PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Vanessa C. Peralta-Mitchell
Public Relations Officer, Omega Alpha Graduate Chapter
Email: Omega.Alpha@justbecus. org
Website:
www.JustBeCUS.org
CHI UPSILON SIGMA PLACES 2ND IN PHILADELPHIA PUERTO RICAN PARADE
Philadelphia, P.A. October 1, 2008 – The Omega Alpha Graduate Chapter of Corazones Unidos Siempre, Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc. (CUS) participated in the 46th Regional Puerto Rican Day Parade, “A Celebration of the Region’s Latino Music Scene”, on Sunday September 28, 2008. This year Chi Upsilon Sigma competed in the parade and received second place!
The annual tradition of participating in this parade started with Chi Upsilon Sigma’s Omicron Chapter, Drexel University. Omega Alpha is proud to carry on this tradition which has occurred annually since 1998. With competitive performances back in 2000 and 2001, and non-judging participation the other years, it was time for CUS to bring their one of a kind stepping and strolling back to the parade. This year the performers consisted of Danielle Bracy, Jeannine Burton, Cristina Colon, Jazmin Delgado, Nikki Echols, Felicita Medina, Vanessa C. Peralta-Mitchell, Jasmind Thomas and Vanessa Vazquez, of which seven were alumnae and two were undergraduates.
The theme of the group’s stepping and strolling performance was the “Roots of Puerto Rico”, representing the Africano, Indigenous and Spaniard groups. The performance was a reflection of how the groups came together as one to make the foundation of its people. The team began with a mini step exhibition in which they showed their synchronization, precision and team work. Then they strolled to bomba music, “Seshuque y Balance” by Grupo Afro Boricua. They used this Puerto Rican style of music to fuse their modern style with the traditional flavor of the land. Various movements reflected each native group and the modern style of the performing team. The costumes reflected the three groups: Africanos, Indigenous and Spaniards. The Spaniard group wore bright, lively red colors which represented the passion of its people. The Africano group wore traditional wraps with dynamic orange and green colors which represented the influential character of its people. The Indigenous group wore neutral colors which represent the innate nature of its people. The team was judged on best portrayal of the parade’s theme, best display of Puerto Rican or Latino culture, originality and creativity, costumes and crowd appeal. Out of the six organizations in the college category, CUS came away with second!
In addition to the performance, CUS annually participates in the parade to promote a social awareness. This year the focus was the Go Red For Women campaign which unites women in the fight against heart disease. The educational information they passed out covered topics, helpful tips and resourceful information from the American Heart Association. They also carried jars to collect funds for their “Change for Change” campaign. The idea behind this is to collect change so they can in turn make a change in a young girl’s life. Money raised is for their Annual Book Scholarship which is awarded to an excelling high school teen mother who has been accepted into college. The group consisted of over 30 participants which included Sisters, families and friends who assisted Omega Alpha in their efforts.
About Omega Alpha Graduate Chapter of Corazones Unidos Siempre, Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc.
Established in 2002, the Omega Alpha Graduate Chapter aims to keep alumnae involved, support our undergraduate chapters, provide professional events and assist our community. These goals are accomplished through various annual functions, monthly events and hands on community service. To learn more, please visit:
www.geocities. com/Omega_ Alpha_CUS. Omega Alpha is a graduate chapter of Corazones Unidos Siempre, Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc. (CUS). CUS was established in 1980 with the goal of reaching our communities through social, educational, political and cultural awareness. This established organization prides itself on effective community service and the ability to educate, elevate and empower all those who cross our path. To learn more, please visit:
www.JustBeCUS.org
