Neal Marshall Black Culture Center Reunion – W. Kamau Bell

By Crystal Hill

After a full day of events, attendees of the Neal Marshall Black Culture Center Alumni Reunion shuffled into the Whittenberger Auditorium at 6:00 pm. for a comedic performance by comedian W. Kamau Bell. Bell is a comedian, social activist, and social justice commentator. The performance was put on by the union board, and was free for both students, and non-students.

Bell gave a two hour long performance that consisted of social and political commentary, namely about the subject of race. Bell used humor to discuss a series of controversial issues and pulled no punches when it came to calling out explicit acts of racism. Bell challenged notions of being color blind and the thought of living in a  “post-racial society” in America.

Accompanied with a slide show, Bell offered a funny and thoughtful commentary on how America handles issues of race, race tensions, what racism is [and isn’t], and what we can do to help eliminate or identify racism. No topic was off limits for Bell, who approached many topics along the spectrum of contemporary society. From having an African-American president, to the characters in the hunger games, to Kim Kardashian, Bell managed to delve into all of these through a racial lens.

Bell’s jokes were frequently met with applause and laughter, as well as some disapproving groans. He did not hesitate to engage the audience and even asked white people and black people in the audience to loudly express pride for their race. “Pride is a good thing,” Bell said excitedly.

The highlight of the performance appeared to be when Bell launched into a spiel about what questions should never be posed to black people. Loud shouts of affirmation echoed through the auditorium, along with laughter and nodding heads as Bell recounted his experiences being asked awkward and invasive questions about everything from his hair to his interracial marriage.

Kamau Bell has a show called “Totally Biased” that airs nightly at 11pm on FX network .

EMT and Alpha’s lead “Did Cupid Pass You By?” Date Auction

By DeVol Tyson

Sounds of 90s and 00s R&B music serenaded Woodburn 100. As students filed into the large lecture hall, they discovered many red, pink, and white balloons, streamers, and hearts scattered around the room. As they sat down, chatter of how the nicely dressed everyone looked and how nervous people were to walk in heels quickly filled the room. Even though it was the day after Valentine’s Day, there was still love to go around.

On the evening of February 15, Indiana University’s Epiphany Modeling Troupe and the Gamma Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated collaborated to host a date auction titled, “Did Cupid Pass You By?” The hosts of the event, Trebby Ellington (Epiphany Modeling Troupe) and Tyler Kelley (Alpha Phi Alpha) greeted guests as they walked into the room, setting a relaxed ambiance.

Trebby Ellington, who is the Public Relations Specialist for EMT, said the event was held on to be a comfort measure for those who might not have had a valentine on the actual Valentine’s Day.

“EMT is all about uplift. We want our models to get out of their comfort zone,” Ellington said. “We want them to be comfortable with themselves.”

Ellington went on to say that students see Alphas all the time, but don’t have a chance to see EMT Models except for fashion shows. EMT is trying to be more visible on campus.

Ellington said that she wanted to see everyone having a fun night. She also wanted the audience to actively participate and give money for the event. “Epiphany is trying to build a house.” She was happy to see people willingly giving money to Habitat for Humanity.

When asked if she could bid on any one person, she said she would bid on Cedric Morrison, a new initiate of the Gamma Eta Chapter. “I’ve been seeing a lot of growth since he joined Alpha…. He’s trying new things.”

Gamma Eta member Devan Graves shared sentiments by saying that there was a social need for members of the two organizations to get to know each other. He also said that since Alpha Phi Alpha is a social and service organization, it was extra important for the organization to participate. Graves said that “service is the key to success,” which is one of the chapter’s mottos.

Graves went on to say that he wanted to see people be open during the event. He noted that the Black community at IU makes up roughly 4%, and that it is important for the Black community to be together. He also wanted people to have fun while giving to Habitat for Humanity. Graves ended by saying it was best to, “kill two birds with one stone.”

The auction was held to raise money for Habitat for Humanity, EMT and AΦA’s charity of choice. Members from EMT and AΦA were “auctioned off” to go on dates. Each bid started at $5 and continued to escalate as guests raised the bid for the EMT or AΦA of their choosing. The highest bid of the night went for Jeremiah Reed, the Vice President of the Gamma Eta Chapter. “This was a fun thing,” said Reed, whose bid amounted to $27.  Reed said that he really cared about charity and that it was his biggest motivator to bid on participants. Reed himself gave close to $30 to the auction.

The two organizations raised about $350 from the event. Due to the success of the auction, the two organizations plan to also collaborate on future events.

 

Zeta Phi Beta and the next IU Apollo Star

By DeVol Tyson

 

Lights… Camera… Action!

Every performer knows these three words. To some people, entertainment is simply entertainment; to others, it is a way of life. The Delta Epsilon Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is no stranger to the life of performing. On Saturday, February 16, 2013, the sorority hosted Zeta Apollo at Willkie Auditorium on the Indiana University campus. The event, which consisted of roughly eight acts, showcased the talents of performance organizations and artistic individuals on campus and the surrounding Bloomington community.

