh, Downtown, proudly showing the black and gold colors of Alpha Phi Alpha, a black fraternity founded 99 years ago.
At the other end of Downtown, at the Westin Convention Center hotel, their sister group, the Alpha Kappa Alphas, will gather 1,300 strong.
Each group is having a four-day regional convention. It's unusual that they happen in the same town at the same time and the coincidence means an explosion of social, volunteer and career development activities for the black professionals and college students who make up the groups' membership.
By the time the dinners, workshops and boat rides are over, the groups' members are expected to drop more than $1 million into the city's coffers, according to the Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Ice Train Attracts 1,000 plus (Arizona Alphas)
The sounds of stomping, clapping and canes against the stage floor filled Centennial Hall Saturday afternoon.More than 1,000 people attended the Sixth Annual Ice Train Classic Step Show hosted by the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
The event has grown every year since its inception in 1999. In the beginning, the show could barely fill the Social Sciences auditorium with the capacity of 500 people. Now the fraternity is celebrating its second year hosting the show in Centennial Hall.
The step show showcased the talents of six teams from all over the West Coast.
The Black Student Association and the National Panhellenic Council hosted a step competition as a finale to Stompweek 2005. Acts from Oklahoma, Louisiana, Missouri and Texas competed and young local step teams performed as exhibition acts.
Fraternity member arrested on battery charges (SIUE Ques)
Published: Tuesday, April 26, 2005
A member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity was arrested Sunday, April 17, on battery charges in an incident after the March Down.A 21-year-old woman came to SIUE from Chicago for Omega Psi Phi's March Down with two other women. One of the women was familiar with Harold Turney, a member of the fraternity.
After the March Down, the alleged victim said there was a "get together" at 12 Devon Court in Edwardsville where alcohol was being served.
While leaving, the alleged victim claimed Michael A. Parks, a member of Omega Psi Phi, lifted her skirt up while walking to her car in the rear parking lot.
"I turned around and said some choice words to him," the alleged victim told the Alestle. "Then he punched me in the face."
The alleged victim said she tried to fight back, but another person had came between her and Parks. Parks then allegedly tried to hit her a second time but missed, she said.
According to the victim, she was then picked up and carried to the parking lot. At that time, she allegedly tried to ask people for Parks' name, but no one would tell her.
"(Turney) wouldn't tell me because it would be disloyal to the fraternity," the alleged victim said. "Finally, a girl there gave me Parks' business card. He apparently gave it to her earlier."
When the alleged victim said she was going to call the police, members of Omega Psi Phi then allegedly gave Parks directions to leave and avoid running into police.
After Parks left, the police came, and the victim filed an official report and gave the police Parks' business card. The police then called Parks' cell phone and asked him to return.
When Parks returned to Devon Court, he allegedly claimed it was the victim who attacked him. Allegedly, no one in the fraternity admitted to witnessing the incident, but the alleged victim claims there were at least 10 people who saw it.
Parks was arrested for battery and taken to the Edwardsville Police Department where he posted the $100 cash bond.
Youth, parents get financial, health tips at annual summit (Jackson, TN Deltas and Ques)
Members of the local chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity did their part Saturday to help local youth maintain their physical and fiscal health.Sixty-two youths between the ages of 10 and 17, along with 18 local adults and parents, gathered at Jackson State Community College to participate in forums and discussions during the ninth annual teen summit. The target age for the summit was 12 and older, but some 10-year-olds attended.
The teens rotated between three sessions: ''Get Your Money Straight,'' ''Healthy Choices: Take Control'' and ''Being an Offensive Player in the Game of Life.''
Sigma Jewels presented at Miss Rhomania/Courante Ball: Shreveport SGRhos
Seven debutantes were presented Saturday at "Sigma Jewels, Timeless Treasures," the Miss Rhomania/Courante Ball.It was given by Beta Omega Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority at Shreveport Convention Hall.
As each debutante stepped onto the royal blue carpet, she made an entrance through a Victorian arch accented with yellow tea roses embellished with soft lights and suspended jewels.
The stage was set with columns draped with royal blue and antique gold tulle, elements that complemented the exquisite floral arrangements.
Each debutante was presented gifts from her sponsor and the sorority.
University of Washington Sigma Probate Warning, this isn't a good article, but they tried.
Drawing more than 300 people to see a rare -- and boisterous -- fraternity initiation ceremony, nine men took their first "steps" into brotherhood with a little sweat, blood and step dancing yesterday.The UW's black fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma, showed off its new members in an elaborate celebration in front of the HUB.
The men, dressed in blue dress shirts with black ties, slacks and shoes, signifying the fraternity's colors, culminated with a probate ceremony after more than a month of memorizing routines, songs and fraternity history.
Posted on April 28, 2005 at 8:23 AM | Comments (0)
School Dayz: Steppin' from Detention to Distinction
It was that time of year again -- time for the annual step show at Georgetown, sponsored by the Georgetown University Step Team (or GUST, which I am a founder of). This year's theme was School Dayz: Steppin' from Detention to Distinction. The event, as in previous years, was held in Gaston Hall, which seats approximately 700. I would say that the venue was filled to 75 or 80 percent, but I'm not the best judge of such things.
Although GUST tried very hard for the show to begin promptly at 9:00pm, it really didn't start until 9:30. Gaston Hall was in use prior to the show, so the earliest teams could come in for their stage time was 7:00pm.
This was the first year that so many teams adhered to the theme of the show -- it was also the first year that GUST really incorporated the theme into every facet of the show, from the programs (which looked like composition notebooks), to the hosts DeVoia "Principal" Stewart and Jaiza "Hall Monitor" Page, to members of the team who were planted in the audience and sent to "detention" for talking and eating in class. In fact -- I've never seen ANY step show go to such lengths to bring the theme home.
Inside the composition-style programs was our class schedule. First up was Homeroom, "Growth & Development" which was presented by the Self-Esteem Enhancement (See) Youth Step Team. Clearly coached by a Sigma, these young ladies were on point. While many of their steps were familiar to the audience, their enthusiasm and unique DC flavor set them apart from all other step teams. With their SEE shirts and blue jeans, these ladies were an excellent beginning to the show.
Our First Period Math class, Iota 101, was cancelled due to the Iotas not showing up.
Third Period brought us to Science class -- Kappa Kemistry. I must confess that I am am really fond of two of these gentleman, Mark and Fred, who crossed in Spring '02. Out of nowhere, it seems, Kappa Chi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., went from a small (and from an outsider's perspective, struggling) chapter, to a thriving metropolitan chapter encompassing men from Georgetown, George Washington, and American Universities. I am really proud of them, and happy that strong Georgetown men like Fred and Mark have led this chapter to many accolades and accomplishments.
This was a really good performance, full of precision and excitement. While it was known that the Kappas had another engagement the same night and would have to leave immediately after their performance, many audience members expressed their desire to see more. In contrast to their performance in the 2004 GUST show, which I considered excellent, last night's performance was only very very good. Which ain't bad at all.
Next up was English class with the Zetas of Beta Zeta Chapter. Although I am not one hundred percent sure, I believe that their performance was meant to mimic the film School Daze. I was a little disappointed in this performance. From an aesthetic perspective, I felt there was too much "talking" and not enough stepping -- an opinion that was shared with the audience members sitting behind me. From a Greek perspective, I felt as though much of what the Zetas were parodying was only really understood by Greeks -- a tactic that won't really work at a Georgetown step show as much as it would at say a Howard show. I believe that their 2004 performance was better when it comes to style and precision.
Bonus points for incorporating "Da Butt" into the routine, though!
We had recess (intermission) and then came back strong for Physical Education -- The Omega Workout Plan!!!
I was so happy that the Ques made their triumphant return to Georgetown. Even though the Que style is different from most other step teams, I was happy it wasn't all simple hops. They sang, they marched, they did the damn thing. Yes, some of it was sexual, but it wasn't disrespectful to Georgetown or GUST or ladies in general.
And uh ruh..... yeah, let's just say it was gettin' hot in there. I had my favorite, lol. The Omega Men of Baltimore can come back to Georgetown any day.
I'm just sayin'....
Next we had study hall with the AKAs of Omicron Pi Chapter (Georgetown, Trinity, and Catholic). Primarily there were four steppers wearing pink sweaters and pink shoes. In the background were a number of girls wearing brand new crossing t-shirts. Apparently, these were the chapter neos. Toward the end of the show, the neos came out and did a step that was to the tune of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme -- it was an allusion to the crisis of 1913, if you know what I mean. Something like "It was Northwest DC, born and raised/Miner Hall was where we spent most of our days....then a couple of girls who were up to no good/started causing trouble in my sisterhood..." The sorors did really well! This was the first time O Pi performed in this show. One of them is a former member of GUST! I remember when she was a freshman and Shari and I had just crossed Alpha and Zeta, respectively.
The Alphas were next. They were a lot better than last year. A few missteps when it came to precision, but all in all, it was nice to let out an A Phi.
And finally.....the ladies and gentleman of GUST. THEY WERE GREAT!!!!! They are damn near of a professional caliber now. They were the epitome of precision, rhythm, class, humor, and they had the theme DOWN. I can't even explain it adequately -- I wish I had a video clip. It was a long performance with many parts, but not a lot of pauses.
Damn....GUST done got as good, if not better, than some of the best Greek teams I know of.
All in all, I had a good time. Can't wait 'til next year!
Posted on April 24, 2005 at 12:21 PM | Comments (1)
Round-Up Extra: Kappas at Bethune-Cookman Suspended for Seven Years
Kappas banned at Bethune-Cookman for seven years
By Kari Cobham, Voice of the Wildcats-BCC
April 15, 2005
The members of the Gamma Theta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. will not be wearing their gear on the Bethune-Cookman College campus any time soon.
Effective March18, Valencia Cooper, vice president for student affairs, suspended the college chapter for seven years in light of escalating conflicts between members in the group since spring 2004.
"I feel that the suspension was unfair and I was hurt," said Antron Mahoney, current president of the Gamma Theta chapter.
"But with a lot of the things that have been going on, I could see why the administration would want to take that action," the graduating senior said.
As a result of the suspension, the fraternity will not be allowed to have a tree or identifying landmark on the college's campus. They will also be prohibited from wearing member paraphernalia, hosting functions or engaging in a new member intake process.
The problems within the group have remained rumor until recently when some members of the chapter appeared on campus less than a week before the March 12 Greek Letter Advisory Council coming out show, bearing signs against other members.
Subsequent to the show, incident reports, a hearing, a suspension and fines brought the administration to the difficult decision to ban the organization.
According to Darnell Walker, a self-professed Nupe, the decision to bear placards publicly was a sign of protest against another group of Kappas and their presence in the brotherhood.
"I don't consider them part of the group," said Walker, 22, who was only recently reinstated in February 2005 as a Kappa after being suspended in April 2004.
Although admittedly now a non-financial member, Walker points to the fact that he and nine other members were not informed of their suspension by Cooper until October 2004 after making inquiries. Yet another example of how deep the division has become, he said.
On the Nupe side of the dissention, Walker believes the other members, who he refers to as "Paper," were threatening the Kappa tradition.
"We want to keep tradition in the organization, because when this happens there's a brotherhood that comes with that," said Walker, a graduating senior.
