Saturday at the Tar River Manor nursing home in Greenville the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity celebrated the contributions of 103-year-old Julius “J.J.” Brown.

Brown joined the fraternity all the way back in 1937 when he attended North Carolina A&T. Brown went on to be one of the founding members of the Rocky Mount alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi in 1949, and later helped found the Greenville Alumni Chapter.

His daughter was on hand and shared her appreciation for how the fraternity influenced her family’s life, “We’re very excited about this day…Because, I guess we’ve grown up knowing Kappa Alpha Psi. We were raised when they were going to balls. Hes just been involved with it all of our lives. So we’ve learned the creed, and know the colors, we know how it is to be Kappa Alpha Psi.”

Brown also served as a commissioner for the town of Ayden from 1968 to 1995.

Last Friday night, the Eta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. hosted its first annual Lyrical Lounge in Exhibit Hall.

The event had light refreshments, spoken word, singing and live music. Poets, singers and lyricists were welcomed from the Greensboro area. The show had a mild delay before starting, but once it began, the event carried on very smoothly with soulful jazz music from U-N’ovation, a live band from Livingston University.

The lights were dimmed down and Exhibit Hall really had a jazz café resemblance. “It really made me feel comfortable as if I was actually at a jazz café in downtown Greensboro,” said freshman social work major, Wendy Wells.

“I really enjoyed the band playing throughout the entire event,” Wells said.

Performances included Couture Word singing well-known songs such as “Killing Me Softly” by Lauryn Hill, “Love” by Musiq Soulchild and “Until the End of Time” by Justin Timberlake.
The crowd sang along with the performers for each song.

“I really loved the fact that they sung Killing Me Softly, I love Lauryn Hill,” said freshman
marketing major Ariel Gilmer.

A&T students and Eta Chapter members recited poetry they wrote themselves. Afterwards the crowd reacted in an abundance of finger snaps, handclaps and cheers of joy. Due to the Eta Chapter also participating in the Sprite Step Off in Atlanta that same weekend, senior animal industry major, Robert Bass was assigned to make the event a success.

“Well the members of the step team left to go compete in the Sprite Step Off in Atlanta, so
I was given this responsibility at the last minute,” Bass said.

After the show was over, students and participants commended the program and inquired about possible shows in the future.

“Participants from tonight and audience members had asked me can they be a part of
this when we do it again,” Bass said.

It seems that the Lyrical Lounge will be an annual event that will go on for years.

Hundreds of students and guests came to Moore Gym on Thursday for the fourth annual
Stroll Competition presented by the Zeta chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

Chapter member and Mister A&T, Austin James, hosted the show for the evening. The four National Pan-Hellenic Council sororities and the National Honorary Band fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi and sorority Tau Beta Sigma competed in the battle for the best strolls on campus.

The Alpha Phi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. perform to “I Look Good” by Chalie Boy. They finished in second place.

The NPHC fraternities were unable to participate due to other engagements. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. were preparing for the Sprite Step Off in Atlanta, Ga. that took place during the same weekend. Iota Phi Theta Fraternity
Inc. was unable to participate since they were the host.

The night began with Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. strolling and performing their signature
“Centaur walk.” The first round of competition consisted of each organization performing to a song of their choice.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. performed first, followed by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority Inc. Some of the songs chosen included “How Low Can You Go” by Ludacris and “Imma Be” by the Black Eyed Peas.

In the second round, a random song was played for each group to perform to. After each organization performed their second stroll, the third round began with each organization having to perform to the same song, “All the Way Turnt Up” by Travis Porter. This round, the organizations went full force, including acrobatics and moves that acknowledged
the other organizations.

After each group performed, there was a brief intermission in which members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. performed their signature hop to “Atomic Dog” and members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. hopped to “Back That Thing Up.”

A sound level meter was used to determine the winner based on audience applause. After each group was called out and the crowd responded, the meter determined whom
the winner would be.

James announced the Alpha Mu chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. as the winners with 113 points. The Alpha Phi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. came in second with a close 112 points.