There was a cash prize of $300 for the winner of the competition.

Zeta Apollo is an event held by the Delta Epsilon chapter to give students and members of the surrounding Bloomington community a chance to show off their talents. This year’s event was the first in two years. “Zeta Apollo was annual, put on by the Delta Epsilon Chapter,” Jasmine Murphy said. Murphy is a member of the Delta Epsilon Chapter and co-facilitator of the night’s event. She said that the Zeta Apollo event was used to mimic the actual Apollo Theater acts held in Harlem, New York City, New York. This year, there was a text poll audiences could use in the case of a tie-breaker; this was the first time the chapter used a texting poll in Zeta Apollo. All proceeds and donations from the event went to the Hoosier Hills Food Bank.

“Zeta Apollo is expected from past Delta Epsilon members. It’s something we can call our own,” Murphy said. When asked what she wanted to see from the event, Murphy said that she wanted to see a sizeable crowd. She also wanted to see the talents received well by the audiences. The event is “Something other than a lecture or party,” said Murphy.

Murphy said the ideal crowd participation would be simply interacting with the acts. She also noted the fact that this year’s event consisted of a comedian, which prompted her to say that she wanted the crowd to “EMBRACE” the acts. “It’s hard getting up in front of people to display your talent.” Murphy also said that she wanted the audience to adopt Zeta Apollo as a campus favorite and at it to anticipated campus events.

Chyandria Jones, a junior at Indiana University and captain of IU Essence, said she was drawn to do Zeta Apollo because of the promised cash prize. She said it was important to “support other Black organizations and their functions.”

When asked what the most exciting aspect of Zeta Apollo, Jones said that becoming captain and preparing for the event in such a short amount of time with a fairly new group was most exciting for her. She also expressed that due to the group’s new members and their struggle of getting into the swing of performing hip hop styled dances, preparing for Zeta Apollo also became very challenging.

Jones wished everyone good luck. She ended by stating, “If you keep God first in your craft, you can never go wrong.” IU Essence placed second in the competition.

Sydney-Paige Patterson, senior and President of Voices of Hope at Indiana University gospel choir, said that being a performer and also being behind the scenes was exhilarating. She said that Alexis Williams, the 2^nd Vice-President of Voices and President of the Delta Epsilon Chapter invited the choir to sing in the competition. Patterson wanted to “minister the Word of God. She said that ministering in different places and settings “brings the choir together.”

Patterson claimed that getting the right notes and being cohesive was the most stressful part of preparing for Zeta Apollo. She also stated that when a big body of people come together, it can become difficult to put on a performance in such a small amount of time.

Patterson was very excited to see the different acts. She said that she had seen some before such as IU Essence. She noted that all the talent that IU has was “inspiring.” Her inspiration for the choir and other acts was, “Go for it fully and wholeheartedly. Be confident!”

Junior Ronald Gilbert, who won the competition said that he like that he had the opportunity to show his talent. He said that the cash prize was just bonus of performing.

When asked how he felt about the performance, Gilbert said he could always do better. He said the most exciting part of the performance for him was actually seeing everyone else. He was excited to see new things the Zetas were doing. Gilbert went on to say that being on stage gave him a “stressful high,” stating that the thrill of being on stage is both intimidating and fulfilling.

Gilbert said winning felt great. Though he performed in support for the Zetas, he said “I have a talent, why not perform?” He also appreciated the fact that the Zetas brought something new and different to the table, while also holding onto tradition.

Zeta Apollo was the finale of the Delta Epsilon’s “So Sweet” Week of Events. The chapter celebrated its 40^th Charter Day on February 14, 2013.

A Crimson Night

By Bria Fowler

This past Thursday, students celebrated Valentine’s Day with a little twist. To celebrate the holiday, the Hudson & Holland Scholars Advisory Council collaborated with the Black Student Union and The Alpha Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi to create an entertaining evening for students. The dance was open to everyone whether they were single or in a relationship and there were various activities to participate in including speed dating and a Valentine-Making station.

“Hudson and Holland wants to put on fun events where scholars can have a good time,”  Allie Medellin said, who is a member of Hudson and Holland Scholars Advisory Council. “We want to collaborate with other groups on campus to enhance diversity and unity.” \

Freshman Janelle Jones said, “It’s a school dance feel with a grown atmosphere.” With dim lights, dancing, and good friends, there was no need for heartbreak or sappy romance movies- A Crimson Night made Valentine’s Day a special time for all who attended.

Look out for more Hudson & Holland events coming soon!

Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. Event: Never Mix Business with Pleasure

NABJ-IUB The Grapevine reporter Darian White reports at the Alpha Phi Alpha Never Mix Business with Pleasure event.