Mahoney refrained from commenting on Walker's allegations and the circumstances surrounding the suspension out of loyalty to the organization.
"Kappa business is Kappa business," Mahoney said.
However, he did voice his belief that certain members of the fraternity have gone against the rules of the college and Kappa policy.
"It's sad to see that an organization with such talented people won't be able to prosper on this campus," said Mahoney, a Kappa since 2003.
Despite the division, both Walker and Mahoney expressed regret at the state of the Gamma Theta chapter.
"I hate to see Gamma Theta go, but I believe in destroying everything and rebuilding," Walker said.
"Hopefully we can learn from this and other organizations can learn from our mistakes too," Mahoney said.
Vice President for Student Activities Valencia Cooper and Student Government Association President Jared Yancey could not be reached for comment on the decision to take the Kappas off of the yard.
Kari Cobham is a student at Bethune-Cookman College who writes for the Voice of the Wildcats..
Posted on April 21, 2005 at 8:30 AM | Comments (1)
Round-Up for April 21
Family of Brothers
African-American Fraternities Foster Community at Georgetown
The red and white striped walking canes might give it away. Or perhaps the “skeeeeeee weeeee” calls to ladies in pink and green might let you know.Whether it’s through the paraphernalia or activity programming, Black Greek Letter Organizations — fraternities specifically tailored to the black community — are alive and thriving at Georgetown.
About a dozen Georgetown students are involved in historically BGLOs for a variety of reasons, even though Georgetown does not officially recognize Greek life on campus.
Mark Jean (NHS ’05) calls his fraternity a place to form “a bond.”
Jean became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi in spring 2002 after he “saw what the Kappas on campus were doing, and what the organization stood for … and that really resonated in my spirit.”
Inspired by the African American male businessmen, preachers, doctors and lawyers in the fraternity, Jean said that he felt that he would be pushed to be the best and would receive encouragement from a group of people who understood him and truly cared.
In this way, people like Jean say that black Greek life has helped them bond as sisters and brothers. Not only do these organizations stand as symbols of black culture, but they often plan events and activities to celebrate this.
The most active of the black fraternities on Georgetown’s campus are the Kappa Alpha Psi with six members, Alpha Kappa Alpha with five members and Delta Sigma Theta with one. In past years membership numbers have fluctuated.
Whereas most college fraternities are stereotyped as characterized by Greek houses, boisterous parties and collegiate camaraderie, members of Georgetown’s BGLOs say that black fraternities and sororities have an added element. They were established — many of them first in the District — as a way to foster lifelong sisterhood and brotherhood among black students as well as providing opportunities to network and to give back to the community.
Stomping to the complex rhythm of step routines, many students in BGLOs spend late hours perfecting this age-old cultural expression of rhythm and dance, for example. But they also roll out of bed early to participate in community service projects for the homeless and others.
Despite the positive aspects of BGLOs, negative stereotypes also accompany the groups.
Jennifer Fisher (COL ’05), a member of the Nu Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, said that many fraternal organizations in general are stereotyped as being entirely social and nothing else.
“Georgetown boasts about diversity and has been called one of the best universities for black students, yet it often fails to support issues that are most important to us,” she said.
Thus Fisher and other students look to BGLOs to build support networks and friendships.
But some administrators are opposed to fraternal organizations altogether.
According to Martha Swanson, Georgetown’s director of student programs, building networks is something that should be open to all in the university, not just those who make it into a fraternity or sorority.
“The university believes in open organizations and inclusiveness,” she said. “Any organization that does not allow anybody to join and has a kind of secret ritual around it doesn’t live out the values of Jesuit education the way Georgetown sees it.”
But while administrators have declined to offer official university recognition to BGLOs, student members insist that there are few organizations that they would rather be involved in.
“One of the biggest benefits is that you have so many opportunities to form lifelong relationships with so many different people, all while knowing that you are doing things to better your community,” Renee Coleman (NHS ’06), who is president of the Omicron Pi Chapter, said. “Service to all mankind is our primary focus, and even though it’s fun to fellowship with other Greeks, serving the community is our passion.”
UCSD students have party for youngsters in city (Alpha Phi Omega)
April 17, 2005
UCSD's Alpha Phi Omega threw a party for neighborhood youngsters at the North Park Recreation Center yesterday, but there was a serious side to the fun and games."We wanted to focus on kids planning for their future," said David Waymane, a University of California San Diego senior manning the information booth. So in addition to the ring toss and the ping-pong ball toss and face painting, there were bottle rockets for aspiring astronauts and some rain forest-oriented arts and crafts, including paper butterflies made from coffee filters.
The bottle rockets had their ups and downs early on, but once the technical details – mainly a mixture of vinegar and baking soda and the speedy placement of an all-important cork – were ironed out, suborbital launches up to 10 feet resumed with a fair degree of reliability.
There was some debate about what exactly happens when you mix the baking soda and vinegar fuels.
"Water for sure," said Kevin Tsai, a junior majoring in management science.
"And carbon dioxide," said Cornelia Burns, a sophomore majoring in chemistry.
The carbon dioxide provided the "oomph" needed to send some of the bottle rockets from a bucket doubling as a launch pad.
No one was a loser yesterday, and every youngster received at least one ticket just for a trying a game that was redeemable for a prize later on. Good scores on those games earned more tickets.
Josephine Quintero, 7, a pupil at North Park Elementary School, was encouraged to collect more tickets for a bigger prize when she decided to cash three tickets.
Josephine collected four more at the Lily Pad Leap, which involved landing a ping-pong ball in any of a dozen bowls floating in a kiddie wading pool, and then went in search of others.
Nearby, Michael Cooksey, 3, was a bit dubious about having his face painted with a spider web.
"He looks like he's going to cry. He's shy," said his mother, Carnel.
Jade Bito-Onon, a UCSD sophomore majoring in cognitive science, brought Eduardo Garcia and Ivan Ramirez, two 10-year-olds from National City's Central Elementary School, to the fair. She tutors the youngsters during school hours.
Parents also had an opportunity to have their youngsters fingerprinted and photographed, courtesy of the local chapter of the Child Rescue Network.
The group has provided identification cards for about 3,000 youngsters in the last three years, said director Jodi Breslow.
Alpha Phi Omega is a coed fraternity with a service orientation, and about half the 150 members were on hand yesterday, along with 10 pledges from the UCLA chapter.
Members had worked at Qualcomm Stadium and Petco Park to raise part of the $2,500 needed to stage yesterday's "Explore the Future" carnival, and grants and contributions made up the rest, Waymane said.
Purdue disbands Kappas, group revokes charter
A fraternity lost its recognition as a University organization after an investigation uncovered several infractions from a party on Feb. 12.Members of Kappa Alpha Psi rented a room at the Delta Sigma Phi house, 341 Northwestern Ave., during which Purdue and West Lafayette police departments and the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office were called to the house.
The investigation uncovered violations including underage drinking, fighting and possession of drugs and weapons.
Pablo Malavenda, associate dean of students for student activities and organizations, said the fraternity has had a history of misconduct that dates back almost 16 years and lost its recognition before in the early 1990s.
Malavenda said the fraternity had been allowed back to the University only because of his authorization.
"They knew what the stipulations were for them to come back and I don’t think they met the expectations I set forth for them when they came back," he said.
"This is one more indication that the organization did not have the leadership to understand right from wrong and didn’t have the leadership to get beyond this."
As a result, Kappa Alpha Psi will remain unrecognized by the University until 2010 and the national organization will revoke the fraternity’s charter and close the chapter.
Purdue also placed Delta Sigma Phi, the fraternity that rented the house to Kappa Alpha Psi, on probation until Sept. 15 for exceeding fire-code capacity standards.
"I’m confident that they’re not going to be renting out their house again in the future," Malavenda said.
Kappa Alpha Psi may submit an appeal request to the Campus Board of Appeals before April 27, which Shy-Quon Ely, chapter adviser and alumnus, said the fraternity will file by Friday.
Ely said that under no circumstances does the fraternity condone drug use.
"The sanctions levied do not fit with what we’re being punished for," he said.
"We are concerned with the allegations that have arisen about the party we threw and that the allegations are exaggerated. We will iron these details out through the appeals process and we feel that the issue will be resolved shortly."
SIUE Sigma Hazing Suit Settled
A lawsuit brought by an SIUE student who said he was paddled so hard during a fraternity hazing that he was hospitalized for three days was dismissed Thursday from Madison County Circuit Court.Advertisement
Click to learn more...The suit was brought by Prentice Motley, of Decatur, against Phi Beta Sigma, the fraternity he was hoping to pledge in April of 2002.
The case was on the trial docket for April 5 but was postponed while attorneys tried to reach a compromise. A member of the fraternity, Malike Perkins, who was 19 at the time, admitted paddling Motley the day before Motley entered the hospital and has been sentenced to a year's probation.
"This was just an out-of-court settlement at a considerably compromised amount," said Robbye Hill Toft, a St. Louis attorney who represented the fraternity. "It was just intended to bring resolution to an unfortunate situation."
She declined to comment further about the case.
According to court records, Motley was one of three people pledging the fraternity when the alleged incident occured. He went to the hospital the next day complaining of fever and severe pain.
Prosecutors said later that reports that the paddling had ruptured Motley's kidney were innacurate.
According to court records, SIUE officials suspended the fraternity pending an investigation. In a written response to Motley's allegations, Toft denied that Phi Beta Sigma had a chapter at SIUE at the time. She denied that Motley's kidney ruptured as a result of the paddling and she claimed that the injuries "were a result of negligent conduct of a third party over whom the fraternity had no control."
The suit alleges that the fraternity was negligent by:
- hazing Motley;
- physically assaulting and battering him during the process of accepting him into the fraternity;
- not properly supervising fraternity members during the pledge process; and
- not properly training its members in the proper methods of pledging.
The suit alleges that Motley suffered severe and permanent injuries, internally, externally, and emotionally.
The suit, filed by Collinsville attorney Steven C. Giacoletto, sought in excess of $50,000.
According to an Incident Investigation Report filed with the suit in June of 2003, Perkins acknowledged that he paddled Motley but said he did not appear to be in any pain during the incident or immediately afterward. Perkins waited until the day after the incident to seek hospitalization.
Frederich Spencer has been sentenced to a year's probation, and Adedamola Oshin has also been sentenced to a year's probation for lying to a Madison County grand jury.
On Feb. 17, 2005, felony hazing charges were dropped against another fraternity member, Deanthony Moore, of Edwardsville. He was allowed to plead guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct.
Motley, now 24, graduated from SIUE in December with a degree in management information systems.
Accident Takes Lives of UI Alumni (Two are Kappas)
Three University of Illinois graduates were killed early Sunday morning after their car flipped over the median on Interstate 57, slamming into an incoming van.Charisse R. Hartzol, 22, of Hazelcrest, Ill., Ramadan K. El-Amin, 23, of Chicago Heights, Ill., and Michael Edwards, 25, of Chicago were driving north to the Chicagoland area following a Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity party held on campus Saturday to celebrate the new pledge class of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. The driver of the southbound van - Edward T. Gaines, 62, of Monee, Ill. - was also killed, while the two passengers in the van were injured and sent to a nearby hospital. Two people in a third vehicle, which ran into a ditch on the west side of the interstate after trying to evade the accident, were not hurt.