City council members and aggie students joined the Eta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Inc. for their program, “Tackling issues with the community” in conjunction with the voter awareness program hosted by the Beta Epsilon chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Inc.Concerns within the community, such as student safety and voting were discussed at the program.

Mayor Yvonne Johnson, who is currently up for re-election, opened up the program. Johnson spoke about the safety of off-campus housing, in reference to a recent shooting. Johnson met with site managers where the incident took place, to discuss the absence of security; both in police and cameras.

“We want the community to be safe for our students to live,” Johnson said.

The crowd applauded with agreement. Johnson also spoke about the forthcoming election with intentions of encouraging people to vote. She broadly spoke of the importance of voting.

“If we could just get 30% of the students to vote, it would make a tremendous difference in the polls,” said Johnson. Other candidates in the room, running for office, agreed. Johnson also suggested the campus sororities and fraternities to come together and have a cumulative voter meeting/rally, in hopes that it would have a positive effect on the election and unity amongst the organizations.

The mayor spoke briefly about social capital and possibly starting a college round table before opening the floor for questions and comments. Questions were directed in regards to the possibility of her re-election. One spectator’s comment in particular gave her high praise.

“I live in Riverwalk ,a nearby student housing complex located behind the school,” said the student audience member. “And before you came and talked to the managers I didn’t feel safe. But because you did what you did, there are more police officers in the area and I now feel safe. So I wanted to thank you.”

The mayor gave closing remarks and thanked the audience before taking her seat. Dr. Sullivan Welborne Jr., vice chancellor of student affairs would speaks next. Welborne, piggybacked on the issue of students’ safety. He addressed his obvious concern of the well being of all students and more specifically the protection of off-campus students.

Welborne said 65% of students live off campus versus the 35% that live on campus, and since majority of students live off campus that is where majority of his concern lies.

Marcus Bass, member of Alpha Phi Alpha Inc., began with the significance of A&T students voting. He reminded the audience of the voter turnout from the 2008 presidential election and what a difference it made that America voted. Bass said since city officials impact us more directly than the president, there is no reason not to vote. The room fell quiet with thought, ponder and realization.

Bass also discussed an “Aggie voter rally” to encourage students to register, if they hadn’t already, and to voice their opinions by voting. He then introduced the city council candidates that were present.

Jim Kee, who is presently running for district-two city council, said, “a vote Jim Kee is a vote for A&T.”

Marikay  Abuzuaiter, running for city council At-large, was particularly concerned with the quality of life of east Greensboro, where the school is located. Abuzuaiter commented later that she wanted to “engage A&T in a waste management plan” which would attribute to the cleanliness of the surrounding community.

A few other comments were made about voting from the audience and invited guest. David Miller of the Phi Beta Sigma Inc., stressed that the vote of A&T not be taken for granted and if any city official wanted a position, they should “come to A&T to get elected.” Miller included a personal account of how the margin of student vote could swing any election.  His anecdote along with the speeches of others sent a proactive message of the magnitude of involvedness to the students.

“This program was not only successful in a sense that it provided solutions to issues surrounding the community,” said Bass. “This program made history because of the two oldest organizations working together for a common cause.”

The meeting ended with additional questions directed to Dr. Welborne and Mayor Yvonne Johnson who both received appreciation cards.

Evan Hauser of Phi Beta Sigma Inc., thought that the program was an accomplishment. “A lot of students are oblivious to the things going on in our community and I think this helped, however I had hoped more students would have attended,” said Hauser.

Special thanks were given to the Mayor, city council members and faculty for attending this event and encouraging students’ safety and to vote.

Senior mechanical engineering major Jonathan McCoy, from Columbia, MD. is the 2009 valedictorian of the graduating class, with a grade point average of 4.0. While he always thought he had the possibility of being valedictorian when he came to A&T, McCoy did not think his accomplishment was probable. However, because he was valedictorian of his high school’s graduating class of 2005, his track record speaks for itself.

