Respect your roots

It's that time of year again. The men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Gamma Eta Chapter are having their annual Alpha Week. \nThis year's theme is "Respect Your Roots." The entire week is full of scheduled events, which include musical concerts, discussions, parties and programs all geared toward educating students about the African-American greek system.\n"My goal for this week and the year is for us (Alpha Phi Alpha) to continue to present the campus with thought provoking educational programs, while providing social functions that allow for our fellow students to enjoy themselves," said senior Brandon Williams, 2002-2003 president of Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. "Last year we had a great turnout at our step show/party, but this year I want a huge turnout at our other programs also." \nA discussion called "Daddy wasn't there … or does it matter?" will be held tonight in Teter's formal lounge at 7:30 p.m. This discussion will highlight the role of the father in the African American family. \nThe Miss Black and Gold Pageant callout meeting was held yesterday in the Wright Formal Lounge. \nPageant contestants will be able to win prizes such as scholarship money and vacations, according to a statement from the fraternity.\nOn Wednesday, members of the Alpha fraternity will join others in remembrance of the victims of Sept.11.\nThey, along with the IU Student Association, the Black Student Union and other student groups will hold a program entitled, "Where do we go from here?" at 7:30 p.m. in the Neal Marshall Black Culture Center. \nDirectly after the program will be a candle light vigil at Showalter Fountain.\nFreshman Terrance Dennie said he was interested in the possibility of becoming an Alpha pledge.\n"I'm looking forward to Alpha Week, because if I were to pledge, it would be with the Alphas because my cousin is the president," he said.\nAn inaugural Alpha Kick-Ball game will be held at Woodlawn Field, across from Collins Living-Learning Center, from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday. \nOn Friday, IU students will perform jazz and classical music as part of a show called "A Captivating Evening of Music." Along with a party, a step show will conclude the week's events. Both events will be held Saturday at the Student Recreation Sports Complex at 10 p.m.\n"With support from the campus, Alpha Phi Alpha will have another successful year," said Lee, director of social affairs for the fraternity.