El-Amin graduated from the University last May and had enrolled in the doctoral program at the University of Illinois-Chicago with a fellowship.
Oliver Hatchett, junior in communications, said he knew all three alums and that he was close friends of Edwards and El-Amin, whom he met his freshman year. He said the deaths greatly affected the African-American community, especially the upperclassmen.
"It's a situation that has opened a lot of people's eyes and help them realize how precious life is," Hatchett said.
Arthur Scales, president of the University chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, said his fraternity was especially saddened by the loss of El-Amin and Edwards, who had joined the fraternity together in the fall of 2000. Scales said that he feared the driver or one or more passengers might have fallen asleep behind the wheel, causing a loss of control of the vehicle.
The Black Greek Council at the University is holding a memorial service for the three University victims at 8:30 tonight in room 112 of Gregory Hall.
The Council forwarded an e-mail to its members on Monday that stated, "the tragic death of our three former students has left many of us feeling an extreme amount of grief. Please join the council in remembering the joy these students brought to our lives and help each other make it through these very difficult times."
Hatchett said the death of the three alumni will bring the African-American community together.
"God is in control of every situation," Hatchett said. "He has a purpose for everyone, and we have to look at the positives of this situation. This event will help unify the African-American community.
"At times like this, it is very important to continue to pray. These prayers will get us through this difficult time."
More than 200 students, faculty and alumni gathered on the steps of Foellinger Auditorium on Tuesday night to mourn the passing of three recent University graduates.Three alumni were killed in an automobile accident Sunday morning on Interstate 57. Charisse R. Hartzol, 22, of Hazelcrest, Ill., was driving home from a Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity party when her car crossed the highway median and slammed into an oncoming van. Her passengers, Ramadan K. El-Amin, 23, of Chicago Heights, Ill., and Michael Edwards, 25, of Chicago were also killed.
The van's driver, Edward Gaines, 62, of Monee, Ill., was also killed. His two passengers were listed in critical condition at the time of this report.
Tuesday's candlelight vigil was followed by prayers and song. Those in attendance then proceeded to room 112 in Gregory Hall where mourners passed a table with images of the three alums to pay their final respects. A slide presentation depicting photographs of the recently deceased was shown to the audience as people offered scriptures, poems and songs.
University alum Sherrika Ellison and University student in LAS Arthur Scales preformed "Eyes is on the Sparrow."
Purple ribbons were given to attendees to commemorate the service.
"It's been very hard for upperclassmen; They were very very close to (the three)," said Nameka Bates, assistant director in the office of the dean of students, who was at the vigil. "For those who can't make it to the funeral, this is their chance to grieve."
Mourners were allowed to address the gathering of people and reflect on their memories of those that they lost.
Presentations from members of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and friends of Hartzol shared people's memories of the three.
The classroom quickly filled to capacity, and many mourners were left standing in the halls. The heat and anxiety to get inside the room added to the emotions of the already fragile group. Many began to weep as they passed the table with images of their friends. Many who were unable to participate in the services sobbed as they waited in the hallway.
Posted on at 7:58 AM | Comments (0)
April 14 Round-Up
Southern University Greeks Faced with More Vandalism
All nine black Greek letter fraternities and sororities at Southern University have trees or areas decorated with their paraphernalia. During the past two years, five Greek organizations have had their area vandalized and several experienced it more than once. Areas decorated by Alpha Kappa Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta have all been sabotaged."It is happening too frequently," said president of the SU Pan-Hellenic Council Mary K. Sims. "They are not getting caught so they just keep doing it."
On Wednesday, the Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta area behind Augusts C. Blanks Hall was found defaced with green spray paint. Paint was found on their tree, trashcan, all four benches and the cement between their trees.
"You know how you put your heart and hard work into something and somebody just trashes it, it just hurts your heart," said Genael Moore, senior history major from Shreveport and member of Phi Beta Sigma.
Howard Greeks Present Their New Members
Rashid's note: I like how the Hilltop just steals one of my pictures without the proper credit or a link to my site. Where are the ethics? Jerks.
Classes seemed the furthest on students' priority list Friday, as a crowded Yard was the scene for the probates of four Greek organizations' newest members."It was a mad scene out there," said Deirdre Waters, a freshman biology major. "There were people covering every inch of the Yard, people in trees and in windows; it was just live."
One of the biggest spectacles was when the "137 P.R.I.V.Y." strutted onto the Yard dressed in salmon colored dresses, accentuated with white pearl necklaces and earrings, and sunglasses, forming "AKA" on the main circle.
University of Missouri - Columbia: Black & Gold Pageant
The pageant was one of the many events the fraternity sponsored last week. Other events included free bowling in Brady Commons, a forum discussion on black male-female relationships, a powder-puff football tournament and an open mic night. The fraternity also took a trip to Hickman High School to inform high school students about the benefits of a college education."We focused our week around the motto of our fraternity, 'First Of All, Servants Of All, We Shall Transcend All,'" Ayanaw said. "We wanted to uplift the community, while at the same time being innovative with the events that we put on."
UNC: Diverse groups step out in sync
The diverse crowd at the 16th annual Greek Freak Invitational Stepshow and Afterparty on Saturday night proved that it only takes a single mutual interest to fuse an unlikely medley of audience members.The more than 2,500 people who filed through the bleachers of Carmichael Auditorium were interested in seeing some of the best clapping, dancing, stomping — and, occasionally, grinding — that teams hailing from Pennsylvania to Florida had to offer.
“Everyone brought such quality acts and performances,” said T.J. Abrams, president of the Mu Zeta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity Inc., which hosted the event.
Howard AKAs Emphasize STD Awareness, Prevention
In an effort to create awareness surrounding health issues facing college students, the ladies of Alpha Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. hosted "Uncovering the Risks" STD Awareness and Prevention, with Planned Parenthood health educator Courtney Lewis as a guest speaker.The purpose of the program was to encourage students to remain aware of health risks associated with unprotected sex.
"We felt it was important to enlighten the Howard community about safe sex and uncover the risks of STD's," said Alpha Chapter President Lisa Braz.
Howard AKAs: Free Health Screenings
As part of Health Week 2005, "T.R.U.T.H. Is...Unveiling a Healthier You," the ladies of Alpha Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. offered free health screenings yesterday in Blackburn Center from 12p.m. to 3p.m.It included body mass index, cholesterol, alcohol/depression, dental screenings and more.
"It's always important for students on college campuses to get tested for various things," Amie McLain, a senior broadcast journalism major and co-chair of the Health Week 2005, said. "Today, we had students get tested for depression, body mass, dental screenings and alcoholism."
West Memphis AKAs hold 14th annual twenty pearls scholarship pagent
The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Pi Chi Omega Chapter of West Memphis presented their 14th Annual Twenty Pearls Scholarship Pageant recently at the Holiday Inn Ballroom, West Memphis.Thirteen contestants participated in this year's pageant consisting of area high school senior young ladies, and more than $10,000 were awarded in scholarships. The theme of this year's pageant was "Cultivating Our Precious Pearls in the Spirit of Alpha Kappa Alpha".
Northern Kentucky University Step Show
Hip hop, R&B, funk, stepping, dancing, sketch comedy and Greek calls filled Greaves Concert Hall April 10, during the Northern Kentucky University National Pan-Hallenic Council, Inc.'s third annual Spring Step Off.The trophy for best sorority went to NKU's Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., whose members wore pajamas while performing amongst a set of props including a giant red teddy bear, stuffed animals, toys and a Nintendo.
The women performed a skit where they acted as grade-school-aged "Future Deltas" at a sleepover party and, at one part, used canes as part of their step routine.
Fight Stops Step Show at University of South Carolina
(Sounds like a probate show to me)
The Omega Psi Phi step show and induction ceremony at the University of South Carolina was disrupted Thursday night by a brawl involving about 40 fraternity members.The show, held in the Russell House Ballroom, was split by a shoving match that turned into a fight between members of the Phi Beta Sigma and Omega Psi Phi fraternities.
Northwestern: Color divide goes beyond Greek houses
Last week more than 200 students gathered at The Rock to celebrate and support the new line of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. In attendance were Daily editors, Associated Student Government presidential hopefuls, musicians, engineers and so on. It was quite the sampling of the Northwestern community -- except, of course, for white people. This is just one of many events the black Greek community makes little effort to extend to others, and one the larger community makes little effort to involve itself in.This recent probate show was a celebration of minority Greek life. The black, Latino and, to a lesser extent, the Asian community all shared laughter, song and pride in their communities. If Kappa Kappa Gamma were to hold a similar event, everyone remotely related to the Greek experience would know about it. So why is it that none of the 30 random students I asked had any idea what the probate was?
UNC-Charlotte and Davidson Kappas: Kappa Alpha Psi reflects on weeklong events
Last week, the Zeta Delta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. held this semester's Kappa Week, a series of social and educational events sponsored and facilitated by the chapter members.This year, as in every year, the fraternity used their week as an opportunity to show the campus community that Greek organizations, in general, are not all about parties and step shows, according to chapter president Terrence James.
Events during their week included a cook out at the Moore and Sanford Halls U and a party at Zapata's restaurant, both of which were well attended. They also held an interest meeting for their Miss Kappa Alpha Psi pageant to be held on April 29 at the South Tryon Embassy Suites Hotel in conjunction with their Kappa Ball.
Their other two events were of a slightly more informative nature. "Dating in Today's Society," held March 29 in the Cone Center, was an open forum on relationships, including interracial relationships, the rules of dating, sex and other related issues.
Fraternity member Brian Alston, who was host of the forum, saw it as an opportunity for males and females of the University to come together and talk about problems and questions they may have with the opposite sex.
Prairie View Kapps Host Toga Party; Sports Editor Loves It
After attending last week's toga party hosted by Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Inc., I realized what this school was missing. I'm not talking about the need for more parties, or women walking around half naked with togas, what we need is a more open-minded and unified student life.I've addressed this topic early in the year on how our school has lost its "mojo." I can't remember any school function since 2002, that was worth attending on campus. I mean, the students promote their own personal parties at the community center better than the campus activity board promotes school related events.
Posted on April 14, 2005 at 7:13 AM | Comments (1)
Greek Round Up for April 10
Kentucky Greeks Team Up for Step Program
Amid the sounds of stepping, Delta Zeta, Alpha Delta Pi and Alpha Omicron Pi are just a few sororities the audience will see at 6:30 tonight at Memorial Hall.The Epsilon Chi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha social fraternity is hosting the first annual Stomp-A-Palooza stepping competition for various Greek organizations at UK.
In the past, predominantly white and black fraternities and sororities have had little or no integration.
Stomp-A-Palooza was created to bridge this gap between historically black and white Greek organizations, said Brian Johnson, an Alpha Phi Alpha member and marketing senior.
Indiana State: Dedicated Soles Step to Unified Rhythm
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. is undefeated again.The fraternity won the Statewide Stepdown at the Hulman Center Saturday. It has consecutively won the title of hosting the show for the past four years.
"We are very excited over the win. We felt as if we had a lot to prove this time," said Anttonieo Madison, a senior communications studies major. He also added that each year the show gets bigger and better.