“I just wanted to do the best that I could and learn as much as I could,” said McCoy, who is a 2007 initiate into the Beta Epsilon chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. “I knew that would reflect in my grades.”

During his four years at A&T, McCoy has joined a Black Greek lettered organization, studied abroad in Ghana, Thailand, Cambodia, England and Venice, honored in Who’s Who among college students, Phi Kappa Phi honor society, Golden Key, Tau Beta Pi engineering society, Pi Tau Sigma engineering society, the honors program and could potentially be named as NAMASKAR engineer of the year.

“I am very, very honored and proud. I think it [valedictorian] is representative of all the work I’ve put in.”

Growing up from a 5’6”, 105 lb. wrestler his freshmen year in high school, McCoy has no regrets in his college career. Unlike some of his fellow graduates, he is not worried about his future and where he will work. He has accepted a job offer with Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. consultant company in McLean, V.A. During the summer he will continue his academic pursuit in a pre-MBA program at Yale University. After he works for a short time, McCoy plans on getting his MBA and JD at an Ivy-League institution.

“Treat every experience as if you are forming a niche in a key, that is going to unlock your door of opportunity,” McCoy said as words of advice to his fellow graduates. “Don’t sweat it if you don’t have your 50 year plan set in stone. Enjoy your experiences.”

Some of McCoy’s most significant memories of his time at A&T include his 2007 probate, homecoming and Aggie Fest step shows, being honored on a channel 2 feature college tour video among others. McCoy is not sure how was he selected to be valedictorian as he thinks two other Aggies also have 4.0 GPAs.

McCoy gives a special thanks to those who have helped him along his college career including his parents, God, Sandrea Williamson, his Scott 6 Room 108 family, everyone in the college of engineering and his Aggie family. Ten years from now, the 2009 A&T valedictorian has no idea where he sees himself.

“I have absolutely no idea and I’m happy about that. Hopefully have completely grad school by that time and on the verge of a major leadership position in the political or business arena.”

The A&T Legacy Clothing and Food Drive was started to aid the less fortunate in the community through Greensboro Urban Ministries.

The clothing and food drive was organized as a contest to encourage students to participate so that they not only helped the needy but could also benefit themselves as well.

According to the contest rules, for every five clothing items donated or every three nonperishable food items donated students could earn an hour of community service.  The rules specified that only clothes that were in good condition and thoroughly washed were accepted, and shoes also had to be “in wearable condition and fully laced”.

For food items, community service hours could be obtained for donating as much as three individual packs of Ramen noodles though.

At the end of each week, the students who donated the most items would be rewarded not only with community service hours but also with NxLevel White Party tickets, a spa package from Spa Creations, or any other prize of their choice.

Paul Haizlip, a senior public relations major from High Point and the business manager of the A&T Register, said the event had seen a decent amount of success in a short period of time. Within the second week, the food and clothing drive had over 100 donators and at least 1,000 donations.

“One student actually donated enough items to get him 48 hours for C.A.S.E.,” said Haizlip.  “You only need 50 to graduate, and he did everything right then and there and he’s already done.  He’s actually a junior, so he’s still got two years to go and he’s already done with his community service.

Haizlip also mentioned another student who donated at least 125 of her clothing items to earn 25 community service hours at once.

“Pretty much, you can help somebody by helping yourself.  It’s a great opportunity, a mutually beneficial relationship.

Pickering & Company and The A&T Register are thankful for all the support received for the event from administrators and professors, as well as from his own staff members and the members of the Eta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.

“Honestly, this has been a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community and all proceeds are going to Urban Ministries,” said Kenny Flowers, a junior public relations major from Woodbridge, Va., who is also a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and a member of The A&T Register public relations department.

“It’s been a wonderful experience seeing all the students come out to support this.  I’d like to thank NxLevel and Pickering & Company for donating clothes and Spa Creations as well just for donating packages, and C.A.S.E. because it goes toward your 50 hours for graduation.  This has been a wonderful experience so we plan to continue this next year and the year after.”

