MEMBERS OF THE GREEKS posed for a photo after the service, they are (left to right): Andre Clay (Kappa), Scott Sloan (Omega), Candace Lillie (Zeta Phi Beta), Dharathula Harris (Sigma Gamma Rho), Sharma Naylor (AKA), Dorothy Jones (AKA), Helen Comer (AKA), Dr. Gerri Browning (Kappa), Faye Barnes (Delta), Daisy Purnell (Delta), and James Hedrick (Alpha).
Rev. Dr. Virgil M. Woods, pastor, and the congregation of First A.M.E. Church had an awesome day on Sunday, February 18th, at their 7th annual Black Greek Day service. The day included spirited gospel music, graceful praise dancers, an inspiring morning message, and a lively attendance competition among the Divine Nine. It all culminated with a welcome reception in the Baber Youth Center.
There were more than 230 Greeks in attendance representing Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity.
The guest preacher was Rev. Dr. Leonard McKennis, ll Assistant Professor of Religion and Black Studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He delivered a thought provoking, dynamic, and powerful message. Other special guests in attendance were Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, lll, General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and also Chair of the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Presidents; Kiahna W. Davis Central Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Eddie Melton Mayor of Gary and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; and Frank Mrvan United States Representative for the First Congressional District of Indiana. A photograph of all Greeks was taken after the service.
The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. received the first place trophy with 100 sorors in attendance, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. received the first place trophy with 36 brothers in attendance. Second and third place trophies were presented to the fraternities and sororities for their members present. Victor Thornton (Omega Phi Psi) and Hazel Thornton (Alpha Kappa Alpha) received trophies for being members of their respective organization for 66 years. Winning the trophy for being the oldest member of any Greek organization in attendance was Henry Jones (Omega Phi Psi) age 91.
Following the service, the Greeks and congregation went to the Baber Youth Center where a table for each member of the Devine Nine shared memorabilia of their organization. A table of HBCU shirts and hats was on display. Drawing accolades from the crowd was the uniquely displayed dessert bar. Among the mouth-watering desserts were cheesecakes, chocolate dipped strawberries, assorted cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, cake pops on a stick, cupcakes, and assorted pound cakes. There were also included meat balls, salad, and pin wheel sandwiches. People ate and socialized while having a great time.
