Small sorority organizes week-long activities

With five active members, the Zeta Phi Beta sorority might seem to be short-handed, but the women, who are running a weeklong series of events, don't let numbers get in the way.\n"We have five very active members," junior member Rickesha Ewing-Spates said. "I'm talking quality over quantity."\nActive members indeed, especially when one considers the weeklong series of events, dubbed the Blue Revolution, that kicked off Monday with a fund drive to help Martinsville and Ellettsville tornado victims. The events are designed to increase awareness about the sorority as well as issues that they feel are important to the community. \nPrevious events the sorority has organized are the Big Debate and the ZetAppollo Talent Revolution, which has been running for three years. \nTuesday night's event, a discussion on the social climate of today's African American females on the IU campus, featured poetry readings and a discussion of related topics. \nThe Zeta Phi Beta IU chapter was established in 1974, and has chapters worldwide. The sorority members say they even have chapters in Africa.\n"No matter where I go in the world I have sisters," said junior Sirri Bonu. \nThe sorority is also constitutionally bound to Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.\nJunior Stacy Stokes said the community and family atmosphere the sorority offers makes her feel more at home on such a large campus. \n"I come from a large family," Stokes said. "So, for me, it's like a home away from home."\nThe events this week are open to anyone interested, and are an attempt to involve a more diverse range of people.\n"We're trying to introduce new events, because I think lately there hasn't been much change in terms of activities," Ewing-Spates said. "We want to bridge the gap between those involved in Greek organizations and those that aren't, which is why our events are open to anyone."\nOther events this week will be an all sorority open house, where prospective members can meet, greet and obtain information about the Panhellenic Council sororities on campus. This will be tonight in the McNutt Formal Lounge from 6 to 8 p.m. Formal attire is required. \nThursday there will be a karaoke night with food and participation prizes. It will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Neal Marshall Black Culture Center in the Grand Hall.\nThe ZetApollo Talent show from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday in the IMU Frangipani room, with a $3 cover charge. \nThe talent show has proven extremely popular in the three years that it has been running, and features dancing, singing, poetry and various other kinds of entertainment. Performers entertain their audience and stay on if applauded, but can be booed off. Cash prizes will be awarded to the best acts. \nSaturday, the Zeta Phi Beta Party will be from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Alumni Hall. The cost is $5.\nWomen interested in joining Zeta can obtain information about the sorority from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday in the IMU, Sassafras Room.\nThe sorority is also partaking in the Safe Halloween drive next week, as are many of the greek organizations on Jordan Ave. The houses distribute candy to trick-or-treaters. \n"We're down-to-earth and realistic," Ewing-Spates said. "At Zeta you can be an individual"