Steppin' Up Pride

Alpha Week 2002 ended with a bang.\nThe events of Alpha Week concluded with a step show and party Saturday at the Student Recreational Sports Center. Many students and alumni attended the various programs the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity organized for their annual week of social events.\n"I was waiting for the step show and party all week," said freshman Shawndrika Butler. \nShe along with other students and alumni joined together Saturday night at the SRSC to enjoy the festivities.\n"It was a reunion for the Alphas," said senior Meisha Walker, president of the sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha.\nCurrent Alphas along with ones from years past, all came together to celebrate their fraternity and to join in the week's theme, "Respect Your Roots."\nBut it wasn't just an event for Alphas, it was for all to enjoy. One of the highlights of the party was the step show. The crowd split open making a path that lead the steppers to the stage. President of the fraternity senior Brandon Williams was then joined by other Alpha members on stage for the long-anticipated step show. Exciting steps and catchy songs boosted the crowd's participation in the show. The fraternity has a reputation for giving their all in their step shows. Many cheered the Alphas, who they worked hard to uphold their reputation. \n"I've never seen a college fraternity step before so it was good to see one that took first place in last year's competition," Walker said.\nDespite the Alphas' previous success, Walker gave a few pointers to the group. \n"I helped them with the part of their show that they called a 'Pretty Break'," Walker said. "This was where they gave tribute to the AKA's."\nThe Alphas also highlighted other greeks such as Deltas. This was their way of respecting their roots and showing some love to the other fraternities and sororities.\nAfter the step show, the music cued back up and the dancing continued. Dance lines were a common activity at this party. Greeks joined together in a line and danced around the party taking pride in their organization. Different groups like the Sigmas, Deltas and Zetas all had their own line and gave a show of their own.\nWalker said the party overall was a success. Everybody was dancing and having a good time being with friends. No real problems broke out, Walker said, and there wasn't much negativity. \nFreshman Ashley Lowe said she enjoyed the atmosphere of the party.\n"It brought everybody together in unity, which was good since we were supposed to be respecting our roots," Lowe said. "It was good to see not only African Americans but others getting along and having fun together"