Indiana State: Students compete for Miss Black & Gold title
Cristina White was crowned Miss Black and Gold at Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.'s annual Miss Black & Gold Pageant Friday.White said, "I was excited, enthused and also privileged and honored all at the same time."
This was the second annual pageant held at Indiana State University. Carmen Rouse, last year's winner, thought there was a better turnout this year.
"When comparing last year's show to this year's, I think that all participants worked very hard," Rouse said. "I enjoyed sitting in on the their practice and watching the ladies compete."
University of Central Florida: Miss Black and Gold named
Adorned with Egyptian pyramids and sphinx statues, the Visual Arts Building auditorium was filled with anxious students waiting to see who would be crowned the next Miss Black and Gold.On Tuesday, Brandy Hollinger was crowned Miss Black and Gold 2005, winning a $500 scholarship and the opportunity to compete nationally. The first runner-up was sophomore Michelle Gordon.
The 15th annual Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant was presented by the brothers of the Xi Iota chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
U. Penn: BIG-C Board to stress academics
Representatives from Penn's 12 Bicultural InterGreek Council chapters came together on Monday night to elect their executive board for the upcoming year.College sophomore Malaika Staten was the uncontested candidate for president and was elected unanimously. She will lead Penn's minority fraternities and sororities during the coming year.
"One of the big things I want to do is put a bigger influence on academic excellence ... in the Greek system in general," the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., sister said.
Pitt Kappas Evaluate the Times
Members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and others gathered in Alumni Hall Monday evening to hold their first-ever, C-SPAN-inspired, State of the Black Union.The event was supposed to spotlight several guest speakers, including Vice Provost of Undergraduate Affairs and Dean of Students Jack Daniel, but the speakers were unable to participate because of scheduling conflicts.
Despite Kappa Alpha Psi's advertising, the discussion attracted fewer than 20 attendees. Kappa brother Edward Smith attributed the low turnout to the scheduling conflicts.
"If [the speakers] would have been able to come, I think that would have brought more people out," Smith said.
U. Southern Cal Greeks: Re-living Childhood in Song
After months of preparation, the organizations involved with this year's Songfest performed to a sold out Bovard Auditorium Friday night.Songfest, a fund-raiser for Troy Camp, USC's largest, most-diverse philanthropy, raised a total of $14,376. The committee's goal of $10,000, 10 times the amount of last year's Songfest, was an unbelievable goal that the event was able to surpass.
...
Best singing went to Alpha Delta Phi sorority and Kappa Alpha Psi for their performance titled "Nightmare before College," a take-off of Tim Burton's "The Nightmare before Christmas" and talked about the fears of going to college.
Pitt Greeks visit Funkytown, Las Vegas
Sisters and brothers of Pitt's Greek community spent months planning and practicing for a one-night, song-and-dance extravaganza, the annual Greek Sing.This year's event took place Friday night in Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, with sororities and fraternities paired up randomly to put on 11 different acts that featured colorful costumes and elaborate scenery. The performances showcased karaoke-like singing and intricate choreography, as groups vied for the first place trophy and extra points toward the overall Greek Week competition.
Eastern Washington University: Students dance the night away in Spokane
The bass boomed, the lights were dimmed and shadowy, people decked out in their finest trickled into the Royal Ballroom at Spokane Center Stage for the 2005 Omega Psi Phi & Black Student Union dance. 9:30 p.m. April 2, the first Saturday of the quarter, DJ Dominique Corr whisked around the stage preparing for the dance.He said he would be playing “strictly hip-hop.”
Popping records on and off, Corr shook the whole floor, including pieces from Snoop Dog, OutKast, and Fifty Cent.
BSU and Omega Psi Phi did a terrific job hosting the dance. Along with a DJ, catering and a grand dance floor, they also provided great snacks and beverages.
Ques: Many St. Croix residents take advantage of free health screenings
ST. CROIX - With the cost of medical care climbing at astronomical rates, many island residents jumped at a chance for free health screenings during the weekend at the Reginald Molloy Medical Symposium Health Fair.The symposium for local doctors and nurses ran from Wednesday through the weekend, but Saturday was the best chance for most of the community to get in on the action. With educational booths, screening trailers and the bloodmobile set up in the Luis Hospital parking lot, residents filed through blood pressure and glucose checks and could also sign up for breast and prostate exams.
"It's good to find out what's happening with your health," said Dolores Griffith, as she moved from one station to another. "And all in one place is very nice."
The symposium and health fair was organized by the Eta Iota Iota chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
Pine Bluff, AR Deltas: Delta Gentlemen Challenged to Aspire to Excellence
The Rev. David Smith challenged the 2005 Distinguished Delta Gentlemen to aspire to a new level of excellence and to continue to overcome barriers."You have already overcome barriers," Smith told the 48 young men during the 19th annual Distinguished Gentlemen's Banquet, sponsored by the Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Smith is the pastor of Old St. James Baptist Church and the principal of Southwest Middle School at Little Rock.
None of the honorees is a father or an expectant father and each has done well in academics, church attendance, athletics, music -- the many things that set apart those who are being honored tonight, Smith said.
Indiana State Alphas and Sigmas: Black male summit encourages unity
Mark Blade, an ISU alumnus, told an audience of men at a black male summit Tuesday that politics are not just for politicians, but they also carry into the private sector.Robert Willis, state director of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., also spoke and said everyone has a purpose.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. hosted the event.
Blade was the first black Student Government Association president at ISU. His two terms as SGA president jumpstarted his career in politics. After graduating from ISU in 1976, Blade used his leadership experience and political science major to become involved in his community.
Blade said getting involved in the community is essential for a career in politics. Before running for office in 1997, Blade said he worked in his community for more than 20 years.
Sigma Zeta Zeta, the Jersey City chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, honored three area residents at its third annual Finer Womanhood Luncheon, held Saturday at Casino-in-the-Park, Jersey City.The luncheon's theme was "Zetas on a Mission, Honoring People with a Vision." Proceeds will fund scholarships for deserving youth in Hudson County. This year's honorees are: Karen Miles, Tracey Arrington and Robert Rubinsky.
Baltimore: Sigma Gamma Rho Steps Up Sisterhood
Sigma Gamma Rho may be best known for their popular step dance routines at events such as Fall Festival and Culture Fest, but this metropolitan sorority is much more than a dance team."There is more to National Pan Hellenic Council organizations than stepping, which is what Black greeks are known for," said junior Iyamide House, the president of the Gamma Mu chapter on campus. "The sororities of NPHC are different then others because it is truly a life-long commitment that members are expected to stay with long after college, and it focuses more on the black community's development, rather than the college social scene."
The Sigma Gamma Rho sorority dates back as far as 1922, when it was originally formed at Butler University in Indianapolis.
"It is a historically Black sorority, though we have members of various descent," said House.
The Gamma Mu chapter, which includes Hopkins, Goucher, College of Notre Dame, BIC, Sojourner Douglas and Baltimore community colleges, was founded in 1964. Sigma Gamma Rho has had several Hopkins members since then, but lacks any recent new members. They are currently rebuilding at Hopkins and trying to get their name out on campus again.
"Right now our members consist of two presidents of the BSU, an RA, and a Student Council member," said House.
Florida Iotas: Fraternity club fight brings brutality accusations
A brawl erupting outside a downtown club early Sunday morning has left one UF fraternity’s members claiming brutality.An Iota Phi Theta-sponsored party at the club 238 West on University Avenue ended earlier than expected when a fight broke out just after midnight, forcing the club to shut down.
Nobody in the fraternity could verify who started the fight, but some fraternity members claim that security was insufficient to contain the growing brawl. An estimated 700 people were inside the club during the fighting.
Iota Phi Theta secretary Rafeal Dominguez said security used a Taser on him, before a Gainesville Police officer trampled him with a horse.
“I weigh 128 pounds,” Dominguez said. “It was really unnecessary.”
Neither GPD spokesman Keith Kameg nor club owners returned calls seeking comment.
Several Iota Phi Theta brothers originally said members of the UF football team were involved in the brawl, although nobody could verify the claims. No arrests were made.
“When you see guys that are 6-foot-6, 300 pounds, you’re going to call them football players,” fraternity member Gino Lerebours said.
Defensive end Steven Harris said that he and other players attended the party but denied any of them were involved in the brawl.
UF Athletics Director Jeremy Foley denied knowledge of the incident.
Fraternity officials said they will soon speak with UF administrators before deciding what actions, if any, to take.
Posted on April 10, 2005 at 10:55 AM | Comments (1)
The Day of A Thousand Probates
Can I just tell you how utterly drained I am?
Four probates in one day is CRAZY and never should be done again. (Unless you are at one of those schools where everyone happens to come out on the same day, which is pretty cool if you ask me.)
I ran into my girl Chetachi while I was there, and she done finally messed around and got her a PhD! Scared of her!
I saw the Sigmas first. They were good! They were very high energy and I liked that a lot. The chants and stepping were all good. The only thing I didn't like very much was that the "look" of the neos was very similar, if not identical to previous years. And you know....I'm really not a fan of the face paint thing. I think it looks kinda sloppy maybe? But all in all, it was a great way to kick off the day of a thousand probates.
The Zetas were next. Their greetings were REALLY good. To be honest, I didn't get to see the straight up stepping part, but everyhing before that was great. Wow, I was out there for so long, you'd think I'd have more to talk about. Oh yeah, I was there with one of my favoritist APO bros from Howard. :-D
THEN came the sorors. Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. So basically, there were a crap load of neos. But they all looked good -- I've got mad repect for them way beyond the Phi Skee thing.
Later (and finally) I met my first Gamma Sigs and my first Gamma Sigma Sigma probate. Theirs was nice too! I think they had the best outfits of the day.
Okay, so maybe I don't feel like writing this long-ass narrative after all, like I thought I would. All in all, I had a GREAT day. There was a negative patch involving the FRAT (of course) but whatever.
I will post the pics as soon as I am done resizing them all. The Day of a Thousand Probates is best told in pictures, anyway.
Posted on April 8, 2005 at 10:28 PM | Comments (2)
Section 84 Conference
WELL, I am back. Okay, so I've been back since this morning, but I slept much of the day away.
Yesterday, I went to the Section 84 Converence of Alpha Phi Omega, hosted by MY home chapter, the Elite Mu Alpha Chapter at Georgetown University. My goals were to support my chapter and promote my novel a little bit.
The Saturday weather was SHITTY. I didn't mind it though, I stayed pretty dry in the beginning. My ankle was still in some pain, but I had it wrapped all day, so it wasn't a huge deal. My limp was noticable though, so it made for some conversation.
I registered and left some postcards at the registration table. Almost immediately, I ran into some former Section and Region staff members. It was cool seeing them, I guess. I didn't exactly leave Section staff on the best of terms, and frankly, I'm glad I'm not on it. I'd much rather help out my own chapter at this phase in my life. (Or advise another chapter, but more on that later.)
The conference shirts were NICE. I forgot I would even get one for registering, and when I saw it I was like WORD??? These are nice! Apparently an APO bro in Texas did them. I need to get his info.
The workshops in the morning were decent, if not limited in scope for alumni. One of my chapter bros, an alumnus himself, really did a great job with the Alumni Involvement workshop. I was proud! You know, I'm a bit of a snob as it is, but it really reminded that the Brothers in my chapter are, in general, GREAT public speakers. I was like damn, for real Mu Alpha? lol We had it going on.
