Spring Break
Greeks, guests gather over soul food
Josh Pilkington
"I'm very excited to be here: I didn't know these fraternities existed," said Yoseph Assefa, a freshman open option student. "Fraternities like these really help minorities, especially African Americans, succeed academically and socially."
Attending were sororities Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho, Alpha Kappa Alpha and Zeta Phi Beta. The fraternities included Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, and Phi Beta Sigma. Each organization described their chapter to those who came to the event.
The fraternities and sororities explained how the organizations give African-American students at CSU a chance to bond and relate with those from the same culture and background.
"The sorority or fraternity doesn't make you, you make the sorority or fraternity," said Deon Estes, the chapter president of Delta Sigma Theta. "(It) doesn't matter if you're AKA or Alpha Beta Phi, it's about getting business taken care of. It gives the black community a chance to form a bond in a predominantly white society."
The activities and programs provided by the the organizations include community service, fellowships and a variety of scholarship programs.
They illustrated a sense of pride with regard to their organization through descriptions of their chapters.
"Each time I put on a shirt or letters, I'm not just representing myself, I'm also representing all those Omegas who came before me," said Chris Baird of Omega Psi Phi.
Those attending the event had positive feedback.
"Basically (the event) brings the whole culture together as one, in order to represent one solid thing - that thing being unity amongst our people,'' said Jason E. Williams, a freshman open-option student.
Jennifer Williams Molock, director of Black Student Services and black greek alum, agreed.
"Black Greek Life is critical and important," she said. "It provides a dynamic networking system. Some of my life long friends are members of the Black Greek system."
After the presentations, attendants dined on the soul food provided by the organizations.
For more on historically black fraternities and sororities contact Black Student Services at 491-5781.
