All-Greek Picnic promotes sorority, fraternity togetherness

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The Gary Inter-Greek Council believes in events that foster closeness among the nine historically black Greek-letter groups under its umbrella.

One of the most popular ways to promote unity is the annual All-Greek Picnic; the latest one was Saturday at Lake Etta County Park in Gary.

“The picnic has been going on for six years at this same location,” said Dharathula “Dolly” Harris, a Sigma Gamma Rho sorority member. “It was started by what is called the ‘Divine 9,’ which comprises nine organizations.”

Those are Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta and Sigma Gamma Rho sororities and Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma and Iota Phi Theta fraternities. At least two members of each served on the planning committee.

“This (picnic) is the result of the sororities and fraternities coming together for a common goal — fun, fellowship and togetherness — and to enjoy the great food,” Keisha White of Gary said.

Harris was chairwoman of this year’s picnic committee.

“This event was started as a way of thanking our members and their families and friends for their support of our programs in the surrounding areas — and just a way of having fun,” she said.

“I come to the picnic for many reasons, and one of the biggest is for the food,” Mary Walter of Gary said as she filled her plate with barbecue ribs, chicken and watermelon. “This is a great way to begin the afternoon — good food with good friends and a lot of activity afterward. I’m looking to dance; I’m ready.”

During the step and stroll competition, contestants used a five-minute time frame to entertain with steps, chants and song — sometimes in unison.

Before and after the games, disc jockey Shawn Nevins of Gary played dance tunes as well as easy listening music.

“It’s great to see everyone get up and dance, the older ones as well as the younger ones,” he said.

There was a clown and games for the children, as well as a playground area.

“This is wonderful for the whole family,” Ida Gillis of Highland said. “We have 25 to 30 of our members here today.”

Gillis is a Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority member. Her chapter, one of two AKAs in Gary, is an offshoot of the first black sorority, incorporated in 1908.

Fellow member Chelsie Fayson of Hobart served on this year’s planning committee.

“This is a great celebration — a chance to network, socialize, meet new friends and discuss some of our projects,” she said.

Those projects include fundraisers for scholarships and other community programs, Fayson said.

The All-Greek Picnic attendance grows each year, organizers said.

More than 350 people attended last year and at mid-day Saturday it looked as if that number would be matched, if not exceeded.

Harris added that the collaborative efforts of all the organizations benefit many people in the area.

“This shows we can all work together and achieve great things as a unified body,” she said. “All nine sororities and fraternities are service organizations that believe in scholarships as well as other projects, with the focus on service to our communities.”

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