I wish more undergrads had participated in things throughout the day, but, whatever. I wasn't really privy to how people were helping behind the scenes, so I'm not really judging them.
It was DEFINITELY sad that one of the newest rechartering chapters didn't show up until the banquet. I was like damn...three years ago it was like 20 niggas rolling deep to these things when they were striving to become a chapter. Now? Forget about it. Not that I am one to talk, because lord knows my home chapter doesn't generally like conferences and conventions. But it sucks when you see how hard a Petitioning Group works and then the resulting chapter gets complacent.
At any rate....I took a break at midday to grab some sushi and hang out with my girl at the Black House. I was thinking of going to the library to do some preliminary research for my chapter history project, but then I ain't feel like it no more, lol. I went to the service project, which was sandwich making for Martha's Table (I think). I took a lot of pictures.
Earlier in the day, I was making a point about alumni involvement in a workshop, and I had said that when I was a grad student (before I dropped out, lol) I was told that I could affiliate with the chapter at AU if I wanted to, and I saw that the delegates from AU were there. (It came to pass that I never affiliated with Eta Phi because they met on days that weren't convenient for me.) Later, after the service project, I met up with them and we started chatting about my book. One of them was really enthusiastic about it! Turns out, we know some of the same people. We had these really interesting conversations about race and ethnicity and white privilege and white people who pledge black fraternities. It was awesome! I really like those girls. By the end of the evening they were like "Do you want to be our advisor?" and I was like "Yeah right!" and then they were like "Okay, well can we just adopt you?" and I was like sure. :-D
Man, I forgot why I like APO conferences and conventions so much!
We had a business meeting in which the delegates voted on the boundary which would divide section 84 into two new sections, 85 and 86. It's going to be VERY weird remembering to say Section 85 from now on. I think it kind of sucks that the delegates had no real choice in the matter, especially since for the most part, they really didn't want to be split. I think that if given the chance to come up with an adequate compromise, they would have. But whatever, that's fraternity politics at work.
Okay, so this one dude was at the business meeting (and the rest of the conference) and basically, he was a fuckin' hottie. I was like dammmmmmmmn I ain't know _______ University had it like THAT! And he was white, too. Not that it matters. Just an unusual thing for me.
THEN we had a senior/alumni reception that was pretty nice. I met this one chick from GW who was my boy's line mate. We chatted a bit and she seemed really cool. It's nice to see young people who have found their faith, you know? But she totally wasn't trying to push her faith onto me. I liked that.
THEN we had the banquet, awards, and all that jazz. Basically, I am tired of typing now, so I will sum this puppy up: pretty good food, GREAT speech by past National President Jerry Schroeder, nice roll call from McDaniel College (AEL Chapter), reallllllly off beat Mu Alpha Roll Call featuring fork wars and face wars (don't ask), and in general, catching up with bros.
Snap, I forgot there is more....after everything was over (did I mention I had a good time) I PLANNED on catching a cab home, but there really weren't any around, so I went back to the Black House to CALL one, but I couldn't get through! So I hung out with my girl, a soror, and my girl's girl, and I stayed there overnight. God bless the undergrads for lookin out for their wayward older brother, LOL.
Overall, I think I did a pretty good job at promoting the novel without being too overbearing. I mean, it was a fraternity function, not a literary event, so I didn't want to get all up in people's space -- just wanted to announce that I had written a novel.
Yay for APO events....I need to make this more of a habit.
Posted on April 3, 2005 at 10:44 PM | Comments (1)
March 31 Round-Up
Anttonieo Madison, a senior theater major, jumps over Bobby Massengill, a senior construction management major during the Phi Beta Sigma step practice Tuesday evening in Sandison Hall.
The Zeta Phi chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. has a rich history of stepping.In 1998, Cedric Jones and Robert Willis had a vision to bring Greek life to another level at ISU. They brought the Indiana Statewide Stepshow from Ball State to ISU for the first time. Phi Beta Sigma competes each year to keep the stepshow at ISU.
Beta Theta Pi, Omega Phi Alpha and Alpha Phi Omega Plan Poker Night at Ole Miss
Students will have the chance to play Texas Hold ‘Em to benefit victims of the Tsunami in Southeast Asia this past December.Omega Phi Alpha and Alpha Phi Omega both service organizations on campus will be holding “Poker Night” tonight and tomorrow night from 7 to 11:30 at the Beta Theta Pi fraternity house. Beta Theta Pi will is also sponsoring the event. There will also be taco plates sold at the house from 4 to 6 p.m. for $5.
Southern: Hazing Continues to Bruise Organizations
Seemingly an unauthorized rite of passage for some fraternal organizations, hazing has long been an issue that Greek letter organizations have dealt with.Hazing is defined as someone being persecuted or harassed with meaningless, difficult or humiliating tasks. Some individuals still believe that hazing is just a simple, humorous prank performed on prospects of college fraternities and sororities.
Wayne State Ques Explain Why Men and Women Cheat
From smashing windows to slashing tires, a group of Wayne State University students met yesterday for a discussion called “Why Men and Women Cheat” to discuss how being “cheated on” affected them.“Everyone was surprised to hear I did,” said Candice Torres, a freshman majoring in pediatric nursing. “I told what happened. I told what the guy did and what I did in retaliation.”
Torres story was one of many at the event, which was sponsored by the Nu Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., as part of their Omega Psi Phi Week of events. It was held in room Hilberry C of the Student Center Building.
Sigma Gamma Rho Panel at Eastern Michigan Discusses Minority Issues
Earnest Coverson, the youth and college regional director of the NCAAP, offered advice about being a member of a high profile group.“People are going to label you if you are part of an organization,” he said. “Once you join, you’re in the spotlight.”
Coverson, along with members of several African American campus organizations conferred Wednesday in the Bovee University Center Lake Michigan Room as part of the “That’s What it’s Made 4” forum hosted by the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority.
Alpha Week at Marshall University
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. is offering students a chance to get involved in its nationally recognized week.Events are planned daily on campus to promote Alpha Week.
Ryan Banks, Alpha Phi Alpha president, said he feels the timing of the week is perfect.
"This week is going to be a great opportunity for students to get involved," he said. "With the week being right after Spring Break, this is giving everyone a fresh start and something different to do."
Banks said he is excited the local chapter will be participating in the week for the first time since they were re-activated in April 2004.
Alpha is the first National Pan-Hellenic Council to sponsor Alpha Week this semester. Each NPHC organization has its own week to promote their chapter both locally and nationally.
Other NPHC organizations joined Alpha Phi Alpha Monday night in a Yard Step Show in the Memorial Student Center to kick off the rest of the week.
"People came out and supported us," Banks said. "I think it really got them interested in the rest of the week."
The fraternity also sponsored a bowling tournament last night at Imperial Lanes.
Other events during the week include a movie night tonight in the Don Morris Room of the MSC at 7 p.m., a Black Party tomorrow in Marcos Lounge in the MSC at 8 p.m. where all are asked to wear black attire, an Alpha display in the MSC lobby Friday during the day and an Ice Cold Cophee House in Marcos Lounge at 7:30 p.m., and a Ms. Black and Gold Pageant in the Don Morris Room Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Banks said the use of a different spelling for the word coffee in the Ice Cold Cophee House is to stress the name of the fraternity, Alpha "Phi" Alpha. This event will consist of people singing and poetry readings.
All events, except the Ms. Black and Gold Pageant, are free to the public. Pageant tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Advanced tickets can be purchased by contacting members of the fraternity through the Greek Affairs office.
Rashad Sanders, Alpha Phi Alpha member, said the pageant is the big event the fraternity planned for the week.
"We [the fraternity] have 14 contestants in the pageant who are competing for scholarship money as well as for a position to represent Marshall's chapter in the West Virginia regional conference," he said. " This is definitely a big deal for our fraternity."
The contestants include 13 Marshall students and one West Virginia State student. Contestants will compete in formal wear, swim wear and a talent portion.
Delta Sigma Theta Oxford Alumnae Community Day
Civic activism and awareness are two of the things that will be promoted Saturday at the third annual Community Day at the Stone Center on Washington Avenue in Oxford.Hosted by the Oxford Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Community Day will include informational sessions with various local agencies, entertainment provided by a church praise team and games for children.
Jennifer Bobo-Milliner, chairperson of Community Day, said the purpose is to heighten community awareness of the plethora of non-profit local resources available to residents of Oxford and Lafayette County.
“The Community Day is a great success to let the citizens of Oxford and Lafayette County know about the agencies and what they provide and to take advantage of all that they offer,” Bobo-Milliner said.
Southern Methodist University AKAs Raise AIDS Awareness
On the second day of Alpha Kappa Alpha Week, all the students in Hughes-Trigg Commons directed their full attention toward HIV/AIDS prevention speakers from Mosaic Family Services, Inc.While students munched on pizza provided by AKA, speakers provided proactive HIV/AIDS prevention tips, statistics and safe sex material in an effort to inform students on how to better protect themselves.
Mosaic speakers spoke with sincerity, awknowledging sex as a part of most college students’ lifestyles and encouraged those students to adopt safe sex practices. The group provided tips such as asking partners for regular test results, how to discuss sex before hand, how to use condoms and contraceptives properly and encouraged students to contact agencies for factual information regarding STDs.
Mosaic is a non-profit group that seeks out low-income communities reflecting evidence of excessive drug use and illegal activity. It offers the public safe sex materials and street HIV tests by method of Ora-Sure.
Natchez, MS Kappas Draw Hundreds for Province Meeting....
NATCHEZ -Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity members will hold its Province Council, an annual business meeting and celebration that will bring about 700 people from five states to the area today through Sunday.But Darryl Grennell - the polemarch, or president, of the fraternity's local chapter - said that for years, he lobbied for the convention to be held in Natchez, but few listened.
"It was difficult to get it here Š because (fraternity higher-ups) said we needed a place with an airport with commuter flights," Grennell said. "People said, 'Give up. It'll never happen.'"
But explaining that it can take almost as much time to drive across a larger city as it takes to drive from the Baton Rouge airport to Natchez helped persuade the fraternity brass to make hold the council here, he said.
...And UGA Draws Hundreds More!
University students will get to see what diversity looks like this week -- albeit only for a few days.More than 1,500 members of Kappa Alpha Psi, a national black fraternity with a chapter on campus, will come to the University for the 54th Southeastern Province Council Meeting, which begins Thursday and ends Sunday.
There are little more than 1,000 black undergraduates currently enrolled at the University.
The fraternity members and guests from Georgia and South Carolina will come to campus to talk about issues in their chapters and strengthen chapter "cohesiveness," Chapter President Kevin Wilson said.
"We're going to take over the campus," said Nicholas Bedford, keeper of the records for the chapter.
Flawlessness is key to success: Kappa Alpha Psi and Alpha Delta Pi at Southern Cal
Personally, I don't really think of it in those terms," said Melvin Felton, the president of Kappa Alpha Psi and a senior majoring in print journalism, referring to how he feels about being the only black fraternity in Songfest this year. "We're students who participate in events just like every other student organization."