Once the contest is officially closed April 30, all of the donated items will be loaded onto a bus to be taken to one of the Greensboro Urban Ministry sites. In respects to the donators and all other supporters of the A&T Legacy Clothing and Food Drive, Haizlip said, “Great support, we appreciate it. That’s just what we would expect.  Aggie Pride all day!”

The drive continues through today, and you can drop off items at the Union or The A&T Register

Original Source

Looks of surprise, shock and awe were displayed throughout the crowd as the Spring 2009 fraternity and sorority initiates revealed their identities. The stands of Corbett Sports Center were filled in support of the Non Pan-Hellenic and National Pan-Hellenic Council organization’s probates on April 1st and 2nd.

On Wednesday, the non Pan-Hellenic organizations, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Pi Iota chapter), Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity, Inc. (Kappa Psi chapter), Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. (Sigma Chi Beta chapter), Pershing Rifles, Tau Beta Sigma Sorority, Inc. (Theta Zeta chapter) and Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity, Inc. (Iota Zeta chapter) revealed their new members.

The night began with the Pi Iota chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. bringing in 10 of their 14 new members. Kyle Dortch, president of Lambda Chi Alpha, proposed to his girlfriend, Kristyl Enoch after his line had been revealed paving the way for more excitement to come. The service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity, Inc. entered next revealing five new inductees including 2009-2010 Miss A&T candidate, Michale Wall.

Thirteen new members were brought into the Sigma chapter of the nursing sorority, Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. as they danced to Keri Hilson’s “Turning Me On.” The Pershing Rifles brought in one new member who showed his talent as twirled the replica rifle. The Theta Zeta chapter of Tau Beta Sigma showed their knowledge of history as they recited over a half hour of information to prove what they had learned. The Kappa Psi chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity, Inc. completed the night with eight new inductions.

Thursday, the NPHC organizations: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Alpha Mu chapter), Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. (Zeta chapter), Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (Gamma chapter), Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Beta Epsilon chapter), Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (Eta chapter), and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Alpha Phi chapter) probated.

Everyone from the Dean of Students, Dr. Judy Rashid, to the men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. were in attendance as long as they were willing to wait in the long lines outside.

The Deltas began the night marching in 62 deep with a sea of crimson and cream as their tight curls bounced while they walked. Next was the Zeta chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. with five new members and Mohawk haircuts. Following the previous initiations and revealing, the Mu Psi chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. made a tribute to late brother, Dennis Hayle as they stepped to their signature song, “Atomic Dog” by George Clinton.

Four new members were inducted into the Gamma chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. as the lovely ladies came in wearing royal blue and gold. Each organization made up their own rendition of songs from the radio just for their DPs and ADPs in their honor. As the Rho’s left the floor, one could hear the drums of the Blue and Gold Marching Machine as they headed inside of Corbett.

Preceding their entrance, the Beta Epsilon chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. made their way onto the floor jumping around like apes as they made it known who they were. Current SGA President, Marcus Bass, as well as 2009-2010 SGA President candidate, Julian Love, were both revealed on the Alpha’s line; they brought in a total of 17 this year.

The men of the Eta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. entered next as their sisters Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. watched from the sidelines cheering them on.
A total of 12 initiates into the Eta chapter recited their history, made tributes to their sisters, past chapters and their DP before stepping and exiting the stage. The Zeta Alpha chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. did not have any new initiates.

Last, but certainly not least, another sea entered onto the floor. This time, it was a sea of salmon pink and apple green as the ladies of the Alpha Phi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. made their way onto the stage to reveal their new members.

They initiated 51 new members this year. With curls tight, pearls on their neck, wrist and ears, the ladies showed their rough exterior as well as reminding the audience how proper they could be.

New inductees for the Alpha Phi chapter included 2009-2010 Miss A&T candidate Shakekia Colvin. Overall, the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. had the two largest lines by far.

After exposing their true identities, once hidden underneath decorative masks and new hairstyles, the new members met with family and friends at their perspective plots.
The show lasted about seven and a half hours, but left all those who came anxious for next year’s show.