By Kierra Leggett
Saturday April 9 could best be described as a night of Alpha reign with both Kthe appa Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, and the Theta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Incorporated, winning first place in the 2011 Pan-Afrikan Step Show. The sold out show started a few minutes off schedule, but most audience members would agree that it was well worth the wait. Hosted by Shaun Henderson the show featured six competing fraternities and sororities, and one special performance by NC State’s own Phi Beta Phi sorority. While they were not competing, the ladies of Phi Beta Phi showed that they were a force to be reckoned with bringing their own unique flair to the stage. The panel of eight judging Saturday night’s show included Mr. Chester Miller a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Inc., Ms. Felicia Jackson a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc., Michael Boykin of Omega Psi Phi Inc., Dr. Monica Leach a member of Delta Sigma Theta Inc., John William of Phi Beta Sigma Inc., Ms. Shanna Darden of Zeta Phi Beta Inc., and finally Ms. Lachauna Johnson of Sigma Gamma Rho Inc.,.
For this year’s step show, each of the fraternities and sororities competing stepped in honor of the charitable organization of their choice. Donations were also collected to be given to the charitable organizations of the winning teams. The crowd was kept moving by DJ KoldStone throughout the entire show on Saturday, with a little help from NC State Sophomore majoring in Business Administration, Kelsey Waller. Waller got the show started off on the right foot with her beautiful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Her voice literally echoed throughout Stewart Theater and sent chills up the spines of many. Following Kelsey’s singing the Xi Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma took to the stage in honor of the March of Dimes. By the time they were done, everyone in the building knew that “Phi Beta Sigma’s got soul!”
The ladies of Mu Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. were next to grace the stage with their presence. Their charity of choice was the American Heart Association’s Go Red. Welcoming the audience to DIVA Academy the ladies of Mu Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. managed to snag second place in the competition. However, the ladies of the Kappa Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. shined a little more brightly as they stepped “so pretty” in honor of Garner Rd. Community Center, earning the first place spot.
Also walking away with the second place spot was the Kappa Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., stepping in honor of St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Celebrating their 100th anniversary, Saturday night’s performance was also a landmark for the members of Kappa Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in that it was the first time in 8 years that they participated in the Pan-Afrikan Step Show. The fellas of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. brought serious swag to the stage dressed to kill in slacks and ties and they definitely turned up the heat factor by whipping out their Kappa Kanes and finally running out into the audience to finish up their performance with some “Bobby Brownesque” dance moves.
Despite their undeniable finesse, the Kappa Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. still proved to be no match for the emotion and force that the entire Theta Nu Chapter of Alpha Psi Alpha possessed on Saturday night. From the second the strobe lights began dancing around Stewart Theatre, the crowd was hooked on their performance. The power behind every stomp and motion that the brothers of Alpha Psi Alpha, Inc. hit was felt, as well as the spirit of their infectious energy.
Not to be excluded from all the fun was the Iota Chapter of Iota Phi Beta Fraternity, Inc. all the way from Elizabeth City University. Their creative performance was in the honor of the United Negro Fund (UNCF) an organization that provides aid to 39 Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Saturday night was a great showcase of all the talent, hard-work and dedication housed within each of the six fraternities and sororities that participated in the 2011 Pan-Afrikan Step Show. It was also a nice outing for NC State students and the surrounding community. Congratulations to all that participated on a job well done!