Posted on March 31, 2005 at 8:45 AM | Comments (0)
Thursday, March 24 Round-Up
At UNC, Deltas and Zetas lead in service
The University’s Greek community continues to grow in scholarship, service and number, according to the fraternity and sorority report published Monday.The report, compiled every semester by the Office of Greek Affairs, documents grade point averages, service hours and levels of campus involvement among members of Greek organizations.
“As far as overall progress with Greek organizations goes, I’d say we’re definitely moving in the right direction,” said Jay Anhorn, director of Greek affairs.
Traditionally, he added, members of the Greek community have earned higher GPAs than non- Greek students.
Mr. and Ms Blue & White competition at Central Michigan
Detroit senior James Cooper and Belleville junior LaKishia Smith win the Mr. and Ms. Blue and White competition Friday evening in the Bovee University Center Rotunda. The competition, put on by Zeta Phi Beta and Phi Beta Sigma, was intended to celebrate the bond shared between two people.
Arkansas: Alpha Phi Alpha recognizes outstanding students, professionals
The Omicron Zeta Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. hosted its second annual Black and Gold Scholarship Ball on March 12 at the Clarion Inn in Fayetteville. The evening began with a cocktail hour followed by dinner and an awards presentation. Several local high school and college students were presented with Rodney Momon Scholarships, and Manuel Stuart Jr. received the Alpha Phi Alpha/Wal-Mart Information Systems Division’s $1,000 scholarship. Five local professionals were recognized with the Alpha Phi Alpha Torchbearer Award for their efforts to uplift the Northwest Arkansas community. They are Charlyn Jarrells Porter, Sheree Miller, Angela Monts, Gordan Morgan and Jeff Schomburger.
Murray State Alphas Host Non-Traditional Step Show
From blue men to Napoleon Dynamite, 10 teams participating in Alpha Step Show 2005 showcased their skills Wednesday in Lovett Auditorium.This year's Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity-sponsored show included the three traditional divisions: fraternities, sororities and independent teams.
In the sorority division, the members of Alpha Omicron Pi took first place, beating last year's champions and the 2005 second place winner, Alpha Sigma
Alpha. Phi Mu Alpha and Sigma Alpha Iota, the only two groups to enter the independent category, placed first and second, respectively.
Members of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity placed first in the fraternity division, and Lambda Chi Alpha came in second.
"The competition was more competitive this year." John Jenkins, sophomore Alpha Sigma Phi stepper from Dixon, said. "There were much more difficult steps."
This is the third consecutive year Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity has won the event.
"It's like our dynasty." Jenkins said, acknowledging the contribution of all his fraternity brothers.
Dancing to songs like "Lean Back," "Da Dip," "One Two Step" and the "Macarena", each group performed its routine to the four judges and the audience, which nearly packed the auditorium.
The teams started preparing their routines for the annual event early in the semester, some cutting their winter breaks short to begin practicing.
Mandy Laszewski, freshman from Nashville, said the Alpha Sigma Alpha members had to go through an audition process, and practices started nearly two months prior to the show.
The step show is always well attended, and some students were standing outside Lovett two hours before the show began hoping to get a good seat in the auditorium, Laszewski said.
Although the crowd loved the routines, many members did not agree with the judges' decisions. As the winners were announced, many fans booed and walked out.
"Where I was sitting, everyone around seemed to have the same feelings as me because everyone was shocked about the winners, there were a lot of people cheering for (Alpha Gamma Delta)," Kyle Hoffman, freshman from Evansville, Ind., said.
Alpha Phi Alpha will donate the proceeds of the step show to the March of Dimes and some other charities.
Shreveport AKAs Host Cotillion
Classical English ivy and roses set the scene for the Sigma Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Debutante Cotillion on Saturday at Scottish Rite Temple.Twenty-two debutantes made formal bows to society at the affair.
The theme "Cultural Pearls Precious and Rare."
Each debutante wore white, formal-length gowns, 16-button gloves and carried a nosegay of pink roses entwined with baby's breath and English ivy. Each received a gift of pearls from her sponsor.
As part of the cotillion festivities, the debutantes did the minuet with their fathers and escorts, a section choreographed by Luther Cox.
The evening was the culmination of months of dedication from the young women. They participated in sessions focused on education, culture, social etiquette, volunteerism and leadership.
Warner Robins, GA, AKAs help students improve reading skills
WARNER ROBINS - He leans over the story titled "Dino chick luck" that he just finished writing."It has duck feet, a chick body and a dinosaur head," said Parkwood Elementary School third-grader Daimonian Seburn, of the main character in his short story where "Dino chick luck" is chastised for being different, but in the end, saves all the farm animals. "I just thought of it."
Getting practice reading and writing should help this 9-year-old prepare for life skills and the upcoming Criterion Referenced Competency Tests, a state test to measure academic performance given to all students in mid-April.
If third-graders don't pass the reading section, they don't get promoted to fourth grade.
This concern had the Warner Robins chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha volunteering each week to help some at-risk students at Parkwood become more fluent readers.
Each Tuesday, after this group of about 10 women get off their day jobs - some as teachers and others as Robins Air Force Base workers - they head to Parkwood.
Central Michigan Sigma Gamma Rhos Host Money Management Seminar
Dr. George Ross, vice president of Finance and Administrative Services, speaks to students and members of Sigma Gamma Rho about money management Tuesday evening.
Vacaville, CA Deltas Teach Teens About HIV/AIDS
The prescription for success often includes a dose of reality. And about 75 young students got just that Saturday at the HIV/AIDS Awareness Teen Forum at Solano Community College.A personal appearance by an AIDS sufferer, a video of a 15-year-old who is HIV-positive, and several workshops brought the facts and figures of the diseases closer to home.
"If we reach one person today, it was valuable," said volunteer Denise Johnson.
The five-hour forum was all about education, said Eva Coley, president of the local Delta Sigma Theta, one of the event sponsors.
"We feel we can make people more aware of what's going on by helping the young people make proper decisions," Coley said.
HIV/AIDS is typically a topic students won't discuss with parents, she added.
"It's not an easy subject to talk about," Coley said.
Students needed to realize they aren't immune, added Renee Smith, health educator for Solano County Health and Social Services.
"Young people don't ever feel like they are at risk for anything," Smith said. "And it's important that they're not walking around in an 'I don't know world' today. They have no excuse not to have the information. In order for them to make better choices, they have to be informed and it's our responsibility to give them that."
"They think it's OK to have unprotected sex, that they'll live forever," Johnson added. "That nothing is going to harm them."
It helped having AIDS victim Deborah McCartney speak Saturday, said Coley. McCartney caught AIDS from her ex-husband, and speaks openly to adults and youth.
"I think it helps to hear it from someone who has the disease," Coley said. "I would hear kids going up to her and saying, 'Your story was awesome.' They pay attention."
The students came from throughout the county, said volunteer Valerie Roberts-Gray, who sent announcements to various middle and high schools and churches.
Donneisha Menisee, 13, learned that AIDS "doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care if you're black, white, fat or skinny. It doesn't matter."
Chris Efe, 16, walked away with a better understanding of the disease.
"I learned that you can get it no matter what sex, color or weight you are and that the best way to avoid it is abstinence and using proper judgment," Efe said.
Posted on March 24, 2005 at 5:55 AM | Comments (0)
St. Patrick's Day Round-Up
Tech students are reflecting on the life of deceased student Jamal Duke. Duke passed away shortly before spring break. He was a member of the fraternity Phi Beta Sigma.
ASA was at the stroll, bitch! (See March 10 Round-Up for related story)
When reading Monday's article on the lack of a crowd at the stroll-off I was a little upset. Two members of Alpha Sigma Alpha- the only two who signed up for the event- Shovonne Woods and myself, were there and on time.In fact, we were one of the first people through the doors. I did not spend my time doing this for nothing, I had planned on strolling that Friday evening, so I went to the union, while there I saw no Daily Eastern News writer, and she obviously did not see me.
After arriving at the stroll-off, just goofing around, I strolled with a member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity. I could roll off a list of names as to who was there and who wasn't there, but I won't.
Woods and myself were the only people there representing any PanHellenic Council sorority on this campus and there were no Inter-fraternity Council Fraternities scheduled to be there. Alpha Sigma Alpha may not have the largest sorority on campus, but we promote unity like no one else.
I can honestly say that we have had at least one member at almost every National PanHellenic Council sponsored event this year, no matter what it was. Alpha Sigma Alpha was in attendance of the stroll off, and will proudly support every NPHC event now and forever.
Attorney Downs empowers students during program (Southern Deltas)
"My job is to help the defendant understand his or her options," said Attorney Beverly Robinson-Downs at the "Women in Public Service" program, held at Southern University for Black History Month.The program was hosted by the Association of Women Students and the Motivational speaker Series Committee and included Downs as well as Senator Sharon Weston-Broome, D-Baton Rouge, Judge Yvette Alexander and Baton Rouge Councilwoman Lorri Burgess.
Downs is an Assistant Public Defender for the East Baton Rouge Parish. She is a graduate of the Southern University Laboratory School, Newcomb College, Tulane University and the Southern University Law Center. She is a Golden Life Member Of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and presently serves as Second Vice President of the Baton Rouge Delta chapter.
She is also a member of the LaCapitale chapter of the Links, Inc., Flower Lover's Garden Guild and the Baton Rouge Association of Women Attorneys. Downs has no problem relinquishing her services to all SU students.
"If you're downtown and I hope your not, pull my coattail and let me know your are a Southern University student."
AWS Vice President, Tuere Davis found Downs and the other speakers to be very inspirational.
"They spoke about perseverance and their strength in God. It's good to know you have strong black leaders to look to as role models."
Posted on March 17, 2005 at 6:22 AM | Comments (0)
Greek Round-Up for Thursday, March 10
Please click on the titles to read the entire articles.
Eight Greek organizations at Western Kentucky University took part in the third annual Unity Step-off on Thursday night at Van Meter Auditorium.This year’s show was organized by Alpha Phi Alpha, as always, but with a twist. Members from traditionally black fraternities and sororities decided to coach members of traditionally white fraternities and sororities for this year’s routines.
Murray State Zetas Hold Finer Womanhood Week
The sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. hosted Finer Womanhood Week on campus. Proceeds from events will go to the March of Dimes.Nisha Ganster, senior from Hopkinsville and president of Zeta Phi Beta, said the sorority offered programs this week that benefit women and raise awareness about women's issues.
One of the programs Zeta Phi Beta participated in was "Mirrorless Monday," sponsored by the Women's Center.
"We go into a building and cover all the mirrors and write positive messages for women and men to look at instead of looking at themselves," Ganster said.
Indiana State Deltas Host Faculty Mixer
Nephthys Lands, a senior communications studies major, shakes hands with Charlie Brown, director of the African American Cultural Center.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. hosted a black faculty mixer Tuesday in the African American Cultural Center that allowed students to mingle and get to know black faculty members.LaToya Torrence, a sophomore pharmacy major, said she is new to campus and was glad to have the opportunity to get to know faculty on a more personal level.
Torrence said she wanted the opportunity to "get acquainted with the black teachers."
After talking with professors, Torrence said she realized how friendly professors are.
"They are more down to earth than people would imagine," she said.
What a Rush! Non-traditional Sorority Women in Chicago
Checklist for the campus sorority service project: Banner? Check. Food dish? Check. Clothing item for the homeless? Check. Hubby? Kids? Check. And check. The latter items on the list may seem a little odd for a sorority woman to worry about. But that's not out of the ordinary for women like Chicago State University student Nadia Herbert when she's preparing to participate in activities with the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.The psychology major joined the sorority's undergraduate Lambda chapter in 2000, when she was 24 and married with two small children. She was determined to have the traditional collegiate sorority experience, with its cheering and chanting and step team performances, partying and service initiatives. And she's not alone.
Student suing University of Toledo and Sigma Gamma Rho over hazing
A University of Toledo student is suing the school and the president of a sorority for injuries she said were caused in a hazing incident last year.Jonetta Reed filed the lawsuit last week in Lucas County Common Pleas Court. She said she was paddled on the buttocks and thighs and subjected to other incidents as part of the initiation into the Xi Beta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority.
Marshall Ques Sell Women for Money
The selling of women at Marshall will help raise money for scholarships.Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated is hosting a female auction March 11 from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in Marco's. Proceeds will go toward high school students' college scholarships.
Jeremy Ashe, Omega Psi Phi president, said the national chapter has been going to high schools for a few years and offering students a chance to earn money toward college by entering an essay contest. Higher education is one of Omega Psi Phi's mandated programs, Ashe said.
By offering an essay contest to high school seniors, the fraternity is fulfilling its requirement, as well as helping students pay for college.
Ashe said Omega Psi Phi has used auctions to raise money before, however this is the first time he has coordinated the event. He said he hopes it is successful this time because the proceeds are going to a good cause.
"Omega Psi Phi just got done having a male auction that went well," Ashe said. "We had positive feedback so we decided to try it with the other sex to raise more money."
There is no set amount of money people has to bid, Steve Robinson, Omega Psi Phi graduate adviser, said.
People who want to bid will need to exchange their money for Omega bucks when they arrive at the event, he said.
"We [the fraternity] will probably start the bidding at $100 in Omega bucks, which is equivalent to $1," Robinson said. "There is no limit to the amount of money someone can bid so we hope to raise a lot."
Ashe said the fraternity has 10 women already signed up to participate in the auction, but it is looking for more females interested in helping.
"Right now we have 10 girls participating, some from Marshall, some AKA's [Alpha Kappa Alpha] from Kent State and some from West Virginia State," he said. "We [the fraternity] are still looking for other women; the more we have the better."
Robinson said the fraternity has not decided what the highest bidder will receive, whether it is a date or possibly a cleaning service for the men. However, a dinner for two is the fraternity's desired prize.
Ashe said there will be a small reception after the auction for the participants and bidders.
Andy Hermansdorfer, Marshall's director of student activities and Greek affairs, said Omega Psi Phi is a provisional Greek organization, which means it has the same opportunity to do fund-raisers on campus while trying to recruit new members.
Robinson said the fraternity has three members but hopes the auction is something that will give it recognition on campus.
Anyone interested in participating in Omega Psi Phi's auction or for more information about the fraternity contact Robinson at Robins12@marshall.edu.
BALTIMORE – The Rho Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has contributed $10,000 in its ongoing support of a scholarship endowment at Baltimore City Community College. The gift will provide financial resources to BCCC students and complement Rho Xi Omega’s many contributions as a partner mentoring BCCC students.“This directly supports our shared vision, to add value to the lives and community of Baltimore,” said Donna Stevenson, BCCC Foundation board chair and member of Rho Xi Omega.
Pi Gamma Chapter, APhiA, Loses Charter
The local chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Pi Gamma, was closed by the national fraternity with an official vote of its board of directors Jan. 7, prohibiting the fraternity to return to Sacramento State.Lou Camera, director of Student Activities, was notified of the decision last week by mail.
Paul Cody, the Greek liaison in the UC Davis student programs and activities center, was also notified that the Davis chapter had lost its charter.
Luke Wood, Associated Students Inc. vice president of student affairs, was a member of the Pi Gamma chapter and said that the fraternity plans to appeal the board's decision and regain the charter.
"The chapter can appeal the decision at the general convention in August, but if they have been asked to be removed by the campus then nothing can be done," said William Lyle, director of communications for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Camera said the fraternity will not be able to appeal its status at Sac State at this time. "Possibly in a couple of years, but not at this time," he said.
The fraternity was suspended by Sac State last fall because of outstanding debts and, Camera said, he thinks the hazing allegations are what caused the national association to pull the Sacramento charter.
The letter Camera received from Alpha Phi Alpha Executive Director Gregory Phillips said the chapter cannot be involved in any activity held in the name of the fraternity and that it is illegal for the chapter to participate in any local and campus fraternity activities.
A spokesman from the Alpha Phi Alpha executive office said the charter was removed "due to inactivity within the chapter for a number of years."
The national organization requires that a minimum of eight students be active in the organization to keep the charter.
Camera said the Pi Gamma chapter only had three members at the most.
"The members falsified information, claiming eight members, but the national headquarters had no record of the people they were claiming as pledges," Camera said.
Members of the Pi Gamma chapter will no longer be able to attend social functions, business sessions or recruitment activities in any form, the letter said, and if the members are caught doing so they can be prosecuted.
Tom Carroll, Student Activities program adviser, said members will be held personally accountable for any criminal charges brought against them and that members should look to Chico as an example of what can happen when a fraternity begins acting without the proper authority.
"This is particularly relevant to what happened in Chico with the Chi Tau fraternity," he said. "A rogue group was conducting business and now four individuals are being charged with hazing crimes and manslaughter."
The Chi Tau fraternity was removed from the Chico State campus but was still conducting business and accepting new members. Recently a prospective member died from a hazing incident.
Camera said members of the Pi Gamma chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha have already tried to form a new group on campus called Men of Distinction.
They were denied the application because it looked like they might be a shadow organization for their fraternity, and because campus clubs, besides non-departmental fraternities and sports clubs, cannot discriminate based on gender.
Carroll and Camera said they do not want to see the members of the fraternity prosecuted for conducting business or activities in the name of the fraternity.
Camera said initiated members will be considered alumni of the fraternity and will still be able to wear their letters to school because it's considered freedom of expression.
"I would hope that if someone knows of them conducting business on campus that they would let me know," Camera said.
Rebecca Adler can be reached at news@statehornet.com
Lack of Crowd at Eastern Illinois University's Stroll Show
In order to wrap up the National PanHellenic Council Rush week, a party "stroll-off" competition was held on Friday night in the University Ballroom in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.A party stroll is similar to line dances, only strolls are in a circle formation. This dance is typically done by African American greek members to "represent your organization," said Orlando Drummond, president of Eastern's NPHC chapter.
Drummond said the idea of the event was to have fun and join together the Interfraternity Council, PanHellenic Council and NPHC to teach each other how to stroll. All of the organizations had met together a week before to practice for Friday's event.
On the day of the performance, the scheduled Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority and Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity both hadn't shown up.
"Our continuous goal is to promote unity among different nationalities on campus and between the greeks to show that we all could work cohesively," Drummond said.
Drummond said he was personally let down by the poor attendance and lack of support from the campus and greek community. He said even though this event was not a success, he looks forward to more opportunities for more functions like this in the future.
Monique Cook-Bey, adviser of the NPHC, said one of the most likely reasons for the low turnout was because, "(we) just came off a busy weekend," referring to the Miss Black EIU pageant held the week before. Drummond also said there were many contributing factors including midterms.
Phi Beta Sigma fraternity member and participant Michael Curtis Jr., a sophomore computer information systems major, came to support the event and said he was disappointed.
"When we were closing the doors (early because no one came) that's when people were coming," Curtis said. "They just came too late,"
The event, which was open to anyone, was $4 per person to help raise money for the Nate Anderson Scholarship and Johnetta Jones Scholarship.
Cook-Bey said the NPHC had already donated $750, a portion of the proceeds from the "Step-Show" held Homecoming weekend.
"(The) ultimate goal is to raise $100,000 with anybody involved with minority affairs to recruit more minority students and retain them here," Cook-Bey said.
Posted on March 10, 2005 at 8:01 AM | Comments (0)
March 3 Greek Round-Up
The Beta Sigma chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., was accused of hazing and the accuser is offended by the actions that members of this organization are saying took place.Dean of Student Life, Robert Bennett reviewed all of the information concerning this case and the "not guilty verdict" given by the Southern University Pan Hellenic Council Judicial Committee and made the decision to place the Beta Sigma chapter on a three-year suspension.
The chapter has recently appealed this verdict, which according to Melvin Robinson, chapter adviser, the appeal was not granted and they are still facing the punishment set by Bennett.
The accuser said the incident began when he was contacted by telephone by an Omega to meet at a specific location and park his vehicle. He got in another vehicle in which he was then blindfolded and taken with two other people to another location. Once he got to the location, his blindfold was taken off and excessive beating then began to take place. He said a similar situation took place the next night also.
"Saturday night I went to the doctor's office, by the time I parked my truck and walked up to the double doors, blood just started coming out," he said. "The doctors came down from upstairs and cut open my shirt. They had to stick tubes down my throat."
According to the accuser, after the Feb. 18 issue of The Southern DIGEST, he began receiving phone calls from the Omega's involved petitioning for a deal. With the help of an SU faculty member they agreed to pay his rent for six months along with all accumulated doctor bills to persuade him to drop the charges he said.
He agreed to the alleged deal and told Deion Dorsett (chapter Basileus and friend) and the Pan Hellenic Judiciary Committee on Feb.14 that the charges were dropped.
"The day that the meeting (Pan Hellenic Judiciary Committee) took place; no calls, no show," he said referring to the deal. "So I felt like a fool because I was trying to help the fraternity and a friend, which I have known since '96-97.'"
The accuser said that Dorsett did not acknowledge their friendship at the hearing.
"So the charges are not dropped, I have brought no legal form from downtown saying that those charges were dropped," he said. "Deion Dorsett is one of my best friends and Deion did not say anything about us being best friends. That really hurt me to see how he is trying to protect his fraternity. And that really bothered me. Deion Dorsett that's my friend; I'm going to love him for life. But something's got to be done."
The accuser said that what he did not mention at the hearing is that due to the alleged beating, he almost died.
"I was throwing up blood and the doctor told me that if I didn't come in on Saturday that I would have went home and died because I was bleeding so much internally."
In the Feb. 22 issue of The Southern DIGEST, Dorsett said, "I, in no way deny that this man was hazed-the pictures of his bruises prove that. However, it was not my chapter that did it."
Along with the unfortunate physical harm that the accuser endured, he is also hurt by the friendship that was lost because of it.
"Me and him (Dorsett) have been through a lot," he said. "For him to try and protect his fraternity knowing that I almost died I have lost all respect for Deion. I knew who called me that night; it was my friend Deion Dorsett. And because I knew this was coming from him, I didn't know that they were going to do what they did that night. That was a real shock to me. Deion was the one that blindfolded me."
The accuser said that in the past he would think about what it would be like to be an Omega. This was something he longed for.
"Do I still want this...no I really don't," he said. "I would advise no one to join this fraternity."
Pitt Steppers tear the roof off
mitation is the most sincere form of flattery.More...And imitation of the other fraternities' acts is what got the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. first place in the National Pan-Hellenic Council's second annual Steel City Step Show, held Saturday at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall.
The winning Sigmas were wheeled to the stage on dollies during their performance, wearing straight jackets and masks -- a nod to the movie "The Silence of the Lambs." The four brothers pulled off their bindings and exposed crisp, button-down shirts showing Greek letters.
With dry ice evaporating in the background, the fraternity members warned audience members not to try this at home. Then they began making fun of other fraternities.
They started by mocking Kappa Alpha Psi, an NPHC fraternity that did not perform at the event. They used "Vogue"-like gestures to mimic the Kappas.
The men daintily stepped, bounced their bodies and raised one hand to show the complexity -- or lack thereof -- of the stepping style traditionally used by the Kappas. They brought out canes -- a Kappa calling card -- and danced crazily to "It's Raining Men" as the audience broke in to uproarious laughter.
Nicholls State Step Show
Corey Williams and the members of Alpha Phi Alpha perform in Saturday´s step show.
Step dancing has long been a traditional part of culture in black sororities and fraternities, and Nicholls students have also embraced this historic custom.Inspired by previous step shows held during Homecoming festivities and spring Jubilee, Student Programming Association hosted the first annual Divine Nine Step Show on Feb. 20 in Peltier Auditorium
This event, honoring the nine historic African American fraternities and sororities of the Pan-Hellenic Council, was one of many University activities held in celebration of Black History Month.
Rochelle Jones, accounting junior from New Orleans and multi-cultural chairperson for the Student Programming Association, organized the event.
"I wanted to really educate people. We can educate ourselves as a whole if we incorporate step shows and events that make it fun for people to come out and learn," Jones said.
The Divine Nine Greek Organizations of the Pan-Hellenic Council are: Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, Zeta Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Omega Psi Phi, Sigma Gamma Ro and Iota Phi Theta.
For Jones, ensuring that each of the nine fraternities and sororities were represented in the performance was a challenge, because only seven of the nine groups have established chapters at Nicholls.
The members of Sigma Gamma Ro of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the members of Ioda Phi Theta of Louisiana State University were asked to participate in the step show to ensure that members of each organization were included in the performance.
Sixty-five performers from each of the Divine Nine fraternities and sororities choreographed their own precision step dancing and liturgical, spiritual dance routines.
"Our show in a large part is a collaboration, from outfits to music and everything," Christina Berry, mass communication senior from Chicago and sorority president of Alpha Kappa Alpha, said.
The members of each performance group spent many hours rehearsing their original dance routines.
"We tried to practice at least four days a week for one hour or more, depending on how difficult the steps are," Ashanta Covington, accounting senior from New Orleans and member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, said.
In addition to organizing dance programs, the members of all nine fraternities and sororities also created Power Point displays to be presented during the step show. The Power Point programs focused on the origins and history of the individual organizations.
"The sorority set up a committee and they came up with ideas for the Power Point show. Then they presented the ideas to the chapter as a whole," Covington said.
Individual sororities and fraternities also compete in local dance competitions. "We've gone to the Bayou Classic. Eventually we hope to compete on a regional level. That's pretty much everyone's goal; to create a show that's good enough to perform elsewhere," Berry said.
Troy State Silent March
The Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity with Sigma Gamma Rho and the NAACP Troy University Chapter will sponsor the 3rd Annual Black History Month Commemorative Silent March at 6 p.m. February 28.More...Luis Escalante, Phi Beta Sigma representative, said the public is invited and encouraged to participate in the Silent March, which will pay tribute to those who fought and struggled for civil rights.
The National Pan-Hellenic Council is hosting "Unity Week" this week to unite the seven historically black fraternities and sororities it governs.More...Arica Herron, a junior psychology major and president of ISU's chapter of the NPHC, said the NPHC, as a national organization, has been around since 1930. It governs nine historically black fraternities and sororities, of which ISU has seven.
Herron said each black organization has a week dedicated to them, and the NPHC is no different. Herron said the NPHC has had a week "as long as I can remember," but it is not always called "Unity Week."
Northern VA Ques In Search of Talent
Herndon High School started, Feb. 17, what it hopes will become an annual tradition—the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Talent Hunt, sponsored by the Fairfax County Omicron Kappa Kappa (OKK) Chapter.More...Formerly held at Oakton High School, this year's Talent Hunt drew only four contestants, all from Herndon, but organizers and school officials are hopeful that once established it will grow and expand its reach.
Although held at Herndon, the contest, which offers cash prizes, is open to students throughout the school district.
New Herndon High School Principal Frances Ivey, in congratulating the winners, described this first event as an "investment in the future" and said she was "delighted to start a program like this" at the school.
The Talent Hunt is part of the African-American fraternity's youth programming. Founded in 1911 at Howard University, Omega Psi Phi espouses four cardinal principles--"manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift." Its name translates into "friendship is essential to the soul."
Nine APO Brothers Allegedly Get Food Poisoning at Radford U.
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Nine members of Alpha Phi Omega (APO) became ill after eating some food during a lock-in at Heth Hall. The incident occurred Friday, Jan. 18 during a Campus Activities Board-sponsored casino night. APO members believe the source of the sickness to be a batch of eggs provided by RU Catering Services.“As far as we know, it was not food poisoning, no other individuals sought medical attention, and we believe this had nothing to do with dining services,” said Tom DeLuca, the director of Dining Services.
One student, Lauren Krosiner, became so ill that she had to be hospitalized. Upon her arrival at Carillon NRV Medical Center, she was diagnosed with food poisoning.
APO Coming Back to Alaska
"For lack of a better word, we want to become a workhorse for student government and student activities [at UAF]," said Sven Gilkey, the man responsible for attempting to resurrect Alpha Phi Omega on campus.The co-ed fraternity, previously active at UAF during the 1960's, seems focused more on service projects than the usual college frat fodder.
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Alpha Unplugged at Indiana State
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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. hosted an evening of talented musicians in the Alpha Unplugged live concert Monday in Dede I.The performances included poems, hip-hop, R&B and gospel songs.
The event proceeds went to the Eric Tramell Scholarship Fund, which will help a Terre Haute high school student attend college.
Tramell was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha who passed away several years ago.
Posted on March 3, 2005 at 7:10 AM | Comments (1)
A New Category!
I usually post these articles on a message board I go to, but since that site is trippin', I think I'll just post it here. I think it's important for Black Greeks to keep on top of the news in our own community, both good and bad.
I have posted links to the original articles, where available.
Ole Miss Zetas Celebrate Finer Womanhood Week
Zeta Phi Beta sorority celebrates Finer Womanhood Week, which honors the history and principles of its sorority through community service and entertainment activities for the community.The event also promotes Greek unity among the National Pan-Hellenic, Interfraternity and Panhellenic sororities and fraternities on campus.
The sorority is hosting several events throughout the week that help numerous causes.
Denaya Butler, Zeta Phi Beta’s coordinator for this week’s activities, said one of the week’s biggest events will be held on Friday in conjunction with the NPHC...
Show fails to draw some acts, big crowd (George Washington University)
Show fails to draw some acts, big crowd By Cherelle KanteySounds of stepping and clapping filled the stage of Lisner Auditorium Saturday night at the Alpha Phi Alpha Step Show, but the rhythm was heard by only half the expected crowd.
Besides catering to mostly empty seats in a 1,500-person venue that was expected to be filled, the eighth annual dance competition also failed to attract half of the acts scheduled to perform.
"People just didn't follow through with their commitments," said senior Isaiah Pickens, president of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
Based on African traditions, step dancing combines a hip-hop beat with foot stomping and clapping to create elaborate rhythms.
Out of seven teams expected to perform, three cancelled two days before the event and one never showed up. Pickens cited a lack of step dance teams in the D.C. area and a long travel time as possible reasons for the low turnout.
"It also doesn't help that this is President's Day Weekend, and people wanted to relax," said Pickens, who added that one of the teams that was a no-show would have had to travel from Atlanta to compete.
Lack of commitment was only part of the problem, however. Last year's first prize-winning fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma of Moorehouse College, cancelled their performance due to a death in the family. It ended up sending their members from a citywide step team in Philadelphia with one day's notice.
Despite the challenges faced by a lack of attendance, Pickens said he still considered the night a success. For the first time since it began organizing the event, Alpha Phi Alpha was able to present a District high school senior with a $1,500 scholarship to help cover college expenses.
"I joined the step show because I wanted to give back to the community," said Reggie Field of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity said. "I teach and coach in Philadelphia, so doing community service for kids is something I love to do."
Wendy Pena, a senior from the Lambda Pi Chi Sorority at Johns Hopkins University, expressed a similar sentiment. "Our motto is 'Latinas promoting community service,' which is one of the main reasons I joined," she said.
In addition to walking away with a sense of community, most of the groups left with a prize for their efforts. The Federal City Alumni chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority won $1,000 for best overall sorority, with a "hip-hop meets step" theme. The women dressed in 1980s-style sweatsuits and impersonated rapper L.L. Cool J and paid homage to the late Jam Master J.
"We've never lost a competition," said Isis Stanley, a member of the sorority that took first place for the second year in a row. "It takes practice, hard work, and a collaborative effort."
The citywide alumni chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority earned a $500 prize for top sorority, which is awarded to the runner-up in the competition. Inspired by the reality series "The Apprentice," these women danced in white business suits with sparkling blue ties. A voice offstage represented the boss, a character played by a young child who fired steppers and later emerged to perform with the group.
The only men in the competition, from the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, won the $1,000 prize for best overall fraternity.
Alpha Phi Alpha will sponsor another step show next year, but this will be the last one for Pickens, who plans to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology from Fordham University. He said he is proud of the legacy of service he and his fraternity were able to deliver.
"We transcend all," Pickens said. "The greatest gift of being an Alpha man is being so involved and being able to do so many things at the same time."
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word neophyte comes from the Greek word "neophytos," which means newly planted, or newly converted.But for those of us who are in a fraternity or sorority, the word neophyte takes on a completely different meaning, especially for those who are in a multi-cultural (i.e. historically black, Latin, or Asian) Greek organization.
A neophyte celebration, probate show or yard show are all pretty much the same thing.
To put it in more simple terms, the above events are coming-out shows where an organization can show off and present its newest members to the community in which they serve. They are important because they show that the newest members have evolved from who they once were to who they are now-productive members of their chosen organizations. These celebrations are also important to the new members because it is a time when people, particularly alumni members of the organization, can come out and show their support....
Greeks Collaborate to Enhance Black Awareness
In an effort to gain a better presence on campus, increase community service, and raise money, the National Pan Hellenic Council is hosting activities throughout the week to get students involved in greek life.The NPHC is made up of the historically black fraternities and sororities on campus.
Yesterday they held "penny wars" to raise funds for next year's board and tonight's keynote speaker, Steve Birdine, the international president of Iota Phi Theta fraternity.....
“I admire people like Tom Joyner, Oprah, and Tavis Smiley because I know what they have come from,” said Williams, who like many successful black professionals, is a member of a black fraternity – Phi Beta Sigma – and graduated from an HBCU – South Carolina State University. “They didn’t inherit their wealth; they had to build it. And that’s the thing that bonds me with black folks in the struggle.”
Posted on February 25, 2005 at 9:26 AM | Comments (1)